In the Conservatory 7x9 pastel, copyright 2012
These are the two pastels I was struggling with last week. In the Conservatory is based on a photograph I took some years ago during a visit to the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus. If you are ever in the city it's worth the visit, especially during the butterfly exhibit in the spring. They have some Chihuly pieces on permanent display, making a wonderful backdrop of color for the butterflies and the koi.
Ice on the Creek Bank was my attempt at plein air, when I succeeded only in freezing my fingers. Both of these started out as 16x12 paintings that just would not work to my satisfaction. I nearly gave up on them but there were just enough bits in both to make me think they were worth keeping.
Just the other day it occurred to me that maybe the best parts could be salvaged and the rest discarded. Exacto knife and right angle ruler in hand, they were cut up before self doubt could stop me, and both ended up the better for it.
Ice on the Creek Bank 5x7 pastel, copyright 2012
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Good saves. I like 'em both, but especially the icy creek.
ReplyDeleteSympathy for freezing fingers. ;-)
Thank you! And thanks for the sympathy too. :-D
ReplyDeleteKudos on being brave. They both look good.
ReplyDelete