Painting the sky

I love skies-always changing, beautiful clouds and colors. The sky sets the mood for the painting. Here I've done some more work, trying to capture the fabulous and rapidly changing late autumn clouds.

Starting a painting

Here I have a piece of sandpaper taped to a board in my studio. It is actual sandpaper which comes in large sheets. You can see the charcoal drawing on the paper, and the first application of color with pastels. 

 The drawing is from a photo I took while on a paint-out. I painted another scene from the park that day, and took a photo of this scene for later use in the studio. While painting outside, I use smaller sheets of paper, usually no bigger than 9x12 inches. I wanted to use a larger paper for this painting, 14x18 inches. 

Upright and Breathing.

I never knew it could be so hard. People keep telling me, "Michelle, you've had heart surgery." And so I have. On September 11, I had my mitral valve repaired. Such a little structure. Had been leaking very badly, slowing me down all summer. Fixed now. So where is all my energy? 

What has amazed me the most is how hard it was to paint again. I can understand becoming exhausted going to the grocery store, but standing there moving my fingers? I thought I was going to spend my recovery time painting! But painting takes a whole level of energy greater than needed for other things. It's not that physical, but expends huge mental and emotional energy. I'm finally feeling better, and have been able to paint almost daily (if I don't have to go to the grocery store, too). Not for long sessions, but even a short session feels good and makes some progress on a piece. I've been finishing up some starts, and reworking pieces that, well, needed work.

Nap time.

Going to the next level

I am pleased to have participated in a mentoring program with master pastelist, Albert Handell. This was an opportunity to take my painting skills to the next level. I painted outside, every day, morning and afternoon, then attended class in the evenings. Exhausting but thrilling, at the same time! 

An interested observer purchased one of the paintings I did, right off my easel. She is one of my newest fans, and I love having her as a collector. 

Portrait Workshop

July of 2007 I took a long anticipated portrait painting class with renowned pastel artist, Daniel Green. In addition to painting and learning, I made some new friends. I recently received this photo from one of those friends of myself in class with one of the portraits I painted. Randy, the model, has an impressive collection of outfits to wear while posing, and I especially enjoyed painting his head wear. Receiving the photo was a reminder of how much I enjoy painting from life.

Long Lake -Spring

Long Lake Park is one of our favorite places to paint. We have been there in all seasons and weather. This day was during the change of seasons, with fresh spring green and last year's leftover dried leaves presenting a challenge to paint. The effort was well worth it, as the grouping has received many positive comments from viewers.  

Lovely Lupines

Every year I am struck anew by fields of blooming lupines. I can't help but smile, and to paint them! They are one of my most popular subjects, as the paintings are quickly purchased. I did mini's this year-4x6 inches-plus I hope to do some larger pieces. Watch for them.