Loving Blondie

Loving Blondie (16 x 20 pastel on La Carte)

click for a larger view

details on my website

With Blondie being the beauty of the barnyard, it makes it difficult for Henri to keep tabs on her but he is ever-watchful of his one true love.

This piece was a joy to paint from the very first stroke of the pastel until the last. One of the reasons for that is that I finally got up the nerve to use some of my Henri Roche pastels that were a gift from a dear friend. And for those of you who have already caught on; yes, that is why I named the rooster Henri. This painting was just screaming for something that required more color, better color, darker saturated colors and Henri fit that bill to a T.

This lovely pair is headed to my show tomorrow, 2/16 at Cole Gallery in Edmonds, Washington. If you are in the hood, please be sure to stop by. I will be at the opening reception from 5-8 and would love an opportunity to me you.  

As an avid animal lover, I have elected to have a portion of the proceeds from the sale of any of my paintings during the show benefit Precious Life Animal Sanctuary. I am so proud of everything they do to help our animals in need.

Diligence

Diligence (pastel 16 x 20)

availability information on my website

Don't worry, it does eventually move.

This is a piece I recently finished for my upcoming animal show at Cole Gallery. I did the study for this years ago and have always enjoyed the simplicity of the lines and the implied, impending, action. Gravy (our beloved golden man cat) would sit and stare at that ball with the patience of Job. Sometimes, when I couldn't wait any longer, I would turn on a fan or walk past the ball and tap it as inconspicuously as possible. That would get him going for another 20 minute stare-down. Eventually, he would do the full-on POUNCE!

Heart and Soul

Heart and Soul (18 x 24 oil on belgian/panel)

purchase info on my website

FEATHERS, FIELD & FELINE

February 16th - March 15th, 2012

Artist Reception: February 16th 5 pm - 8 pm

Cole Gallery 107 15th Ave So, Edmonds, WA

Yay, an animal show! Lots and lots of animals. Also, because all critters are so near and dear to my heart, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of my paintings will be donated to Precious Life Animal Sanctuary. More information, and a preview of the show, is available on the homepage of my website.

I hope this finds you all well.

Cheers,

Sandy

Brrrrrrr, Winter is Upon Us

Early Snow (click for a larger view)

16 x 20 dry pastel on Sennelier La Carte 

availability and purchase information on my website

Gosh, it seems I was just putting out the summer hammocks and here it is, Winter already. I guess I should look out my studio window more often. I've been in a painting frenzy of late, getting ready for my "feature" show at Cole Gallery. I'm excited because it's an animal show and I love having an excuse to spend hours-on-end painting animals. Yes, yes, the piece above is in the animal category but it is making its way to gallery sooner (rather than later) to celebrate the Winter season. If it hasn't flown away by February, it may just be in the show.

I suspect there are many artists who do the same thing I do and that is some pretty intense thinking during painting sessions. I can go for days without making a sound or hearing a sound while I am working (well, excuse me, Miss Biscuit). I'm just stuck there, in my painting and in my brain. My recent awards have me thinking a lot lately about the balance between confidence and humility. One must have enough humility to want to continue to improve and enough confidence to work through the stages of improvements. Sometimes, it seems the stages of wanting improvement are insurmountable and then determination takes on it's role and helps me to the finish line. I do know it is a lot of work to do what we artists do so I solute you all for all you do. Cheers to creativity!



Artist's Magazine Finalist

City Beach Sunrise

16 x 20 dry pastel

availability and purchase information on my website

I am happy to humbly announce that the painting above is a finalist in the Artist's Magazine 28th Annual Competition (December 2011 issue). Yippie Skippy - thank you Artist's Magazine!

Dusting on Strawberry Point

Dusting on Strawberry Point (12 x 18 pastel)

availability info on my website

winter's warmth

its soft powder

dusting our strawberry point

Another wonder from my studio window. So, does this make me a plein air painter? Haha!

