Two Devils

Another in the Commerce series. This is one of my nephews and nieces from about 8 years ago. Of course they were little devils then and one could argue that they still are. It fun to go back and revisit some old photos.

Serene Sunset

Another Davis Avenue sunset painting. I liked the muted colors along with the bursts of sunlight. I'm working on this as we speak so it is a little different now.

Aunt Jane At 90

I was in Commerce last weekend. I got to sketch my Aunt Jane during my visit with her. She told me that she had turned 90 in January. I hope that I am that alert and sharp when I get to that age. She is a pill or two and one of my favorite people.

Shot glass Vase

A oldie from my archives. I bought a bunch of these flowers and created a lot of small paintings in a short time.

The Sky Reflects (WIP)

I'm almost done with this one. Its an 18 by 24 so it has taken a lot more time than my smaller paintings. I am going to take it upstairs and hide it from my eye for a few days and make the necessary changes. Below are some progression photos. This last image is called Some Say Stop. Its the original underpainting turned sideways. My studio mates liked this stage.

Roadside Bush

I painted this while waiting for an appointment in my car. I had my Lukas watercolor set with me along with some Soho trading cards. So I made use of my time waiting.

Those Earphones

While waiting for my flight I met this med student. He was studying for his upcoming exams. I sat behind him on our flight to Austin and of course painted him. He was working hard and had to minimize the noise in order to study. This painting earned Third in Show from juror Terri Ford in The Austin Pastel Society 2013 Juried Member Exhibition. I am happy about this.

Not a Tornado

This scene is off of Davis Lane in South Austin. I saw this and had to shoot a photo with my camera phone. I think this scene would translate well in multiple mediums.

Sunset Johnson City

I haven't posted much this week due to spring fever and just fatigue. I feel great but this time change makes it hard to do more than turn into a vegetable in front of the television after work. But I have been painting every night. That does make me happy.

Sisters Study

These ladies are fun to paint.

Manuel's Chef 1

I like this surface and the way it holds the pastel. I made it myself using archival mat board and Golden's Fine Pumice Gel. A palette knife worked better than a brush when it came to application. I only did one coat without sanding the surface. On Friday I had lunch at Manuel's in North Austin. This is a little painting of one of the chefs.

Sunset Study

Derrick my trainer sent me this photo that he took out in Johnson City. This is a watercolor study for what will be a larger pastel painting. I loved the colors that I found in this photo cant wait to start the pastel.

Blue Boy

This is a man that I grew up around. His mom was my mom's best friend. His real name is Leonard but his nickname is Blue. I call him Blue Boy.

Determined

During our last meeting of the Austin Pastel Society I sat next to someone who preferred to paint people of color. She liked painting children. Of course I had to explore my treasure trove of my nieces and nephews that I have photographed for years. When my mom passed I for some reason stopped the photography. I know the benefit of documenting family so I will pick it back up. This is one of my nephews.

Bull Creek Shadows

I sat in the shade of course during my visit at Bull Creek. I liked the tree and cacti.

Texas Roadside

Another blurred photo painting. I'm tempted to wet it down and retool it a bit. I will keep you posted.

Hill Country History

A painting of the rock structures over at Bull Creek Park.

Sisters I Think

Another study of the two ladies I spoke of in yesterdays post. I think the picture was taken in the 1990's.