Sierra Storms One

The painting was inspired by a photo I took this year while visiting the Eastern Sierra. The skys were amazing as was the landscape. It made me feel incredibly small.

Three Aspens

I don't know which lake this was but I do remeber these aspens and the light on them. We were exploring the Eastern Sierras three years ago and we pulled over to this wonderful patch of trees. This is the intitial study in pastel. I first started out with small 2 by 2 sketches of this area in my sketchbook. This painting is small but I think it packs a little bit of a punch.

Sun Kissed Surf

This is a small color study for a larger square format painting. The locale is Fort Bragg California.

Sketchbook share.

Too Close To Power

I really like the paper I used with this painting. I'm learning to use the paper in my composition. The scene is from Fort Bragg, California last September. I included people because they are part of the scene and feel of the place.

Housework Sister

This is a painting of my youngest sister doing her chores. I was sitting on the porch watching her. This is my third painting from that image. This is the largest of the three at 16 by 16 inches. I started out with a charcoal drawing which I covered with watercolor. The pastel was the final layer. I took a few liberties with color.

Morning Medicine

Pam was gassing up her car for an early trip out to Tracey, California and I saw this guy sitting on a curb at the station. He had something in his brown paper bag and he had just lit up his cigarette. I liked his grey hair and how it contrasted with his skin. I took a few photos from weird angles in the car. A Facebook friend recently posted a photo of his recent purchase of St Armand Canal Paper. I had read about the paper years ago on a blog. I bought a few sheets. Its a very nice handmade paper. It doesn't take a lot of pastel layers and has a unique texture that peeks thru if you let it.

The Music of Flowers

When you let tulips sit for a while they move as if to their own different beat. When I saw this image on screen my first thought was that these blooms were dancing to a beat of their own. I used felt paper because I had it lying around and decided to give it a go.

Above The Fray

Some flowers for a beautiful day.

A Bloom Away

I recently read a book written by Ray Balkill. He combines pastel, watercolor and gouache. I decided to give his technique a try. The colors are just my latest take on painting.

Commerce Nocturne

Last weekend was spent in Commerce. This is the scene behind the hotel I normally stay in. I was standing outside and saw this beautiful sky. Of course by the time I got my paints and paper the sky had changed. I painted it because I liked the light and the way it fell across the bushes.

Old Town San Diego

A small pastel study for larger pieces in multiple mediums. Years ago I made my first trip out to San Diego for a vacation and to visit my uncles Charlie and Carl. We never adjusted to the time change so we were up and out two hours before most touristy stuff opened. I loved the cool air and scenery. I was painting a lot from photos back then. Most of my time was spent taking photos. I did enjoy good food prepared by my uncle Carl and just hanging out with with them both. I started out with a watercolor underpainting in complementary colors on Wallis paper.

Watch Him

On New Years day we decided to stay in Fort Bragg for an extra day. We of course spent some time on Glass Beach. I sat in a good spot to draw and paint and Pam went exploring for rocks and glass. I did a few paintings of people hanging out on the beach. I always get concerned when I see kids walking away from their parents because those waves can be aggressive.

Grilled

This is the pastel version of Grill Tending. I used the 6 by 6 Art Tiles for the surface and various brands of pastel. I am so glad that I take pictures of the family as they take me back to times when my Mother and Stepfather were alive. My stepfather passed away a few years ago. I still miss him and how generous he was. He loved to party and cook. Our house was always filled with family and friends; I really miss that.

Harbor Companions

Another painting of Noyo Harbor. When I get back there I intend to spend at least half a day painting there. The area is so rich with subject matter. This is the first pastel I have painted of that area. I am still using that one photo that has millions of paintings in it.

Three Times

Another group of bales from the Sulfur Springs highway in north east Texas.

Bountiful

I started this painting with my best art critic Pam. I was at a point in which I thought the painting was finished. I took it outside to knock off loose pastel dust. Pam was outside weeding and pointed out an obvious weakness. I went back inside and made some suggested changes. It's great to have a second set of eyes around. This is the larger version of what I have been exploring all week in smaller paintings.

Sulfur Springs Highway 1

I worked larger for this one. The plan is a 16 by 20 piece. This is an 8 by 10 exploration painting.

Sulphur Springs Highway Study

On the way back from Sulphur Springs, Texas I took a ton of photos. I love scenes with freshly baled hay. I hadn't been on that road since I was a teenager. I plan on a large pastel and watercolor of this scene.

Corner House

This is one of my favorite buildings in Commerce, Texas. Its sits on a corner of Park street. I was on my way back to Austin one morning and caught this light on the house.

Caught Aware

This little man did not want to be photographed but I caught him briefly unaware. He is one of Justin's sons. When the family gets together, this part of our family socializes too. Its fun to see their relationships develop.