Final Day of Pastel Workshop

Well, today was the final day of the Pastel Workshop.  We went back to Montreat, and this time I decided to paint the water.  We had to leave before I was finished, so there is still some tweaking to do on it. I think it turned out pretty well.  I certainly feel like I have learned a lot in the past 3 days.  Thank you, Karen!

Pastel Workshop Day 2

Today was Day 2 of the Pastel Workshop.  I was able to complete 2 different paintings by midafternoon, so I am exhausted but happy to be so productive.  The teacher seems very pleased with what I am doing.  I definitely see that my strokes are looser than they were yesterday.  Here is the one I did this morning.  The teacher told me I wasn't allowed to do any blending.

This is the second one that I completed this afternoon.  So far it is Bert's favorite.

Pastel Workshop Day 1

Today was day 1 of a three day pastel workshop being taught by Karen Chambers here in Black Mountain, North Carolina. She is battling to get me to loosen up and use more vibrant colors. She says I am too tight and REALLY need to loosen up.  I know part of it is my style, but I am trying to follow her directions. (Really, I am trying, Karen!) We'll see if I do any better tomorrow.

Today she took us into Montreat and we all set up our easels in the picnic area along the stream.  While everyone else chose to look at the stream, I decided to turn around and look at this great pile of rocks.  It still needs a bit of tweaking, but for the most part I consider it finished.

still life continued...

I worked on my still life some more this afternoon. I think it is coming along well. Not finished yet, but we're getting closer.

back in class...

Lorelle is back in the mountains, and I am once again in art class.  This is my current project - a still life painted from life.  The window and background is imaginary, but the book, table, and other items are real. I plan to add a sheer curtain and glasses on the book. It is 16 x 20 on stretched canvas.