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Friday, June 4, 2010

Getting back into pastel, but playing with it today

I'm still working on the watercolor, but made myself bring out my pastels.  I will be taking a workshop from Richard McKinley in September, so I better get back to work.

But this abstract thing I've been into lately is very relaxing and brings out my intuition.  So, for the first time with pastels, I did not have a photographic reference, I did not have a plan, I just started picking out attractive colors and putting them on white strathmore pastel paper.  You cannot put water on this paper, so I used a piece of foam to rub the first layer of color into the texture of the paper. 

After looking at it for a while, the closest thing it looked like was a flower garden.  So I started putting in cobblestone and rock and flower shapes.  Totally from my head, and using the shapes already on the paper.

I am certainly not an abstract painter, but this is fun attempting to do it.  What is that logo or saying?  "Just do it!"  Maybe Nike.

5 comments:

Claire Beadon Carnell said...

This has such a lovely, mysterious softness to it, Carolyn. It makes me feel as though I should just jump in and float among the mist and flowers. Beautiful!

Euphoria said...

I must say I like it when you play.
I like this pastel painting because I don´t see rigid figures and it is clear to me that you are not trying to copy a photograph.
Don´t ever forget how to play!!!

Ida M. Glazier said...

I am so glad you are going to the Mckinnely workshop!!! Thaila contacted me about it, but I can't go. You can demonstate later to me!! Would you? Glad you are in the pastles again, and if you want to go out sometime before Sept. let me know and we will go to Hope valley!!! or somewhere. Tahoe arts league has plein-air outings this summer, free. Look at the website!

Carolyn Jean Thompson said...

Thank you for the encouragement ladies!

ti-igra said...

Hi, Carolyn! I re-connected and want to join the word friends! That's cool, you return to pastel painting! I am waiting for your astels from Plein air! They are very beautiful!!
It's interesting work with colors and shapes, like a garden, you are always invent something interesting! You can devise tasks for yourself, even if there is no time to paint, you find it!

It's always very interesting to read how your work process, I learn about interesting things and techniques from you!
Wish you have a very beautiful days, Carolyn! :-)