New Series in Black for my demo at IAPS

New series in black
under painting
15x22

I've been contemplating and envisioning using black in some pastels.  I've also wondered about combining fluid brush strokes with some of the grid shapes within a composition.  This is the result.  I am taking this work to IAPS and plan on using it in my demonstration.  It is hard for me to leave it alone right now as I really want to work on it.  I am really liking the drama of the black.  This goes back to my love of Franz Kline.  I've also been very aware that I am drawn to works by other artists that contain black.  In my mind I see some big paintings, some two panel paintings and some with a touch of gold showing through.  This should keep me busy for awhile. 

 

I've worked very hard on getting everything ready for my workshop and demonstration at IAPS.  I am probably taking way too much with me but I will conserve later on.  Since I work pretty large I really need some of my big papers with me.  I've developed some paintings in stages for the workshop and the demo.  I've also had some handouts printed in book form for my workshop participants.  I decided against using a power point and spending the money on materials that the participants can take home with them.  Tomorrow I will be shipping my two paintings to IAPS for the juried show and for the demonstrator show.  Later I will be shipping my portfolio with all papers and prepped paintings and I will also be shipping my supplies.  I will not be traveling light like Richard McKinley does.  Maybe I will downsize later but not for IAPS. 

This piece in the photo is just one of several I will be taking to the IAPS convention to work on for the demo and the workshop.  

No Underpainting!

Experimental pastel abstract
14x18
pastel on board

I'm not sure this pastel if finished.  I may remove some of the activity and add some larger blocks of color.  I am experimenting on board with no underpainting.  Underpainting is definitely part of my process and it really works for me.  I have been asked to be in the IAPS paint around.  I know it is supposed to be fun but I am fretting over it a little as we will be working on boards and I would imagine no underpainting.  I am with some pretty fabulous artists so I want to know what I am doing.  Comfort zone?  What comfort zone?   So, if you are attending IAPS please shut your eyes at the "paint around"! 

 

Yesterday I attended my first meeting of the Iowa Pastel Society and it was great to meet many Iowa pastel artists and see a lot of great pastels.  So glad that I went and the pastel that I entered in the member show received third place.  Mine was in a tie with another artist (Susan Coleman) and we flipped a coin as to who would take the ribbon home.  The ribbon is now hanging on my studio wall.  I am certainly looking forward to attending another Iowa pastel event. 

 

 

See you at IAPS!

 

Grid Abstractions

Grid Composition with Red Violet
14.5x21.5
pastel

I'm enjoying my experiments with a grid composition right now.  I've been experimenting with different ways to apply underpainting to see what difference it makes in composition.  I've also been studying the color wheel and trying some different color combinations.  I love reds but want to try some other colors for a change.  This is purely an experiment.  I applied the underpainting with a brayer.  I have some other ideas I would like to try also and then may end up combining all on large paper eventually.  I'm having fun right now.  

Demonstrating a work in progress

Cruciform Abstraction
14x14
pastel on paper

 

Last weekend I provided a small demonstration at our local arts center.  This is the pastel that I created during that demonstration and I later finished it up at home.  Working in public is both challenging and energizing but I was happy with how this progressed.  I've been spending a lot of time on both my demonstration and workshop for the upcoming IAPS in Albuquerque.  I've got enough put together now for a book that I hope to write this next year and for additional days of workshops.  Providing workshops for artists is something that is really energizing me right now.  It has made me pause and give a lot of thought about how I approach my pastels and my process.  I'm sure a year from now my process will incorporate changes.  I am not a person to keep things as they are for very long.  One variance in a technique leads to another and then to another.  That is what is exciting and unexpected.  I am never satisfied for very long. 

Grid Composition

Grid Composition
15x25
pastel on paper

I think it is always good to try something different even if it is a direction I don't plan on following.  I had this thought that I wanted to try applying the under painting for a pastel with a paint roller.  So I did.  It was fun to experiment but I much prefer an organic composition.  I enjoyed using colors I don't normally use also.  I've said before that there is no such thing as a "wasted effort".  When you experiment, what can you take away from the experience.  Is there something that can be used at another time.  Maybe I won't paint the whole paper with the grid next time.  Maybe I will start with a loose line drawing first.  Maybe I will use darker colors next time.  I am not sure what I will do with this  pastel right now.  I may decide to make it into a giclee.  

Learning About Color

Small Color Study
pastel on board
10x8

Small Cruciform Abstract
pastel on board
10x8

Color was something that I was very afraid of when I was younger.  I did not know how to use color.  Most of my oil paintings were very low key and dull actually.  I have learned most of what I know about color from using pastels.  I've made some progress but still have a long way to go.  This next year I am going to focus on color in my pastels and acrylics.  I am also going to do more experimenting with underpainting and may bring in some figures occasionally.   I have spent a lot of time drawing the figure in years past.  I would still like to incorporate animal abstraction and possible figures within the abstracts. 

 

Next weekend I will be providing a short demonstration in my community art center.  Working in front of people is something I need to become more comfortable with.  I always work alone now.  I took a workshop last April and really enjoyed the company of the other artists.  It was energizing and exhilarating for me.  But, working alone so that people can watch is something I'm not as comfortable with.  Its just one of those things that gets better with practice I'm sure.  

Renewal

Renewal
12x9
pastel on board

Decided to work on a piece of Richeson board that I received as part of a prize a year ago.  When I received it a year ago I was not fond of it but enjoyed working on it today.    I use variations of a cruciform composition quite frequently.  This was not purposeful until recently.  A while back I looked at many of my abstracts and noticed that many of them had variations of this composition.  It is a way to divide the picture plane.  It creates also creates a sense of balance.  This is a small pastel painting but I think it appears larger than it is. 

 

I am in the process of planning for the IAPS convention where I will provide a workshop and a demonstration.  I'm putting a lot of time into the preparation of this experience.  I want this to be a great experience for all who have signed up for my workshop.  This image could end up being the cover of the workshop book that all of my participants will receive.  I will have a piece in the auction at the convention.  I will also be one of the artists in the "paint around".