November 30, 2011

Brrrrrrr, Winter is Upon Us

Early Snow (click for a larger view)
16 x 20 dry pastel on Sennelier La Carte 

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!



November 21, 2011

Artist's Magazine Finalist

City Beach Sunrise
16 x 20 dry pastel

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!

November 19, 2011

Dusting on Strawberry Point

Dusting on Strawberry Point (12 x 18 pastel)

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!

November 03, 2011

A Raisin for Everything

A Raisin for Everything
14 x 20 dry pastel on Pastelmat
(click to enlarge)

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