Mom & Dad-commission

Click on image to enlarge
Size:  11"x14"   Soft Pastel on Wallis paper.

Here's another portrait I did for a young man.  He plans to present this to his Mom as a Christmas gift.  In the photo he gave me, they were standing farther apart with furniture behind them.  Ah....I love being able to use "artistic license" in a work.  It was clear to see the Joy these two felt in the photo when it was taken and for each other.

Portrait of Virginia

Click on image to enlarge
Size:  20"x16"
Soft Pastel on Wallis paper.

Here's another commission  that is expected to be given as a gift to this fine lady.  It was quite a challenge for me since I've never met her.  Her husband gave me several different photos to work from so I could come up with an original pose.    I'm so happy and honored I can help others with the giving spirit of Christmas.

Homestead - commission

size: 14"x18"  

Soft pastel on Wallis paper

This is one of the commissions I've been working on the past few months.  A couples first home built out in the country side in Davis Co., IA.



Ely Ford Crossing, Lacey-Keosauqua IA State Park



Size: 16.5" x 22.5"
Medium:   Soft (chalk) Pastel on Wallis sanded paper

Here's another for the series...."Along the Mormon Trail"  that I've been creating for the Burns Gallery in Bonaparte, IA.    I can understand how easy it would be to cross the Des Moines River in the 1800's if the water level was as it is today. 

It's been 10 years since I've seen the water level this low (lack of rain in Southern Iowa this summer) and I have to say....I think the river is beautiful when it's like this.  Sand bars and clear water for a change verses viewing a muddy-fast flowing river.

Along a Field of Gold

Size: 22"x17"
Medium:  Soft (chalk)Pastel on Wallis sanded paper

Here's another pastel included in the "Along the Mormon Trail" series that will be on exhibit/sale at Burns Gallery & Tea Imporium, Bonaparte, IA Nov.5th-Dec.5th, 2011.  For information about this piece during the show....call 319-592-3456.

  The inspiration here was a driveway just East of Lebanon, IA....off highway J40, Van Buren County.  All of J40 is considered a scenic byway in Southern Iowa and is part of  the trek the Mormon's took from Nauvoo, IL to Utah.

Looking Down River/ Bentonsport, IA

Size: 9.25" x 13.25"
Soft (chalk) Pastel on MiTentes Canson paper

I took the photo I used as reference just before the full affect of fall colors in the tree.  This view is from the campsite in Bentonsport, IA...looking SouthEast...the direction the Des Moines River flows to the Mississippi.

Storm coming from the West, on J40, IA

size:  13.5"x19.5"
Soft (chalk) Pastel on 100% rag paper.

Here's another landscape for the "Along the Mormon Trail" series that will be at Burns Gallery & Tea Imporium next month.  Busy trying to get frames finished to house the paintings.  Talk about multi-tasking.  My energy level is starting to drain.  S-l-o-w-i-n-g-     d--o--w--n!  Curling up on the couch with a good book with blanket and pillow sounds soooooooooooo inviting right now.

Late Afternoon near Farmington, IA

Size: 13.5"x19.5"
Part of "Along the Morman Trail" series

I am to be the featured artist for the month of November  (Nov. 5th -Dec. 5th) at Burns Gallery & Tea Imporium in Bonaparte, IA.  For more information about the show, hours, etc....call 319-592-3660.

This will be one of the pastel paintings that will be on exhibit/for sale.  I'll be posting more soon.  All are landscapes....maybe a few figurative pieces.  I'm pumped!

Tassel Ridge Winery Poster

21"x17"   Soft Pastel on Wallis paper

Here is the finished project I've been working on for Tassel Ridge Winery, Leighton, IA.  I'm hoping it will be used as the Poster to announce their 2011 Iowa Nouveau wine.  I had fun working on this piece.....it created quite the stir while I had it on my easel at Iron & Lace Store.

Late Summer in the Midwest

5"x7"  soft pastel on LaCarte sanded paper.

Here's another Iowa scene.....when the Queen Anne's Lace is in full bloom everywhere.  I love living in a rural area.

