Resting Place

18x24 image, framed to 24x30
 $675.00

I just took this pastel out, after having put it away for a couple of years.  I painted it after a visit to the Adirondack Camp, The Hedges.  It shows their dock and the boats and kayaks available for the guests.  I do love this place, on Blue Mountain Lake.  I hope it conveys the feeling of a resting place, where one can relax, commune with nature and enjoy the quiet.

Along Lake Durant

 12x18 pastel on Wallis matboard
 $225.00

There are so many hiking areas in the Adirondacks that it's hard to pick one to spend an afternoon.  The Northville Placid trail is one that we go back to again and again, mainly because, in the early spring, late fall and winter, we can be alone with nature.  It is right off the main road, and in five minutes, one is totally in wilderness, on the banks of Lake Durant, with Blue Mountain across the lake.  I love to paint here.   This was done with an underpainting of mineral spirits, mixed with pastel.

Afternoon on Abanakee

 12x16 Pastel on Richeson Gater Board - $175.00 (sold)

What a beautiful day it was yesterday - 70 degrees, sunny, slight breeze.  I started a painting in my studio, did an underpainting with mineral spirits and just couldn't wait for it to dry.  I was inpatient to start painting, so I put my portable easel and supplies in the car and headed to the back of Abanakee Lake, about three miles away from my home.  People were kayaking and swimming, the loons were vocal,  cars drove by and slowed down to watch my progress.  Two hours later I needed to pack up and head for home, very happy and content.

Hollyhocks

 16x12 pastel on pastelmat  $150.00

Summer in the Adirondacks.....filled with flowers.  Whether wild or planted, they are everywhere we look.  I loved these hollyhocks planted at the Adirondack Museum, in front of some steps leading to an exhibit.  I took the photo about two weeks ago, and when I went back to the Museum last week, they were already fading.  I'm glad I caught them at the exact right time for a pastel.

My Pastel Workshop July 19, 2012

I gave a pastel workshop this week at Abanakee Studios in Indian Lake.  When I first started doing these a few years ago, I wasn't sure I could be an effective teacher, but I find I love it.  It's so rewarding to see people discover pastels and enjoy a day of painting and learning the medium.  It's also especially nice when the weather cooperates, as it did this year - a lovely day in the high 70's, with lots of sunshine and  beautiful skies to paint.  My students were so talented - they each caught on easily and each produced at least one piece they could be proud of.

"Red Barn"

 5x7 - pastel - sold


I painted some small works for the Writers/Artists weekend at Abanakee Studios and this is one of them.  We have a few barns in town that are very picturesque and this is one of them.  I took some artist license with the actual barn.   It's 5x7.

"Moose River Plains Afternoon"

 12x16 - Pastel - $150.00

This weekend I demonstrated and sold pastels at a Writers/Artists weekend at the Abanakee Gallery in Indian Lake, NY.  Usually the weather in summer is wonderful, 70-80 degrees and cool, but this weekend was unusual.  Saturday's weather almost hit 90 and Sunday afternoon the rains came - a deluge!  But, people did come and it turned at to be an enjoyable two days.  I always get the question about painting with chalk, but I think, after I explain the medium, people tend to understand.  This painting, from a photo I took last year on the Moose River Plains, was one I did as a demonstration.