Kirkwood-First Snow | Pastel | 9x12
I’ve spent 46 of my 69 year’s living in or near the mountains-the Alps, the Rockies, and for the past 39 near, the Sierras. It is no wonder I gravitate to them when I want to rejuvenate my spirit. On Thursday, this area was resplendent with golden aspen leaves everywhere but Friday’s storm downed ALL the leaves. Sunday’s 63° weather and cloudless skymade up for it. I was drawn to paint this scene mostly because I knew standing in this meadow for a few hours would be Sheer Bliss!
Painting Notes: My 10 pack of new UArt Black 500 paper just arrived and I immediately did a small 6x8. Love at first stroke! I purchased it in 800 super soft texture a few weeks ago when the 500 was out but did not like its lack of ‘holding’ power - one perhaps two strokes is all the paper will hold whereas I prefer sanded paper that will hold 5-8 layers, which the 500does with ease. Using black paper is like rediscovering all your pastels values- what are normally the medium tones now becomes the lights. I can’t wait to use this paper in the upcoming Capitola Plein Air event just a week away. I sense I’m going to produce some paintings I’m really happy with because these first two have been so fun to create on it.