Southern Iowa - Along HWY 34

6"x8"  soft pastel on wallis paper

The corn is beginning to be harvested in our area.  I had to paint something Autumn this week.  Here's a small piece I've put mat around and in a clear bag.....it's added to the small works I take to the outdoor shows.  3 shows back to back the next 2 weekends.  Macomb, IL the 24th, Fort Madison, IA the 25th, then Lees Summit, MO Sept. 30th thru Oct. 2nd.  Busy!Busy!busy! What was I thinking!

Simple Still Life

Size: 6"x6"
Medium:  Oil on gessoed board
Price: $65.  (plus shipping/handling)
This is the simple still life I created during this past weekends workshop for the Villages Folk School.  I've posted more photos of the weekend on my facebook page.  Just click the facebook badge at right to check them out.  If interested in purchasing this work....contact me ginlammert@yahoo.com or phone 641-208-5968

Southern Iowa

Size: 7.5"x 10"
Medium: Pastel on LaCarte paper
This piece will be in a "silent auction" for Iowa Tourism.  Promoting Southern Iowa....what we have to offer.
This is the landscape painting I created while demonstrating during the Villages Folk School workshop held this weekend.  I'll be posting more pics showing this piece and the students that attended....all  in an album on my facebook page.  Click facebook badge at right to view the album.Oh...and "Like" me there too. Thanks!!!

The Beginning of a New Day

Click on image to enlarge
size: 10.5" x 14.5"   Pastels on Wallis paper.

It was a quiet morning when I captured this sunrise on film.  While re-creating the moment with painting, I felt I was an extension  of the sky when making the strokes of color on paper.  I liked the feeling.....flowing....floating.....gentle movement.  Okay!  I'm not on drugs here.  Just enjoying the act of painting/creating. 

Golden

10.5"x14.5"   Pastel on Wallis paper

Back to "skyscapes"! We've had very little rain in SE Iowa and I make a mad dash to an open area (no buildings) to check out the sunsets when there is clouds in the sky.

This particular sunset was so brilliant with reds and golds.  I couldn't resist making a pastel version of this moment in time.

Of the vine #2

Oil...28"x22" canvas with frame painted as extension of image. (not shown here )

I never tire of seeing how light is captured and reflected in glass.  The goblets here have a swirl in them that really distorts the items when viewed  thru  them.  AND white cloth is never pure white except in direct light. Even then, it reflects the color of the light source........ so many  shadows.

Sun almost set

Size: 10"x14"
Medium:  Soft Pastel on Wallis paper

I know I jump around in subject matter.....I'm inspired by all I see.  Used another photo I took years ago to create this little number.  Off to work on another "skyscape" now.

After the Storm

click on image to enlarge
23"x17"  Soft Pastel on Wallis paper

I was searching thru old photos I had taken for use as reference material and came across several "skyscapes" I had taken back in 1997.  I never grow tired of witnessing the change in light during the morning or late evening.  Especially when a storm is about to unfold or has broken up. 

Of the vine

Click on image to enlarge

10"x8"  Oil on Canvasboard

The inspiration for this still life came from the Iron & Lace Store.  The blacksmith (Bill Printy) creates these wonderful hanging vines that will hold from one to up to five wine bottles.  He has one design that mounts on the wall......it may be the subject for another wine still life painting.



Lace Pitcher in Country Blue

Click on image to enlarge
Image size:  10"x8"    Medium:   Oil

Here's another still life created while at the Iron & Lace Store, Bentonsport, IA.  This is one of several different styles of pitchers Betty Printy creates.  The "Lace" comes from her using the plant Queen Anne's Lace in most of her pottery.  Each piece becomes a unique work of art since the flower used  can not be replicated.

"The Potter"

Click on image to enlarge

Size: 17"x14"
Medium:  Soft Pastel on Wallis paper

This is the portrait of Betty Printy of Iron & Lace in Bentonsport, IA.  After having giclee prints made, it will be hanging along side the "Blacksmith" portrait of her husband, Bill Printy.  Paintings will be on display in their store "Iron & Lace" in Bentonsport, IA. 