A Raisin for Everything

A Raisin for Everything

14 x 20 dry pastel on Pastelmat

(click to enlarge)

availability info on my website

It might be obvious that raisins are her favorite food! This is my grand-daughter all cozied up in her camping chair that is staked out in the living room (fake camping, real raisins).

I still haven't had a chance to make my rounds. I miss seeing what everyone has been working on lately. My days have been filled with studio work so I'm not complaining. I hope y'all are finding peace at your easels. Thanks so much for stopping by. See ya soon!

Cheers,

Sandy

A Little Sea Study

8 x 10 pastel seascape study (sold)

Hi all,

For those of you dropping by, thank you. I apologize for not posting for so long. I am in one of those art merry-go-rounds. I am deep in my art world and reinventing parts of how I do things and apparently it takes nearly all of me to do that. I miss everyone and will be by shortly to visit and comment.

Cheers and Happy Painting (I hope),

Sandy

Catch me at Cole

West Beach Road (12 x 24 pastel on pastelmat)

availability information on my website

click the image above for a larger view

I love the water. I love the beach. I love anything that gives me that sense that someone just took their sandy shoes off and left them at the back door.

 

On the west side of Whidbey Island (in Washington State) lies a perfectly beachy road. It's one I always drive to when I feel the need for a double dose of water.

I am excited to announce my new relationship with Cole Gallery in Edmonds, Washington. I will be at the gallery tomorrow (8/18) from 5:30 - 8:30 and again on Saturday for a champagne reception from 6:30 until 8:30. I hope if you are in the neighborhood you'll get a chance to stop by and visit. There will be plenty of great art by a variety of artists.

Cheers,

Sandy

Miss Biscuit making an appearance

 Daily Blessing (10 x 8 dry pastel on pastelmat)

sold

As a kitty with candy striped legs

you arrived swiftly into my heart.

Sixteen years later and my heart still

smiles with each new day we share.

One of these days I will count how many paintings I have done of my litte Miss Biscuit. I never, ever, get tired of painting her. With each new piece, I can only hope to add more of her amazing spirit to this world.

Skagit Stillness

Skagit Stillness (11 x 14, pastel)

click to enlarge

availability information on my website

It is an evening like this and the unparalleled thrill of recording it for others to share that inspires me as an artist. There is so much beauty all around us it seems I could paint all day, every day. I smile at my futile attempt to capture it all in this lifetime. And what a life it is! 

Skagit Stillness

just in time

to catch the sweet peach sun

kissing leaves on poplar trees

in the fertile Skagit Valley

Freedom Runner

Freedom Runner (14 x 11 dry pastel) sold

click to enlarge

There are so many ways to describe the beauty of a horse. One of the first ways that comes to mind for me is the joy of sharing a ride across an open field with nothing but the feel of wind brushing on your face and the sound of muffled hooves as they tap the ground in a gentle rhythm. The sound reminds me of the sound of blood moving from one side of my heart to the other. These amazing animals deserve peace and freedom. 

Hi all, I'm in the studio painting but haven't posted for a while so I thought I'd post an earlier piece. See ya soon.

Cheers,

Sandy

Foam Dancing

Foam Dancing (16 x 20 pastel)

click to enlarge

sold

 

Foam dancing on the water’s edge,

the warm sand teasing toes,

God’s light topping waves.

Surely this is counted as a perfect day.

Romancing the Rock

Fakkema Road (18 x 30 framed pastel)

view my website for more information

Whidbey Island is in the Pacific Northwest, a beautiful island in the great State of Washington and a place I love to call home. Locals call it "The Rock" because it was formed from glacial rock during the ice age.

When I was younger I never thought I would stay any place more than a year or so. That's how I grew up (military) and I didn't see that changing in my forseeable future. I had not met Whidbey yet.  But, when I did, I fell in love with land like I never had before. Yep, I'm pretty well planted here now.

Opposing but Loving You

Opposing but Loving You (10 x 8 pastel on pastelmat)

Opposing but Loving You

I am always happy

living in the same vase with you,

even though we face

opposite directions sometimes.

you are beautiful

from every direction.