Calf Stretch 2

"Calf Stretch 2"  (pastel, 6x6 inches)  click here to bid

I love the compact arrangement a calf makes when folding in on itself to reach a distant itchy body part.

This one was reminiscent of my first "Calf Stretch", which earned an Honorable Mention in the Pastel 100 Competition in 2013.

"Calf Stretch" (pastel, 5x7 inches)

Here are a few progress shots of Calf Stretch 2:

2 layers of the gold primer

 I first underpaint using acrylic-based pastel primers. The first layers are gold colored. This is Quiacridone Nickel Azo Gold fluid acrylic color mixed into Golden (brand) Fine Pumice Gel. The gel is clear, so the color mixture is semi-transparent, and gets darker on each application.

3 layers of the gold primer.

 The next (and sometimes final) color of primer is the Art Spectrum (brand) Pastel Primer in the terra cotta color. I lay it into the darker areas, then scrub and dry-brush it into the medium values of the gold to continue the value scale and add more depth to the underpainting.

the terra cotta primer added

In this case I also used some of the black primer (Art Spectrum brand again) since the calf has lots of black fur.

the black primer added

 After all this the job's half done!

starting in with the pastel

finishing with the pastel

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Just Hangin' and Snackin'

"Just Hangin' and Snackin'" (pastel, 12x6 inches)  click here to bid

Been a bit lazy myself, just hanging' and snackin' after recovering from a bout of icky stomach bug last week. Getting back into the routine of things and (trying) to catch up with all the overflow. I do have a nice batch of new underpaintings ready which I'm going to (try to) pastel on tomorrow! This one I finished on the weekend. This was a little challenging for me with it's softer cool light / warm shadow arrangement.

On another note, I'm excited to say that I am the Featured Artist for the first annual Wimberley Alive Music and Arts Festival, October 24 & 25, 2015, in Wimberley TX. Celebrating Wimberley's spirit and benefiting the Barnabas Connection for Wimberley Flood Recovery.





 

Familiar - accepted into CPS Exhibit

"Familiar" (pastel, 8x10 inches)  $1350

The latest in my ongoing Renaissance Portrait series, this one a little larger than the rest and with an added subject! I'm happy to have been notified that "Familiar" has been accepted into the 22nd Annual Renaissance In Pastel Exhibition of the Connecticut Pastel Society.

Show Dates: November 9th - December 12, 2015. At the UConn Stamford Art Gallery in Stamford, CT.

Reception, Demonstration and Awards Presentation: Saturday, November 21st from 12 - 4 p.m.

Popcorn

"Popcorn"  (pastel, 8x8 inches)  click here to bid

Had this one on my mind for a while, with that little hint of light he looks kind of buttery.

Marmalade

"Marmalade"  (pastel, 10x8 inches)  click here to bid

Of course it was the light that drew me to this one, but ya' gotta love those cow tongues for the hard-to-reach places, lol.

Young Buck

"Young Buck"  (pastel, 10x8 inches)  click here to bid

Every spring the herd in our neighborhood has more than one set of twins, often boys. Here's one of last year's pair, beginning his new antlers. He and his brother frequently graze in our back yard, accompanied by various other family members.

Shall We Dance?

"Shall We Dance?"  (pastel, 12x6 inches)  $395 framed

Finally got some new little ones done. Here's a squirrel that is in the gold frame originally occupied by Donna Keira, who's buyer prefers the dark frame.

Some progress shots:

Classic Lines

"Classic Lines"  (oil, 8x4 inches)  $225 (custom framed)

Here's another oldie but goodie, from my 2012 oil painting days. This one was from my own DPW Painting Challenge on cropping. See it's original blog post for progress shots!

I might take this one to the Septemberfest Fine Art Fair in Midland, TX, this weekend, Sept 11-13, 2015 (even though I'm only supposed to have pastel paintings there... shhhh!)

Here it is in the frame:

Donna Keira

"Donna Keira"  (pastel, 12x6 inches)  $395 framed

Donna Keira will be with me at the Septemberfest Fine Art Fair in Midland, TX, this weekend, Sept 11-13, 2015.

Progress shots:

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