Store hours are 10am to 5pm...7 days a week until the end of October.  Weekends only November & December- or by appointment. Store number is 319-592-3222.   I'm usually at the store monday through thursday until the end of October. (Called away if there's a family emergency...that does happen from time to time :(  )

Evan at One

Click on image to enlarge

Size: 16"x12"   Soft Pastel on Wallis sanded paper.

This painting is to celebrate this young man's first year of birth. He is having a joyful time discovering things and it's so much fun to watch him do it.    I'm working on a pastel painting of his Grandmother Betty right now.   I'll be posting it soon.





Early morning in Van Buren Co.



Click on image to enlarge
Size: 13"x 9.5"   Soft Pastel onWallis sanded paper
To purchase:  email me: ginlammert@yahoo.com 

Ah........Plein air painting (painting on location)!  I'm Hooked!!!!  This is a scene I pass when going to Bentonsport from home 4 days a week.  I finally took the time to meet fellow artists and we spent an early morning painting.  It was nice for a change to "STOP" and really take in the view instead of driving by 55miles an hour.  Location?  On Hwy 2, Southern Iowa.

In the Wind

Image size: 11"x 7 3/4"   Soft pastel on Wallis sanded paper

It's all about movement.....dancing in the breeze.  I can imagine the fairies at play.
This is another work I've been taking to the summer outdoor shows.  If interested in purchasing, please send me an email.  ginlammert@yahoo.com

Golden Sunshine

Size: 7"x5" - Soft Pastel on Wallis sanded paper    
Price: $60. (includes single white mat/work mounted on matboard...ready to place in 8"x10" frame)
Shipping:  FREE in lower 48 States 
To Purchase:    contact me... ginlammert@yahoo.com  or call 641-208-5968

When viewing sunflowers.....I can't help but smile.  They're pure Cheer....Hmmmmm I think that's a title for another painting.

A Bit of Sun

Size 5"x7"
Soft Pastel on Wallis paper

It's still too early for these lovely flowers to be open this season but I took plenty of photos last year of these gems.  They always put a smile on my face!

almost finished

click on image to enlarge





Going to title this one "Focused".  It is 16.5"x12" and I'll frame it 24"x18"

Here's something I've been working on while at Iron & Lace Store.  Plan to have it hanging there soon.  This is of Bill Printy, the Blacksmith and the "Iron" of Iron & Lace Store.  His wife, Betty Printy, is the potter/weaver.   I snapped the photo of Bill that I'm using as a reference for this image. He was working last fall (2010) on a copper piece for a clicnt.

I plan to do a pastel of Betty soon.  We're still deciding what "pose".  Nothing formal!

Late Afternoon Light

5"x7"  soft pastel on wallis paper
$ 45. + shipping/handling 
(pastel is mounted and includes white mat cut to standard 8"x10" size - ready to frame)
To purchase, contact me:   ginlammert@yahoo.com

Reflections were very suttle on these dishes and I was drawn to the pattens  the shaded areas made.   Was the meal over?  Hmmmmmm.......just wondering about the conversation.

White-Chilled

Size: 11"x8"
Medium:  Soft (chalk) Pastel on Wallis sanded paper.

This was my still life set up  demonstrating "A Simple Still Life"  for the Tassel Ridge Winery Pastel Workshop held April 30th.  We had a Great time and all those that attended left with beautiful works of their own. 
The space we held this event in is ideal for conducting classes.  Not only did all those attending walk away with beautiful works of their own, we were treated with a wonderful gourmet lunch, and  a tour of the facility by the owner.  Of course, there was plenty of time after the workshop for wine testing and gift shopping.
I'm looking forward to the next time I lead a creative workshop at Tassel Ridge.

Dancing in the Breeze

Click on image to enlarge
7"x5"  Soft (chalk) Pastel on Wallis pastel paper.
Pastel mounted on archival matboard with white flecked mat surrounding image.  Mat cut to fit standard 8"x10" frame.
(All my original pastel works are matted to fit a standard frame size.  Mat with shipping/handling is included in purchase price.)  To Purchase:  contact me ...email:   ginlammert@yahoo.com

Here's another of the Queen Anne's Lace series.  I remember it being windy the day I took the picture I've used here as reference for this work.  I have several more paintings ready, waiting to be completed.  I seem to shift to floral subjects when Spring time arrives.

