Catching up on blog-Let's start way back in June

Plein Air Drawing-NewHarbor Maine area-June 2012

OTB Drawing

Raphael-Seated Woman with Child

This summer was so busy I did not get to give my blog the attention I would have wanted to. So let's go back in time a little. I mentioned that I went on a trip to Maine with some fellow painters way back in June. I thought I would post some of the images from that trip in my next few blog entries. I was waiting for OTB to be finished as the image I produced for OTB was based on a plein air drawing that I did on that trip to Maine way back in June and I did not want to give away what my OTB piece was. I drew this plein air drawing after climbing down onto the rocky area that overlooked this scene.

It is employing a technique that I have consistently used throughout my career starting way back in college in Life Class over 30 years ago…(eek) and a technique that many artists have used throughout history. And that is using a colored or toned paper and drawing with pencil, conté or any  medium and then using white highlights. I have included a gorgeous piece here by Raphael where he used this technique. Another one of my past blog posts-"Ivy"- also shows this technique, although when I photographed the piece it did not pick up the light areas very well, but is quite clear in the original piece.

I am also excited about a new paper that just came out on the market produced by Strathmore and can't wait to try it out. It comes in toned tan and toned gray and in both hard and soft cover. Here is a link if your interested-Strathmore Toned Sketch. Definitely will be checking the tooth and feel of this paper.

Outside the Box and Pastels By Invitation

OUTSIDE THE BOX

Just wanted to give a heads up for two shows happening right now. Outside The Box fundraiser is back this year at the North River Arts Society. Artists, photographers, artisans, members and supporters have donated an 8"X8" artwork. The works are 2 or 3 dimensional pieces. The fun part is that each piece is unsigned and a lot of the artists purposefully executed works out of their usual medium or style. So no one knows who's piece they are viewing or bidding on. You are bidding on something solely on your own preferences. You can even bid and view the show if you live far away-click here.
After the last bidding day, there is a closing night event where it is now revealed who the artist is. Lots of surprises. Guess which piece is mine? But, I will not let you know if you are right…until closing night, that is.

And

                                                PASTELS BY INVITATION 2012


There is still time to view a wonderful annual show of pastel artwork right now, Pastels by Invitation, featuring artwork by nationally known pastel artists. I was honored to be invited back this year. It runs until August 28th, so there is plenty of time to catch the show if you didn't make the opening. It is at the Creative Arts Center in Chatham, MA. So if you are vacationing on or near the cape, drop on by and see this colorful and creative show.

Additional Details-Pastels By Invitation

Cloud Study Christmas Cove

This is a small plein air cloud study in oil from my trip to Maine. The cloud formations were amazing when we were there and they were moving at a rapid pace that day. I really had to work quickly... a good lesson as I am trying to improve my pace working plein air in oils.