Thursday, December 4, 2014

"Peach Fiesta", Pastel, 6" x 6", Painted on Wallis Pro

My "An Apple a Day sort of....." series has morphed into what should probably be called a "6 x 6 series of various and sundry items......" I should probably add my pears to this series as well...lol...

I've moved on to a teacup, specifically a Fiestaware teacup. I have a few of these in different colors, my mind is coming up with some interesting still life options......

This one almost killed me..... the ellipse fought me tooth and nail, but before I could actually get it right, the entire thing got smooshed, and I mean smooshed, by a canvas bag sliding on it and very neatly blending all the colors together..... it had these somewhat cool and very perfect lines going across the painting, hundreds of them..... honestly, I almost trashed the whole thing. However, that ellipse kept calling me to be fixed, which prompted me to forge on and not give up.

My first painting as a Signature Member of PSA

Painted from life, this subject never rots or dies..... sits still for as long as you want, can take the heat lamp (lol.....), never needs a break. I highly recommend it!!!


"Peach Tea Fiesta", Pastel, 6" x 6"
Painted on Wallis Pro
Paper toned with Pan Pastels
Used Unison, Mount Vision, Terry Ludwig, and Girault sticks
Carb Othello and Conte Pastel Pencil 

© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved

Monday, November 17, 2014

Pastel Society of America Signature Status......

I cannot contain myself........I received notification today via snail mail telling me I am now a signature member of the Pastel Society of America!!



For those that do not know, the Pastel Society of America is the Pastel Society that started it all, the one to aspire to, the one you want to be a member of. For a pastelist, it truly is the organization that holds the pastel community together. And yes, there is a pastel community, a large, international group of artists... bound together by a common love of pastels, supporting each other and sharing their love and knowledge of the medium.


I am truly so very excited, I don't even know what to say....... I keep telling myself to breathe, otherwise I'm afraid I will pass out!! This has been a goal of mine for over 15 years (I've been painting with pastels for 20 years, a very long time....), always painting and thinking to myself, not yet, I'm not ready, I've got to get better, maybe next year I'll apply..... Well, this year was the year I finally decided to apply. They take 5 paintings and consider them as part of the jurying process. What a month I've had, waiting to hear was excruciating! I've spent the last few weeks in a strange mood, not quite myself, knowing why, but not willing to explain myself to anybody other than close family and three close friends. Thank you for putting up with me and my mood swings.......you know who you are....




Thank you Pastel Society of America, and the jurors involved in this process. I will proudly display those initials on my resume, it is something I've aspired to for a very long time, and I'm now so very thrilled to be able to say I am a signature member of the Pastel Society of America.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

#4 Macintosh, Pastel, 6" x 6", painted on Uart 400

    An apple a day.....sort of.....

    I have a new student that started taking lessons with me this past Saturday. I used my apple series as an opportunity to both add to my series as well as demonstrate some of my techniques. I was taught by a dear friend that if you can paint an apple well, you can paint anything well. Plus, apples aren't so easy. Actually, none of this stuff is......

    I used the usual suspects, Terry Ludwig, Mount Vision, Unison and Girault pastels. I toned the paper with pan pastels, not the metallics this time, just the plain old vanilla type...lol....

© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved

#3 Golden Delicious, Pastel, 6" x 6", painted on Wallis Pro

    An apple a day......sort of.....

    I used a mix of Terry Ludwig, Mount Vision, Unison and Girault pastels. I toned the paper with metallic pan pastels again, it adds a fun shimmer to the painting. Not overwhelming, which I particularly like.


    © by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved

Thursday, October 9, 2014

An apple a day..... sort of...... Golden Delicious #2, Pastel, 6"x6", Painted on Wallis Pro

Another one in my series An apple a day.....sort of.  

Golden Delicious #2, Pastel, 6" x 6"
Painted on Wallis Pro

Paper toned with Pan Pastels

I used Girault, Mount Vision, Unison, Great American, and Ludwig.

I didn't intend to get so realistic, but I got carried away with the cloth.   I  enjoy painting fabric, the folds are always a challenge.  I also used the metallic Pan Pastels for the background.


   © by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved 



Tuesday, October 7, 2014

How important do you think edges are?

A friend on Facebook asked a question about painting fuzzier or more photo realistic.  He thought maybe work done in that style is "more creative, and is more highly regarded".



Here's my take on it:

We all have our own style, and it comes through regardless of our efforts to change it. I'm not a big advocate of trying to change one's style, but I do believe in improvement.  Who doesn't want to improve?  Everyone has room for improvement, even the masters.  That's how they got to be masters, they're always looking to improve.  So, keeping this in mind, I suggest looking at edge work to improve your paintings.  Looking at your edge work won't compromise your style, it will enhance it. Edges are a critical component of any painting.  They are subtle, but managed correctly they are one of the most critical components of composition.  They are often forgotten, but for me they are always on my mind, they are critical to my finished work. I look at my edges probably as much, or even more than my color, and probably as much as my values.  Look at your edges, lost, found, hard, soft. Edges are created in many ways, explore your options.

I love edges, they can make or break a painting, IMHO......

