I recently accepted a challenge - to create 30 new paintings in 30 days. The purpose of this exercise is to impose discipline - we don't always feel "in the mood" to commit art, but we should go do it anyway - we will learn from each experience. In addition, just by painting every day our paintings become better over a short period of time.
I am posting here the paintings I am creating for this challenge. If you are interested in any of these paintings, they are all for sale. I plan on doing mostly 9" X 12" paintings. Prices are for framed paintings. If you would like a painting unframed, subtract $50. Unframed paintings can be shipped, and the shipping cost is additional (should be less than $50).
I am posting here the paintings I am creating for this challenge. If you are interested in any of these paintings, they are all for sale. I plan on doing mostly 9" X 12" paintings. Prices are for framed paintings. If you would like a painting unframed, subtract $50. Unframed paintings can be shipped, and the shipping cost is additional (should be less than $50).
Day 1 - Over the River - Soft Pastel UArt 400 paper 9x12 $250
A peaceful evening view from the riverbanks. Pink and muted tones reflect and swirl on the river surface. A bridge reaches over the river in the distance,
A peaceful evening view from the riverbanks. Pink and muted tones reflect and swirl on the river surface. A bridge reaches over the river in the distance,
Day 2 - River Overpass - Soft Pastel UArt 400 paper 9x12 $250
Shadows and light play under the pillars of a river overpass in the morning light. Traffic streaming overhead belies the calm tranquility on the river below.
Shadows and light play under the pillars of a river overpass in the morning light. Traffic streaming overhead belies the calm tranquility on the river below.
Day 3 Charmed - Soft pastel UArt 400 paper 9x12 $250
i was painting an idyllic scene in late afternoon. Suddenly a bride and groom descended stone steps across the lake and proceeded into a lo-ong kiss. I was charmed!
i was painting an idyllic scene in late afternoon. Suddenly a bride and groom descended stone steps across the lake and proceeded into a lo-ong kiss. I was charmed!
Day 4 - Comin' Round the Bend! - Soft pastel Pastel Premier paper 9x12 $250
While I was painting a view of Kirkwood Train Station from the other side of the tracks, I heard a train whistle. Sure enough, soon it appeared 'comin' round the bend'!
While I was painting a view of Kirkwood Train Station from the other side of the tracks, I heard a train whistle. Sure enough, soon it appeared 'comin' round the bend'!
Day 5 - A walk in the Light - Soft pastel Art Spectrum Black paper 9x12 $250
The entry way to the labyrinth at Mercy Center is a wonderful arch covered with a flowering vine. The sun filters through clouds, backlighting the archway. It reminded me of the hymn "Walk in the Light".
The entry way to the labyrinth at Mercy Center is a wonderful arch covered with a flowering vine. The sun filters through clouds, backlighting the archway. It reminded me of the hymn "Walk in the Light".
Day 6 - Night Train - Soft Pastel 9x12 Pastel Art Panel - black (Multimedia Art Board) SOLD!
I am mesmerized at the transition from twilight sky to sunset afterglow. Kirkwood Train Station also assumes a magical quality as the roof lights make their twinkling appearance. The bonus came with a rumbling night train lighting up the tracks!
I am mesmerized at the transition from twilight sky to sunset afterglow. Kirkwood Train Station also assumes a magical quality as the roof lights make their twinkling appearance. The bonus came with a rumbling night train lighting up the tracks!
Day 7 - Peaceful Reflections - 8x10 Soft pastel Mi-Tientes' Touch paper $200
Painting the reflections in this little corner of nature filled me with peace. What an idyllic place for a leisurely stroll!
Painting the reflections in this little corner of nature filled me with peace. What an idyllic place for a leisurely stroll!
Day 8 - Paradise in a Puddle! - 9x12 UArt 400 $300
There is a special place that I wanted to paint, while trying to beat the rain. As I gazed, I was painting much more than a "puddle". I was staring at a piece of paradise as raindrops began to fall!
There is a special place that I wanted to paint, while trying to beat the rain. As I gazed, I was painting much more than a "puddle". I was staring at a piece of paradise as raindrops began to fall!
Day 9 Stark's Cabin - 9x12 Soft pastel UArt 600 $250
This is a historic cabin in Louisiana, MO. I participated in a Plein Air event there this weekend. This was painted outdoors in early evening.
This is a historic cabin in Louisiana, MO. I participated in a Plein Air event there this weekend. This was painted outdoors in early evening.