A Good Partnership

Click on image to enlarge
5"x7"   Soft (chalk) pastel on Wallis paper
To purchase:  contact me   ginlammert@yahoo.com PLEASE - put "Pastel wanted" in subject line.  ( This piece in 8"x10" wood frame - ready for table or wall) I'll have this picture at Mika's Pre-Mother's Day Studio Show April 30th/May1st.  (Thymelyglass Studio, Ottumwa, IA)

I love creating floral portraits like this.  Pure color dancing! I bet there's a lady bug ready to land on the QALace any moment. Let your imagination go and add what you want.

Lace...Lace...Lace!

Click on image to enlarge
7"x5"  Soft (chalk) Pastel on Wallis paper
I never tire of looking at QALace.  Or....Flowers in general.  I've been looking through seed catalogs....dreaming!  I have plenty of perennials in my yard so I don't need more plants.  Just focusing on veggie garden.  I DO like the colors here.  The blues are some of my favorite.

QA Lace 2

Click on image to enlarge
5"x7"  soft (chalk) pastel on stonehenge paper
To Purchase using PayPal:  go to "small available works" on website  http://www.ginlammert.com/

I have several more lace paintings coming up.  Now that I'm back painting flowers, I feel even more anxious for late Spring.  I love this time of year and summer (when these beauties are in bloom).  To witness a flower's life cycle is so rewarding to me.  It's still cold outside, but I've managed to play in the dirt already.....planted Spinach.

Queen Anne Lace @ Iron & Lace

Click on image to enlarge
11"x8"  soft (chalk) pastel on wallis paper
To Purchase with PayPal:  go to website http://www.ginlammert.com/  "small available works" page

I took several photos of the lace growing in front of the Iron & Lace Store in Bentonsport, IA last summer.  Betty Printy uses this flower in her signature pottery that is sold there.  Shopping season this year begins April 18th and I will be minding the store 4 days a week this year during open season. (Monday thru Thursday)

I invite all that follow this blog to come and pay me a visit....enjoy the small community and what it has to offer.  Iron & Lace is filled with creative One-of-a-kind Iron work, Pottery, Rag rugs and so much more.  You can learn more about Bentonsport at http://villagesofvanburen.com/

Wine with Friends

Click on image to enlarge
16"x12"   Oil on canvas board
To Purchase online: go to website http://www.ginlammert.com/  click "Artwork" -latest work
Price online - $285. (includes shipping and handling) / Hand delivered (within 75 mile radius of Pulaski, IA )  $250.
I plan to have this with me at my next  pastel workshop scheduled for April 30th at Tassel Ridge Winery.  http://www.tasselridge.com/    If I still have it in May......it can be seen and purchased at the "Spring Art Market" Art show May 22nd in Valley Junction, West Des Moines, IA. 

I'm having fun adding dimension to the oil paintings I do.  "Layering" the surface gives the work added texture.  Here, the outside raised surface is the actual frame.   I'm including the frame as part of the actual composition in most of the oil paintings I'm doing these days.

"Banana Split...another food group"

Click on image to enlarge
Oil on stretched canvas.....24"x36"

This is the last of 3 paintings that are going to be used as back drop images for a children's music production being performed in Bloomfield, IA  April 3rd.  I know one thing.....it's a challenge for me to not think of sweets (stating again, I'm a Chocoholic :(  )  and wanting to run to the kitchen to eat while working on paintings that focus on food.  So, I'll probably not be painting too many more compositions like this.  Back to flowers, motorcycles, dishes, portraits.....much "safer" subject matter for me to focus on.   BUT....gotta say....this was a Fun project!

Sundae Anyone?

Click image to enlarge
36"x24"  Oil on stretched canvas
Here's the 2nd of the 3 paintings that will be used as back drop for the up coming music production in Bloomfield, IA.  Next is a Banana Split......I'm craving ice cream now.

Chocolate

Oil -24"x36" on stretched canvas Click image to enlarge.
Well......my hubby shook his head when he saw me painting this subject.  Said I wouldn't be able to part with it since it's my favorite food group.  It's actually 1 of 3 paintings I'm doing that will be "Visual Aids" for a local music production coming up next month.  I'm hoping someone will want this hanging in their home.  I hate the idea of painting over "Chocolate".   But I will if I need the canvas.

Holding Hot Water for Tea

11.5"x8.5"  Soft Pastel on Wallis pastel paper.
To Purchase online using PayPal, go to:  http://www.ginlammert.com/   Small Available Works page
This digital image comes close to replicating the original but, by far, doesn't show the blending of colors.  The original is so much more vibrant (alive) I think, and each color makes a smooth transition to the next.  I love working on the Wallis paper because I can layer so many pastels on top of each other allowing them to blend themselves(this is called "scumbling").   The paper is like fine sand paper so using this method saves the skin on my pinky finger(what I traditionally use to blend pastels).

Let's Dance

5"x7"  Oil on panel
Available:  $75. Price INCLUDES shipping/handling. 
To Purchase thru PayPal, go to:  http://www.ginlammert.com/  click Small Available Works
  If work is hand delivered,  price is $60.  (I don't charge the shp/hdling fee so please contact me for price change.  ginlammert@yahoo.com
Colors here are very close to the original....just the digital camera doesn't capture the detail as well as I'd like.  I'm still experimenting....learning how to best capture the likeness with the camera.

Witnessed Kiss

5"x7" Oil on panel
To Purchase through PayPal, go to: http://www.ginlammert.com/  "Small Available Works" page
I found these dishes sitting like this in an antique store I was browsing through.  What caught my eye was the "gentle touch".

"Hmm...Hmm...Good!"

Click on image to enlarge

 7"x5"  Oil on canvas board   To Purchase: www.ginlammert.com (Small Available Works page)

The inspiration here .....I put together a still life with wine bottle, glass,grapes and these little jewels.  Decided to paint just the apples because I fell in love with the shadows around them.  White spots in the image here are caused by light reflecting off the wet paint.  I still don't have a way to touch this up on my computer.

I created an album on my facebook page that shows the still life set up and the beginning of this work.  Just click fb badge at right.  I invite you to "Like" GinLammertFineArt page too. Thanks!

Unconditional Love

Click on image to enlarge

10"x13" Soft Pastel on sanded paper

This is a commission I just finished a few days ago.  The party that wanted the work sent me a digital image via facebook .  They also sent other images so I could get a better "feel" of the attachment and personality of the little girl.  I posted an album on my facebook page showing the original picture I printed off that I worked from.

Art demo

Had the opportunity to share  my enthusiasm for soft pastels with High School Art Students this morning.  Explained how I set up a simple still life and surprised them with how easy pastel is to work with.  I had made a large turquiose stroke in the middle of the paper....showed how easy it is to "cover up" something you don't want.  Posted a picture album on my facebook page.  Go to http://www.facebook.com/Gin-Lammert-Fine-Art/111176168941724#!/pages/Gin-Lammert-Fine-Art/111176168941724   or click badge to right.

"Water"

Click image to enlarge



20"x28"  Soft (chalk) pastel on 100% cotton paper

Now I have the 4 Elements completed.  This version of "Water" is much calmer and more what I had in mind then the first version I did last month.   Now I'm ready to move on to the Seasons - Directions and many more paintings that are allegorical in nature.  

Fire

Click on image to enlarge
28"x20"  Soft Pastel on 100% cotton paper
Finally.....the final version of "Fire" for my element series.  I had created the first version earlier this month....using the same pose but different flame; hair....it just wasn't the vision I had in my head.  This is more like it. I'll be making Giclee Prints later this spring for art shows.  Meantime, I may go ahead and post her on my Fine America site so you can order prints online. The site URL is on my website homepage. 
http://www.ginlammert.com/

Mother and Child

Click image to enlarge
Image size: 19"x13"  soft pastel on 100% cotton paper
Here's a commissioned work in progress.  Didn't get a picture of the finished piece.