Out under the sky, I make sketches to show movement of clouds, and wind over grasses, the dip and shadow of the land.
Across the sketch I write notes — a brief poetry of colour,
storm blue - ember - pale gold
lit green - radiant grey
Each referencing a pastel blend or mix of paint for the final piece.
In studio, I create a tiny colour study in coloured pencil and watercolour from the materials gathered or work directly from the en plein air sketch to capture a sense of immediacy in the larger composition.
For the finished work, I choose pastel on paper or paint on canvas.
Pastel
Beginning with the form of land and sky, I draw rapidly in conté onto indigo canson paper which is textured to hold layers of pastel.
Wide areas of pigment are laid down. As I work, I add depth of colour by layering pastel and blending by hand. Drawn lines of detail and movement are woven throughout, creating the piece as a whole.
Paint
I begin with the blank, white canvas and tone with a glowing rose or ochre.
Referring to my sketches I suggest the composition in a single colour. Using colour notes, I mix paints and work across canvas with expressive marks made with palette knife and paint brush.
I step back and forth from the easel to gain a sense of the overall development of the painting, layering and blending colour until the painting is complete.
To receive studio letter and invitations to exhibitions please enter your name and email address:
