Pastel painting of part of the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona, Rome.

Pastel painting 11  inches x 17 inches         

I was in Rome for just a few days last fall, but in that short time, I found a lot of awe-inspiring scenes to paint! The Piazza Navona has always been one of my favorite city squares in the world. It is filled with monumental fountains and sculptures and is a focal point of the city. This pastel painting is based on a close-up view of the Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini. Its not often that I am able to combine my love of the human figure and architecture in one painting! I transformed the greyish tones of the sculpture and church into vibrant color to give more life to these famous Renaissance monuments.

My sister, Beth, just taught me how to use the FaceBook share capability on my blog. If you are so inclined, feel free to share my art by clicking the blue share button at the top right of any post. Your support is always appreciated!

This artwork was created with:
Paper: Terra Cotta Art Spectrum Pastel Paper
Medium: Rembrandt Pastels and Sennelier Pastels

Plein air watercolor painting of a gargoyle in a New Orleans fountain.

Plein air watercolor painting   9.5 inches x 7 inches     $100

I did this watercolor painting in the same New Orleans courtyard where the stone goddess lives. There were gargoyles all around the fountain wall, and I thought it’d be a hoot to paint one of them. The water flowing from his mouth was a real challenge to get down on paper…

This artwork was created with:
Paper: Saunders Waterford Watercolor Paper
Medium: DaVinci Watercolors

Plein air watercolor painting of a statue of a young woman in a New Orleans courtyard.

Plein air watercolor painting   7  inches x 9.5 inches   $100

Here is my second watercolor painting of the lovely young stone woman in our courtyard last week in NOLA. Its always challenging to do figure paintings in watercolor, but it helps when your model doesn’t move a bit and she’s all in one color!

This artwork was created with:
Paper: Saunders Waterford Watercolor Paper
Medium: DaVinci Watercolors

Plein air watercolor painting of a statue in a New Orleans courtyard.

Plein air watercolor painting   7  inches x 9.5 inches   $100

We are back from a wonderful family trip to New Orleans! We took in lots of history, museums, music, and amazing food! What I didn’t do much of is paint. I had the best intentions to do many watercolor paintings of buildings when I was down there. But the truth is, the colorful city scenery was overwhelming to me and it was unbearably hot unless you were in deep shade. Plus, there was just so much to do and see. I tried a few architecture sketches, but was unhappy with them and but them directly into the trash. I took lots of photos for reference and managed to do a couple of watercolor paintings in the old courtyard of our condominium.

I was drawn to this 1800s-style sculpture of a young woman holding a basket and attempted two pieces with her as the subject.

This artwork was created with:
Paper: Saunders Waterford Watercolor Paper
Medium: DaVinci Watercolors

Plein air pastel painting of a statue in a garden.

Pastel painting 4.75 inches x 8.75 inches  $100

I love painting landscapes and I’m drawn to the human figure. What a bonus when I can do both in one pastel drawing! This piece was done at one of my favorite plein air spots, Weller’s in Saline. The old mill site is now used for weddings and they have gorgeous gardens and grounds surrounding the buildings. I’ve been to many nuptials there and it is the perfect place for intimate, nature-filled gatherings. There are 3 or 4 elegant statues in the park-like setting and they make a perfect subject for plein air pastel paintings!

I’m continuing to work on loosening up in my plein air work. Catch the light and shadow, get the values right, ignore the itsy bitsy details…

Speaking of values, check out this neat online color test for artists. Women usually score higher than men. If you take it, send me your score!

Pastel painting of a garden sculpture in the spring.

Pastel painting 10 inches x 13 inches

Wednesday was another day in the continuing saga of constant rain in Michigan. We were supposed to have a plein air meet that morning, but it was drizzling and I was the only one who showed up. I started this pastel painting of a statue in the park but the rain forced me back into the car twice. I finally left the garden painting unfinished and gave up for the day. Maybe I will try to work back into it on another day…

Plein air watercolor painting of a fountain in Naples, Florida.

Plein air watercolor painting    6.5 inches x 10 inches

One day when we were in Naples, I wandered down to the Bayfront to check out the art galleries. There was an interesting fountain in the courtyard that was just made for a plein air watercolor painting…

Plein air watercolor painting of a Madonna statue in front of a building in Italy.

Watercolor painting   5.5 x 15 inches

Please contact me if you are interested in this or similar artwork.

This Madonna statue was right outside my window in front of the rectory in Barberino. She was so stately and elegant, I had to do a watercolor painting of her. The town was so small, we soon met THE doctor, THE priest, THE nun, THE cafe owner and many others. All of the Italian people were so kind and welcoming to us American bumpkins…

Watercolor painting of the European-style fountain at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, Michigan

Watercolor painting 6 inches x 9 inches    SOLD

My son-in-law’s sister was married last weekend. Many of the events, including the betrothal, shower and reception, were held at the beautiful Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, Michigan. As a special wedding present for the bride and groom, I created a  watercolor painting of the European-style fountain that graces the grounds surrounding the hotel. It reminds me of the old fountains in the piazzas of Italy.  They are off on their honeymoon now and haven’t opened their presents yet. Hope they don’t see this post!

Do you have a special place that you would like memorialized in a piece of art? I would be happy to paint a watercolor or pastel commission for you or a loved one. Contact me and we can chat!

Plein air pastel painting of a statue of woman holding flowers.

Pastel painting 8.5 inches x 11 inches     $300

Please contact me if you are interested in similar artwork.

Another example of a figure drawing and pastel landscape at the same time! This piece is a mirror to my earlier Miss Spring painting and was also done at the gardens surrounding Wellers in Saline. The bright sunshine and flowers in the background suggest that summer is right around the corner here in Michigan!