Beets and Beets

Fresh Market pastel 6x8 $150

What a great little show at the Humphrey Farm Preserve sponsored by the Pastel Society of Colorado. The show was juried by Laura Mehmert.  The painting was of some beets splayed on a farm market table that had caught my eye.  To my delight I received a third place award for the piece.  The show runs until June 24th, if you find yourself near Evergreen.  

AND, I just received the acceptance of my piece Winter Beets to be displayed at the 11th Annual Mile High International Pastel Exhibition July 2 to September 25th at the Denver Public Library, level 7.   This show was juried by Liz Haywood Sullivan

Maybe you hate beets....maybe not but try this recipe. Roasted Beet Salad With Goat Cheese

Winter Beets pastel 8x8 $200 

As Jeannette commented when she gave the award, You can't beat that. 

You will see more of my kitchen art this year and my interpretation this year of fruits, vegetables and I can't leave out flowers.   Or maybe more landscapes, or what about those poppies and lilac.  Stay tuned.   

Journeys

As a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of Colorado our show this year has a theme. We are challenged to embark on a personal visual exploration of a subject or a place or an approach to the medium of pastel.  After contemplation I have chosen a process to develop my own visual voice by using the lessons from my many workshops.  Terrie Lombardi would remind me of loose juicy marks.  Mike Beeman reminds me to paint everyday and a recent workshop with Jane Christi, to paint fearlessly.   

Thumbnail study of values and shapes

I have gotten back to basics with a value study and have chosen to stay loose in my approach using soft pastel on an un-sanded paper. Canson Mi Tenintes comes in many tones so to begin the process I will work on red.  It creates an under-painting to unify the painting.   My subject will be food, well maybe throw in a flower, ya know I do love flowers, and I plan to keep all the paintings square in an 8x8 format.  I think it will be called the Kitchen Series.  
 The show opens at the Lakewood cultural Center October 9 with a reception from 6 to 8 PM. 
See Pastel Society of Colorado for more about the show and the Society.

PM Snack on Canson MiTeintes  8x8

So let the Journey begin.