The Plein Air Conference in Monterey was super. I learned a lot from watching many artist work, met multiple old and new friends, enjoyed the incredible Monterey area and ate well.
I had problems with the humid climate and my pastels... but managed to get this study done before the fog moved in. The landscape is inspirational, no doubt.
What a fantastic opportunity. Now I am ready to get to work with a multitude of new ideas!
I feel honored to have two of my pieces hanging at the new Ivinson Hospital in Laramie, Wyoming. They were chosen for their sense of calm and vastness.
I am pleased!
As you can see, my husband made some fantastic trays for my pastels – custom fit right into the box – I am jazzed! I honored the new set up by spending a couple of days sorting through pastels and arranging them how I perceive I will use them most efficiently… it seems to be an endless process… but I am excited to get to work with this palette in Monterey and give it a try!
The pastels are sorted by color as well as by value (that’s the tricky part for me). I have reserved the bottom right for ‘sages’ and neutrals, as I love to work in the high desert here in Wyoming.
Wish me well at the Convention… I can hardly wait to meet new friends, learn tons and get out in some less than snowy weather to draw!
One more reflection of my exciting day at the train yard in Green River...
I was enthralled with the visual temperature change as cloud shadows shifted throughout the hot afternoon. Different scenes were lit up, causing my imagination to sore.
The vastness of the landscape along with the magnitude of the train yard was awe inspiring.
What a great day of field studies!
I have forgotten how different studio work is compared to being in the field and working plein air. There is plenty of time for over thinking. Discipline is definitely called for. I have thoroughly enjoyed working on this piece. It has allowed me opportunity to recall the adventure of standing over these massive engines as they start their journey westward. As I mentioned on an earlier post, the catwalk over the Green River, Wyoming train yard is an experience to not miss.
I love the idea that this environment is status quo for these men. Whether they are heading to work or heading home, this is their familiar ground. What a diverse world we live in!
While waiting for the snow to stop so that I can get back out in the field, I may have to return to the subject of trains!
This piece is done with soft pastel on Wallis paper. It is 171/2"x23".
One of those last, perfect autumn days I was lucky enough to go out drawing with a friend. The shadows of this clump of cottonwood trees caught my eye and wouldn't let go. Snow flurries started shortly after - which made the memory extra nice.
Soothing Shadows
This piece is done with soft pastels on Wallis paper and is 12"x151/2".
Once in awhile, I have a driving need to organize my pastels.
I place them within colors, by value. It ends up being a big job... but sure makes a difference when I go to draw.
...for the snowy days that plein air work is not so available to me, I often look back to an experience that inspired me. If you are ever in Green River, Wyoming, the train yard is incredible! There is a pedestrian 'catwalk' over a dozen or so tracks. The trains take off right under you, making their power unmistakable! I was thrilled to see this 'shift change' as conductors left for the day while others came to replace them. I never thought of myself as a train enthusiast, but I had a wonderful few hours observing the workings of this train yard!
I start all of my pastels with an under drawing in charcoal. This allows me to set the values and see the full composition. This procedure is extremely helpful while working plein air... but after many years in the field, I always do an initial charcoal drawing. This piece is now ready for color... oh boy!