2013 Iowa Nouveau Poster for Tassel Ridge Winery - the Progression

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Finished Pastel is 24"x18"  
Property of Tassel Ridge Winery and posters this size will be available this fall when they introduce this years Iowa Nouveau wine. 

For more information about Tassel Ridge and the release of their wines, go to:
http://www.tasselridge.com

I loved this project and have to give a BIG THANK YOU to my model Chris. 

Last page of book illustration

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Image size: 8.25" x 16.75"- Soft Pastel on MiTentes Canson paper.



Well....I feel happy with the end result of this, the first book illustration I've ever done.  What a challenge!  The story is Wonderful!  The title is "Why We Run" -written by Libby Samples of Danville, IA.

Each page has a large area for the storyline and an image of a stream filled with muddy water.  I'll post contact information for purchase when the book becomes available.  The 16 panels (32 pages of the book) will be picked up by the author today.

Now....clean up time before I start the next project.  

Sneak Pick at What's on the Easel

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I've been doing my best to finish up the book illustration I've been commissioned to do.  I thought I'd give everyone a look at what the easel designated for pastel works (home studio) looks like while working on this project.

I have two separate areas at home that have easels set up.  Where I work with pastels is a room that I can close the door from the rest of the house.....to keep our cat "Obie" out of mischief.

He doesn't seem to mess with the easel I paint with oils on.  It's located in a general area of our home.  I can easily cover the paints there so he doesn't track through them.  Pastel sticks are a whole different issue.  I could see him take one and RUN!!!!!!

VFS Demo

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Here's the demo I did at the June 15th Villages Folk School workshop.  Yes....another PEAR !  What can I say......I think this shape and fruit is becoming my favorite subject for a "one item still life".

I wish I had written down the symbolism of the Pear a friend sent me.  Something to do with representing friendship, abundance, etc.  All positive connections.  I'll look for the message and make sure I post it here.

Meantime.....if you're interested about more information on  workshops through the folk school, go to:   http://www.villagesfolkschool.com   for all kinds of fun and inspiring things to do.

At the Rose Garden

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8"x10" Soft Pastel on board

Had the chance to paint again in the rose garden in Bentonsport on Sunday morning.  Walking around with fellow artist Carroll Michalek, we found inspiration everywhere we turned.  So, don't be surprised to see more plein air paintings created from the rose garden.

"Single & Blue"

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7"x5"  Soft Pastel on board  SOLD

Oh....so BLUE!  Cool as Ice!  Well.....I'm having fun with this oh so familiar subject matter. 

Saturday evening (June 1st) was the artist's reception at the Burns Gallery & Tea Emporium in Bonaparte, IA.  Seeing ones work in a gallery setting puts a whole different perspective on the art created.  This little jewel sold the night of the show opening.

Carroll Michalek http://www.carrollmichalek.blogspot.com   and Carlene Dingman Atwater http://www.dailypaintercdingman.blogspot.com  are the two other artists in this trio show titled "All Together".  The exhibit and sale of small works is open to the public during the galleries business hours 12:00noon - 6pm on Mon., Thurs., Fri., Sat.  1:30pm-6pm on Tues., and closed on Sun., Weds.  Show ends June 30th.

Burns Gallery & Tea Emporium is a wonderful small business that offers specialty teas, whimsical gifts, a state-of-the-art showroom for national and local artists, and custom framing.

3 of a Kind

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7.5"x10"  Soft Pastel on board

"You said What?"  That was my first thought when setting these guys in place.  One is eavesdropping on the other two's conversation.

For these small pastels, I've been using the AS Colourfix primer on archival foamboard.  I like seeing the texture of the brush strokes showing up through the pastels applied on the surface.