Studio Work - Cacti

When I was at Zion, Michael talked about using an extreme limited pastel palette. He gave me a few new techniques in applying the harder NuPastel sticks on sanded paper. In the past, I have never had much luck with sanded paper, nor the harder pastels. He really helped me with some demonstrations directly on the piece I was working on at the retreat. So I was itching to give it another try once I got home so I wouldn't forget what I learned! I was pleased how this turned out for a quick Monday evening painting. It is rare for me to work in the studio after working at my full-time job all day.

I worked with a very limited set of colors but not quite as limited as he has used (click on the link in my first sentence above to see his article). I am sure I will get it down to the 14 sticks eventually.  Here is the palette I used, followed by the photo reference.

Saturday Plein Air – Ruth Ann’s House

Today, we had planned on a road trip down to Hocking Hills, but the weather was cold and wet. So we met in Worthington at Ruth Ann’s house. She has a lovely home on a wooded ravine. Instead of painting her backyard, I had brought a photo from my trip of rocks and cacti.

I started on a dark navy blue colored mat board which I had coated with acrylic matte medium several weeks ago when I was preparing some lightweight boards for traveling. I like the smooth texture of this surface.


I sat on the porch swing while painting under the cover of the porch. I'd hoped the slight movement of the swing would loosen up my brushstrokes! hahaha

Bill Westerman did our critique and here is a link to his slide show:  http://billwesterman.zenfolio.com/p560563366


After I got back home, I used up the paint leftover on the palette by making a little abstract.

Back Home again!

I had a FANTASTIC time at the Zion retreat! I am back home, and after a long solid night of sleep in my own bed, I am recovering from jet lag and getting the laundry done. Back to normal life! I took a couple days off work to recover.



If you would like to experience what I did in Zion National Park, Michael Chesley Johnson is planning another retreat in 2014!

http://www.pleinairzion.com/

Check out....

I'm out in Utah at the Zion National Park all week on an artists retreat. Check out the other blog while I am there:

http://nartizttravels.blogspot.com/

Saturday Plein Air–Indian Run Falls

It was a chilly, drab, damp morning at 50 degrees. A few of the die-hard plein air painters gathered at Dublin, Ohio at Indian Run Falls park. We all worked pretty quickly and decided to quit early when the rain got heavier.

 

Plein Air Saturday–Pickerington Ponds

Today was brisk with frost, but the sun quickly warmed us. I painted two little 5x7s today. I really prefer to work quickly so I don’t noodle with details. I’m happy with my results today. My favorite is the one below, which was actually the second one I painted today:

Look who arrived in my mailbox!

It’s Chubby Angel - Steve Worthington’s newest angel mouse. Isn’t he great! Click on the link on Steve’s name to see and purchase all his other great sculptures!