Girl in Red Robe   12 x 18   Pastel

It has been quite some time since I last posted anything from my "Art Journey."  I have discovered that regardless of the subject matter, the process of making art is very difficult for me.  I have completed 12 weeks of group lessons in figure painting, and it's just now beginning to make sense to me.  Just call me a little slow?  We have only three more classes and I hope it continues to click with me.  Or, is it only temporary.

Antique Robe   11 x 14   Pastel

Annie, a frequent model for our figure painting class, brought a beautiful, pale pink robe for her poses.  It was very thin and she struck a pose that was lovely from any perspective.  The class wasn't as frustrating as the week before, but Margaret said I "lost control" while painting.  She got me back on track, and this one didn't turn out too bad.  I have to remember to squint while painting.  I don't know why this is so hard to do, but hopefully I will squint, squint and squint some more!

Elegant Model   11 x 14   Pastel

Our model for week four had very defined muscles, or as some people say, "She's cut!"  I didn't do justice to her, as she looks much heavier than she acutally is, but I'm going to blame it on her pose (at least that's my story).  This was by far my most frustrating night in class, and I decided this was one of my detours along the way.

Clothed Female

Clothed Female      11 x 14  Pastel

We have completed three weeks of pastel figure painting!  I enjoyed this class a great deal, and I think there is a little improvement from the previous week?  Although I was consistent with the values, the gown could have been somewhat lighter.  It's hard to tell from the painting, but her right leg is bent, with her foot against her left leg.  The light was coming from the front and was very nice as it hit her face and made the lace around her collar glow.

Reclining Female          11 x 14 Pastel

We had our second class on painting the figure in pastel.  It has been over 20 years since I took a figure drawing class.  It is very difficult, and quite a change from painting landscapes.  But, it is great fun and quite a challenge for me.  I'm afraid I did some great injustices to the model, and for that I apologize.  

Country House in France

Country House in France    8 x 10  Pastel on Canson

The clouds have been lightened and broken up some, and the painting is now framed.  It's a donation for an auction to benefit by the Southern Tennis Patrons on Friday evening.  Proceeds will help promising young players with expenses in playing tournaments throughout the United States.

I would like to thank those of you who offered advice on handling my cloud problem.  I tried to incorporate your suggestions, and while not as good as I would like, the painting is improved.

Country House in France     8 x 10 Pastel on Canson

We discovered this house with it's grape vineyard on a peaceful walk near the village of Bonneiux, in Provence.  It was a wonderful warm, spring day and I could have looked at the wonderful views the entire day.  Unfortunately, it was the last day of our stay before heading for the hustle and bustle of Paris.  I will carry the memory of Provence with me forever.

Winter has Arrived!    8 x 10

This is an older painting from a picture on Wet Canvas' Images.  It makes me think of the Winter of 2011, as we had more snow in Atlanta than usual.  As much as I'm a warm-weather fan, a freshly fallen snow is very pretty.  I love the quiet that accompanies a snowfall, but after a day or two, I'm longing for the warm sunshine of spring. 

Jesse as a Pup        8 x 10

It's so hard to believe that Jesse is now almost 15 years old.  I accompanied a friend when she got Jesse, a little chocolate wire-haired dachshund.  It's hard to imagine a cuter puppy, and she has been a wonderful little companion since.  Dachshunds are entertaining little dogs, and the wire-haired versions even more so. 

It's Your Move                11 x 14

On our last day in Paris, we walked around a small park near Notre Dame.  There were many chess players on a beautiful day, and these two seemed to be oblivious to anything happening around them.  I couldn't resist taking a photo, which I used as a reference for this painting.  I want to go back again and see if they are still playing!