Hiking & Painting in Nature – Chicago
When creating with pastels, what's the difference between oil pastels and soft pastels? Let me show you! First off, simple and to the point: oil pastels are like oil/wax sticks, soft pastels are more like chalk sticks. I am using a white Ampersand Pastelbord for both paintings. The pastel boards feel like sand paper. I … Continue reading Difference Between Oil Pastels and Soft Pastels
What is an underwash? With a pastel painting, it is the first layer of the painting. Why are underwashes needed? Because it either covers the media, saving you from using too much soft pastels, or has a desirous effect with your painting. We will discuss both. In both of these examples, I am using a … Continue reading Difference Between Watercolor Underwash and Pastel/Turpentine Underwash with a Pastel Painting
https://youtu.be/wTkj0VqP45k It's been a long time since you've seen a video, huh?!? Yeah, I'm slacking! Well, no more! Time to get to work. And more to come....I promise. Normally, I like to perform a step by step painting demo right in nature. It is so much more pleasant than an indoor studio, however I saw … Continue reading Speed Demo Video Spring Sunset Soft Pastel
The November landscape has inspired me to create a soft pastel painting. Do you want to paint one with me? OK! Here we go! First, here is the scene that inspired me (minus the rocks)... Now, before we begin, here is a sneak peak of all the steps in a time lapse... http://youtu.be/eShc-hoh-Oc?list=UURgqU7HKzSYjMssGtwkz82A Like it? … Continue reading Let’s Paint Pines by a Lake!
I don't know what it is about an open field with few trees, but I just can't get enough of them! Maybe it's the open expanse of the field and the sky together, making you feel free or perhaps the feeling of looking far into the distance causing you to ponder the distance in your own life? … Continue reading Let’s Paint a Warm Winter Field and Tree Pastel!
Okay Folks, the Holidays are over and this is a brand new year with bright brand new beginnings. So lets get crack-a-lackin' and get serious about our artwork! Today we will learn how to paint a pine tree with soft pastels.... Here is my reference photo. This photo was taken at the Morton Arboretum in … Continue reading Let’s Paint Sun and Shadow Pine!
What is it about November that I like so much? Could it be the calm before the storm (peace before holiday chaos)? Could it be the de-clutter of leaves on the trees, providing a sort of de-clutter in my mind? Is it the warmth of the sweater that surrounds me or the first sip of hot … Continue reading Let’s Paint November Sunset!
Look around you...this time of year you can see evidence of autumn. Look at the very tips of the trees near the top. Do you see it? Yes, just a hint of autumn. My favorite time of year. Well, I'm not going to waste any time. Every day from now until the end of November … Continue reading Let’s Paint Evidence of Autumn!
This is Illinois countryside. My cousin took this picture while a storm was approaching a few months ago. I love it. It shows a dilapidated barn in a field of red clover. What I like about it the most is how the picture shows that even after humans fail to keep up, nature keeps on going. Nature … Continue reading Let’s Paint an Old Barn and Red Clover!
I'm getting into the video mode again and just playing with Windows Movie Maker. Enjoy!
