Colorado Sunrise, #3, 20 x 24, BFK Rives and AS liquid primer

Underpainting of hard pastel and alcohol

I’ve just finished this third version of the same subject from the last two posts. This one is on the Rives paper with toned gel (I used an umber brown). I did an underpainting using hard pastels that is much warmer than the finished picture. Somehow I went for more of the blue violets in this one. I also decided to make a change and use the light source from the photo, which was coming from the left.  The array of trees and bushes in this version is a little straighter than the other two. But I like the shapes created by the lit and shadowed field. The bottom was a challenge. I decided to make it as abstract as possible with just shapes of color. This morning, I added more warmth–red violets from my new violet Blue Earth set.  It’s still a cooler picture.  But I’m happy with it at this point.

Yesterday I sold my Amish Barn picture!  I gave a two day workshop to four wonderful people in my studio and brought in the picture to show them.  Now I’m going to get it framed!  Haven’t even gotten it on Facebook yet!  Will do that next.

Another thing to share. If you live in New England, I will be giving my first Finding Your Style workshop in Tiverton, RI March 20-21 (Thurs.-Fri). This will be based on my book (of course!) and will consist of exercises, discussion and sharing, painting, and personal consultation.  I’ve been wanting to do this for some time and now is the opportunity. Next week’s workshop here will get me started. It’s about possibilities and where you want to go with your own work. I’ll share my own personal journey and desires and will ask participants to bring examples of work they’d like to emulate in some way.  We’ll discuss and try out materials, techniques, and exercises that will help get us there.  It’s only two days so limited, but I’m hoping that it will be informative and fun.  If you are interested let me know (Jeanhirons@comcast.net).