new work

Okay, it's not that I have not been in the studio working, it's that I have not been posting.  So here is about a month's worth of pastel drawings.  

swans

Here is today's pastel.

tulip fields

today's pastel

cherry blossoms

         A couple years ago I went with my daughter on a nice day to see the cherry blossoms.  We wanted to avoid the crowds at the tidal basin so we went to the National Arboretum.  The trees were in a section labeled "experimental".  We pretty much had the place to ourselves and enjoyed a lovely sketching picnic under the flowers.  In DC a sunny, warm day in late March is rare treat, sliced in between a procession of windy, rainy days and chilly, overcast days.   And under the ethereal pink haze of cherry blossoms it was transcendent.  

Here is the pastel

    

the painting, just finished yesterday

In my new studio I have a wall painted with blackboard paint that I can make full scale sketches- very fun!

on the river

Just finished this little oil painting based on my pastel sketch of the Zaan River.  It's interested how each medium has it's own feeling that emerges as you work.  The oil has a softer, gentler feeling than the pastel but pastels have such intense color and wonderful texture.  I love both mediums!

"on the river" just started

"on the river" in process

time travel

 Mount Princeton, Colorado (above)

Leadville, Colorado (left and below)

We just got back from a trip to Colorado where we experienced four snow storms in two weeks!  We drove to the airport Wed in our coats and gloves.  Here in Virginia spring has fully sprung with lovely 70- 80 degree temperatures.  It is a bit disorienting but perfect for getting out in the garden! 





Time Piece 

Day has extended her hours 
instead of closing up shop at dinner time.

I want to throw out my clocks
and stay here in the garden with the light.

Thousands of days in my life are as forgotten 
and anonymous as a stranger.

on the Zaan River, Netherlands

    

     Finally a new pastel!  My excuse- I have been moving into a new studio space at Liberty Town, more space, more light.  I now have two workstations.  One for painting and one for pastels.   I am sharing the space with Anna Branner, weaver and potter.  Come visit us in studio #22 this Friday for our open house.  http://www.libertytownarts.com