2 pieces juried into the Rail Art Show

May 1, 2014

I am thrilled to announce that I have had two pieces juried into the 2014 Rail Art Show in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

As I have mentioned in earlier blog posts, I developed a keen interest in trains after visiting the pedestrian catwalk over the Green River, Wyoming train yard. The experience really captured my imagination!

I am inspired to do more paintings involving people in their work environments.

The show will be open from May 15 - Aug 1, 2014 at the Cheyenne Depot Museum in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Plein Air Convention in Monterey was fantastic!

April 17, 2014

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!

Two Pastels Bought for the New Ivinson Hospital in Laramie

April 13, 2014

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!

Getting ready for the Plein Air Convention next week!

April 2, 2014

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!

'Vastness' says it all

March 31, 2014

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!

'Shift Change' is finished

March 3, 2014

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".

The last plein air I did before snow fall

February 17, 2014

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.

This piece is done with soft pastels on Wallis paper and is 12"x151/2".

...some days are made for organizing...

January 30, 2014

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.

Who would have thought that a train yard could be so inspiring!

January 26, 2014

...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!