Spring Lambs 12 x 16, pastel on Pastelbord

Went out to paint today and found this old barn with just a little red still showing, but a crop of new lambs bleating happily! Fortunately, there was a small area of flat, mowed grass where I could park and paint.

I'm continuing my exploration of the areas of Clarksburg still untouched by recent development. I don't know how long this barn will last!

Back to plein air--at last!

Given my show, arm surgery, and a very wet spring, I haven't had a chance to get outside to paint. Yesterday, in between storms, I was finally able to get outside.

I painted two old barns in Clarksburg and focused on shapes and values and capturing the light on the lower roof. It was lovely to be outside again--before it gets too hot!

Clarksburg Barns 11 x 14 pastel on Ampersand Pastelbord

Pitcher with Three Pears, 11 x 14 pastel on Ampersand Pastelbord

I did this still life as a demonstration for a chapter in the book I'm writing on Color Choices in Pastel. The chapter is on observed color. I like the challenge of using black and more neutral colors, and really like the way they set off the greens and reds of the pitcher.

I wasn't sure about this picture at all until I put in the grayed geens in the background and it suddenly came alive. I'm finding this combination of complementary color (cool reds and warm greens) along with the blacks and neutrals to be very pleasing. Now, how to work that into landscape???

Shore Houses

My recent show at Waverly Street Gallery is at last over, after 5 weeks! It's been great, however, and I've met new people, made new fans, and had a wonderful time visiting with friends and sharing my work. Last Friday, some of my friends from the library world, in town for a conference, came to see the show, and this was a special treat.

In top left photo, Hien Nguyen (LC), my husband John Hansman, and Lisa Furubotten (Texas).

In the group photo are Lisa, Hien, Galen Jones (U. of Wales), Kris Lindlan (U. Washington), me, Adolpho Tarango (U. San Diego), and Cynthia Whitaker (OCLC, Ohio).

Now that the show is over, I'm resolving to do more with my blog!!! But first, more arm surgery on Thursday to remove the metal rod and pins that are really bothering me.