Day 10 - Twin Bridges - 12x16 Soft Pastel Colorfix Rose Gray SOLD!
This is the Mississippi River painted from the highest point of Riverview Cemetery in Louisiana, MO. I am happy to announce that this painting SOLD at the gallery reception!
This is the Mississippi River painted from the highest point of Riverview Cemetery in Louisiana, MO. I am happy to announce that this painting SOLD at the gallery reception!
Day 11 - Place of Repose - 11x14 Soft pastel Colorfix rose grey $250
I wandered upon this delightful stream. The sun sparkled off the edges of Rick ledges. The sound of the water dancing off the rocks & bubbling in the pool below was quite soothing. This is truly a place of repose!
I wandered upon this delightful stream. The sun sparkled off the edges of Rick ledges. The sound of the water dancing off the rocks & bubbling in the pool below was quite soothing. This is truly a place of repose!
Day 12 - Tracks are Quiet - 11x14 Soft Pastel Pastel Artist Panel $350
"Quick Draws" in Plein Air competitions are paintings done in a short time...usually 2-3 hours. I was only competing with myself and the fading light.
"Quick Draws" in Plein Air competitions are paintings done in a short time...usually 2-3 hours. I was only competing with myself and the fading light.
Day 13 - Slice of Nature - 9x12 Soft Pastel Colorfix board, beige $300
I went out late afternoon to Shaw's Nature Reserve. I spent an hour just hiking around, scoping out places to paint. There is SO much! Finally, time was of the essence, so I chose this little slice of nature.
I went out late afternoon to Shaw's Nature Reserve. I spent an hour just hiking around, scoping out places to paint. There is SO much! Finally, time was of the essence, so I chose this little slice of nature.
Day 14 - Parkview High School, Springfield, MO - 12x16 Soft Pastel - Not for Sale
I am a graduate of Parkview High School in Springfield, MO (class of 1966). This year is my 50th reunion. This painting shows how the school looked back when I went there (there have been a few changes since). The sun would come pouring through all these windows (which did not open!) making it pretty hot. I am giving the original of this painting to the high school, but prints are are available here.
I am a graduate of Parkview High School in Springfield, MO (class of 1966). This year is my 50th reunion. This painting shows how the school looked back when I went there (there have been a few changes since). The sun would come pouring through all these windows (which did not open!) making it pretty hot. I am giving the original of this painting to the high school, but prints are are available here.
Day 15 - View From Deck - 9 x 12 - Soft Pastel - Pastel Premier Paper - $300
We are in Ozark, MO staying with a high school friend. I am on their back deck in early morning, facing this lovely view.
We are in Ozark, MO staying with a high school friend. I am on their back deck in early morning, facing this lovely view.
Day 17 - Work is Done - 9x12 Soft pastel Premium Pastel $200
Mowing is finished. Clouds piling high in the sky. Work is done and all is well.
Mowing is finished. Clouds piling high in the sky. Work is done and all is well.
Day 18 Quick Draw Barn Sketch
This quick draw was done with graphite pencil. I liked this barn because it has so much character. It has clearly seen better days, with boards sagging or missing and light showing through the gaps. The sparseness of vegetation in this winter scene completes the sense of quiet desolation.
This quick draw was done with graphite pencil. I liked this barn because it has so much character. It has clearly seen better days, with boards sagging or missing and light showing through the gaps. The sparseness of vegetation in this winter scene completes the sense of quiet desolation.
Day 19 Quick Draw Value Study
This quick draw was done using graphite pencil and black pastel stick.. It is interesting to sketch loosely, emphasizing darks and lights (values) over details. I am continuing to use the Kirkwood Train Station frequently, using a somewhat different focus each time.
This quick draw was done using graphite pencil and black pastel stick.. It is interesting to sketch loosely, emphasizing darks and lights (values) over details. I am continuing to use the Kirkwood Train Station frequently, using a somewhat different focus each time.
Day 20 - Winter Thaw - 11x14 Soft pastel Art Spectrum black $350
This barn is located in St. Charles County. It has seen better days and seems to be shivering in a winter thaw. Thinking and painting "cool" was soothing on a hot summer day!
This barn is located in St. Charles County. It has seen better days and seems to be shivering in a winter thaw. Thinking and painting "cool" was soothing on a hot summer day!
Day 21 - Fall is in the Air - 9x12 Art Spectrum buff $250
Some trees are bursting forth with an early display of color. Others still have their summer foliage. Morning sunlight magnifies the colors.
