Hiking & Painting in Nature – Chicago
Last June I went to Christ in the Wilderness for a 4 day retreat. Every time I visit, I'm rewarded with beautiful solitude, majestic nature, the ability to think and pray. It is like a spiritual renewal or refreshing. God works in mysterious ways and I believe he was speaking to me through nature, almost … Continue reading Let’s Paint a Birdhouse on Wire Fence Speed Demo VIDEO
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 a picture I took last winter at the Orland Grasslands. I think it was about 4:30, just before dark. Something about this scene caught my eye, maybe it was the openness of the field or that lonely moon looking down. Winter is wonderfully quiet. Do you ever escape to a place just to be … Continue reading Let’s Paint Twilight Winter Landscape!
There's something wonderful about winter grasses. Could it be that bright warm golden glow? Could it be the way they sound bending in the wind? Could it be the way they poke out of the snow? Yes, all of these above make winter grasses so special. This picture was taken on a hike last winter … Continue reading Let’s Paint Winter Grasses!
