Green Figs

I started this painting last summer with acrylics and finished it this week with oils.  The acrylics were making it look too bright and flat.  I'm happy to have finished one of my unfinished projects.  I'm one step closer to getting that studio clean..... Of course, this is only 6" x 6" so it really hasn't freed up much space.  : )

Green Figs
Image Size 6" x 6"
Oil

Sally Strand Workshop

I just got back from a 4 day Sally Strand pastel workshop in Fallbrook.  This is one of the paintings we worked on.  There was a live model posing for this.  I've only drawn people a few times and definitely don't feel comfortable with that subject matter but I did enjoy working on this.  It's not finished but it's getting close.  We ran out of time and the models were done for the day and nobody was finished.  Oh well, I guess I'll have to guess what the rest of it should look like.

Sally Strand is an incredible pastel artist and she's also a wonderful instructor.  I can't wait to put everything I learned into practice.

Puerto Vallarta Sunset

This painting was my second attempt at a poured watercolor.  I think my first attempt, Colimilla, was more successful but this was a learning experience.  I may try it again because I think this scene works well for pouring.  I would like to get more color variation next time.

My reference photo was taken just south of Puerto Vallarta and I loved the white light glistening on the water.

Puerto Vallarta Sunset
Image Size  11" x 15"
Watercolor

Descanso's Gate

If you live in Southern California, maybe you've visited Descanso Gardens in La Canada/Flintridge.  That is where I took the reference photo for this pastel painting.  If you haven't been there and have a chance to go, it's worth the trip.  It's about 160 acres and has about 1000 California Coastal Oaks in a forest with huge camillias growing beneath them.  There is also a rose garden, lilac garden, koi pond, Japanese garden and tea house, art gallery, gift shop, a cafe, classes and so much more.  I've been there at different times of the year and I don't think I have a favorite (there are always so many things in bloom) but this year I think I might go in March for the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Descanso's Gate

Image Size 7" x 10"

Pastel