Some trees are bursting forth with an early display of color. Others still have their summer foliage. Morning sunlight magnifies the colors.
Day 22 - Carousel in Firenze - 9x12 Canson Mi-Tiente black $250
I am enthralled by the carnival atmosphere created by the lights, music, & motion of a carousel at night. This one was at a square in Florence, Italy. There were lots of cafes and people leisurely strolling around. It was a magical night.
I am enthralled by the carnival atmosphere created by the lights, music, & motion of a carousel at night. This one was at a square in Florence, Italy. There were lots of cafes and people leisurely strolling around. It was a magical night.
Day 23 - In Dawn's Early Light - 9x12 Soft Pastel Clairefontaine dusty rose
This is a quick draw from a photo of a place that I love dearly. Early morning light on the beach softly lights up the edges of clouds and gradually shrinks the shadows. It is a time of stillness and peace - a paddle boarder's paradise!
This is a quick draw from a photo of a place that I love dearly. Early morning light on the beach softly lights up the edges of clouds and gradually shrinks the shadows. It is a time of stillness and peace - a paddle boarder's paradise!
Day 24 Quick Study Notan - View from Highrise - 6x6 Tombow markers & wash Coldpress 140lb watercolor paper
Notan is a study of lights and darks in black and white. I did this quick study using Tombow markers & wash. I was looking out of the third floor window of a Boston hotel and saw this view in the distance. Lacking my pastels, I thought this would be a good time to practice painting values with contrasting lights and darks.
Notan is a study of lights and darks in black and white. I did this quick study using Tombow markers & wash. I was looking out of the third floor window of a Boston hotel and saw this view in the distance. Lacking my pastels, I thought this would be a good time to practice painting values with contrasting lights and darks.
Day 25 - Stairway to Heaven - 6x6 Tombow markers Coldpress watercolor paper
This stairway is leading to the highest point of Riverview Overlook Cemetery in Louisiana, MO. From the bottom of the stairs looking up, it truly appears to be a stairway to heaven.
This stairway is leading to the highest point of Riverview Overlook Cemetery in Louisiana, MO. From the bottom of the stairs looking up, it truly appears to be a stairway to heaven.
Day 26 - On the River - 6x6 Tombow markers Coldpress watercolor paper
This small Notan is a study of light reflections and atmosphere on the Vltava River in Prague. A lone paddler can be seen gliding through the placid water as the shadows lengthen on the shore in late afternoon.
This small Notan is a study of light reflections and atmosphere on the Vltava River in Prague. A lone paddler can be seen gliding through the placid water as the shadows lengthen on the shore in late afternoon.
Day 27 - Heavenly Drama - 5x8 Tombow markers & wash Canson paper
The Boston autumn sky has been dramatic approaching early evenings. This time, a 5x8 Notan value study was used to depict the drama. I stood in awe!
The Boston autumn sky has been dramatic approaching early evenings. This time, a 5x8 Notan value study was used to depict the drama. I stood in awe!
Day 28 - History on Main Street - 12x16 Soft pastel Art Spectrum Colourfix $450
Today I participated in the Riverfront Paint Off 2016 in St. Charles, MO. The theme was Main Street. I enjoyed painting this historic building.
Today I participated in the Riverfront Paint Off 2016 in St. Charles, MO. The theme was Main Street. I enjoyed painting this historic building.
Day 29 - Through the Willows - 9x12 Soft Pastel Premier Pastel $300
I painted this in early morning overlooking the Missouri River in St. Charles. Through the willows, I could view the clouds & light rimming the edges. In about an hour, the conditions became overcast, cool, and breezy. Thankfully, I work quickly, so I was able to complete it in short order!
I painted this in early morning overlooking the Missouri River in St. Charles. Through the willows, I could view the clouds & light rimming the edges. In about an hour, the conditions became overcast, cool, and breezy. Thankfully, I work quickly, so I was able to complete it in short order!
Day 30 - Main Street Riverside - 9x12 Soft Pastel UArt 400 $250
This is the last day for the September 30 in 30 Challenge, and I stayed the course! The last painting was also done in St. Charles during the Riverfront paint Off. It's been fun. Thanks for viewing!
This is the last day for the September 30 in 30 Challenge, and I stayed the course! The last painting was also done in St. Charles during the Riverfront paint Off. It's been fun. Thanks for viewing!