Calm Shore

"Calm Shore"

Image size 8" x 15"

Acrylic

This was the start of another painting that began years ago.  I didn't like it so I painted over it with gesso using scraping motions and painted something totally different.  

Pure

"Pure"

Image size 6" x 6"

Encaustic

I was experimenting with texture in this painting.  It has actual texture and perceived texture from the color strokes.  This reminds me of a springtime flower garden.  I know that's a stretch, but that's what comes to my mind.

Pastel Plumeria

"Pastel Plumeria"

Image size 3.5" x 7.5"

Pastel

I can't even remember the last time I used pastel as a medium.  I should use my pastels more often since I have collected so many over the years.  I really enjoy painting with pastels, but rarely think to use them.  Maybe doing this small study will get me motivated to break them out more often.

I used a piece of black mat board painted with pumice gel to give it the tooth necessary for a pastel painting.  In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have used a black support for a painting with white flowers.  I really fought with it to bring out the white. 

Plumerias are such great flowers.  I love the shapes of them and, of course, their fragrance.  They bring back memories of Hawaii every time I see them.  I planted about 5 cuttings a few years ago that I got from a dear friend's house.  It's nice to think of her each time I walk past them.

Tranquil Mist

"Tranquil Mist"

Image size 12" x 12"

Encaustic

One of the beautiful qualities of encaustic is the ability to create a mood in a painting.  I really like the soothing feeling I get when I look at this.  I see it as a landscape, but it could also be seen as an abstract.  What do you see?

Shore Sphere

"Shore Sphere"

Image size 12" Diameter

Watercolor/Acrylic

I always enjoy painting on these round handmade papers.  I love the look of the deckle edge and they are beautiful when floated and framed.

Since this paper doesn't have any sizing in it I needed to seal it so that it wouldn't be like a blotter and suck up all of my paint uncontrollably.  I also chose to adhere a piece of rice paper to the surface to add some texture.  It didn't really add as much texture as I thought it would, but it did add a little interest.  This was painted mostly in watercolor, but the paper wasn't very white so I added white acrylic for the foam and spray.