Monday, October 6, 2014

"An apple a day...sort of...." "Pink Lady", Pastel, 6"x6", on Wallis Pro

I was frustrated, wanting to paint, but feeling uninspired. The humble apple always gets me (if there are no pears around...lol...). I think my frustration comes through a bit with this one, the application of pastel is thick and juicy, and that's what I do when I'm frustrated, I apply the pastel heavy.


Also, this was an experiment of sorts. A dear friend of mine gave me three metallic pan pastels (he knew I wanted to give them a try). I toned the paper with some pan pastels, using the copper and gold metallic colors along with the plain janes. After doing the background, I pretty much lost the metallic pans, so I went in again over the sticks with the pans. They are holding pretty well, I must say.


A new series, I'm calling it "An apple a day.....sort of....."
Translation: "An apple a day......sort of......because I know full well I won't be able to paint one every day....., life just gets in the way". That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!


Wallis Pro Sanded Paper toned with Pan Pastels

I used Giraults, Mount Visions, Great Americans, Schmincke and Terry Ludwig pastels. I must say that Ludwig Gray set is indispensable, especially for backgrounds in still life.

© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved 






Monday, September 29, 2014

"Sundance", Pastel, 7"x11", painted on Uart400, gouache underpainting

I've been tooling around with this little painting for a while now.  The background got brushed off, as well as the stems.  Uart Paper is pretty tough, it can stand up to quite a lot of abuse. 

My goal with this one was to get a bit abstract, yet still keep it real.  I particularly like poppies, their colors are so beautiful, and the texture of the petals so delicate.  I am also fond of the way they appear to dance, hence the title "Sundance".


© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved 



Wednesday, August 27, 2014

I am in the 42nd Annual PSA Show, Enduring Brilliance, and I won an award!


The feeling you get while wondering who won awards at the 42nd Annual PSA Show, Enduring Brilliance, that you have a painting exhibited in.......... anxious....

The feeling you get when the caller ID on your phone says "Pastel Society of America"....... utterly blown away, butterflies in your stomach......absolutely stunned...... excited.......

Needless to say I am so very thrilled, and honored to accept the Pastel Society of the West Coast Award for my painting "Why?". For me this is the fourth time I've exhibited in this show, but it is the first time I've won an award. I am utterly blown away, totally excited, and absolutely honored to have my painting surrounded by such incredible pastel paintings.

Thank you to the awards juror Marjorie Shelley, the Sherman Fairfield Conservator in Charge, Metropolitan Museum of Art. Also, thank you to the Pastel Society of the West Coast for sponsoring the award, I am so very honored. And thank you to Jimmy Wright and all the members of PSA that helped to organize this amazing show.

Yup...... I'm excited!!!!
 
Here is my painting "again", I know I've posted it here, but what the heck!!!!
 
 
© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved


Sunday, August 3, 2014

"Sunken Meadow Creek", Gouache, 5" x 7"

Another gouache, this time it's of Sunken Meadow, a local park on the north shore of  Long Island.  This creek is part of the bird sanctuary.  Such a beautiful spot, the opportunity to view nature at its finest.

© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved


"Lavender by the Bay", Gouache, 5" x 7", painted in my Stillman and Birn sketchbook

I enjoy playing around with gouache.  I find the colors can be intense when you want it, yet you can easily subdue them as needed.  Much like pastel really, as they are opaque.

This is of a lavender field which is not too far from where I live.  It does take about an hour to get there, but it is so worth the drive.  The photos I get are gorgeous, and I have a hard time deciding which one to paint.

© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved

"Dusk", Pastel, 5 1/2" x 10", Painted on Arches hot press watercolor paper, primed with Golden fine pumice gel

I haven't been painting much lately ..... sailing every weekend has been my "escape"). Not a bad thing, but I do miss my pastels. I did this small one about two months ago (has it been *that* long???).

This really is just a sketch, done... quickly while teaching a class. I have to admit it's not my favorite surface to work on, but the more I use it the more I like it for quick sketches. I take my hot press Arches watercolor paper and cut it up into useful sizes for plein air work. I prime it with Golden fine pumice gel to get more tooth, and I usually tone it with pan pastels so I'm not working on a white surface. I have a lot of watercolor paper, and my thinking is if I get a good sketch while plein air painting, at least it's on great quality paper, and it's a good way to use it up. The way I plein air paint, it will take me a long time to use up what I've got.....lol.......

This one was done in the studio though, not plein air.


 
© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved


Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Pastel Society of America's 42nd Annual Show, Enduring Brilliance, September 2nd through 27th


I have been trying to find the right words to express both my gratitude and excitement for the news that my painting "Why?" has been accepted into the Pastel Society of America's 42nd Annual Exhibition, Enduring Brilliance. Thank you to the PSA and the jurors for this honor.  


The show is in September and is being held at the National Arts Club in NYC. I am very grateful for the opportunity to have my painting displayed in such a beautiful venue alongside so many accomplished artists' works. It is quite an honor, I am truly grateful to the PSA and the jurors for selecting my painting to be part of such a prestigious show..... truly humbled..... The National Arts Club in NYC is a beautiful, historic venue, and this show represents everything about pastels that I love, it is the medium at its very best.  I look forward to viewing the show, it's always a spectacular one.

Congratulations to all the artists that made the cut, it is such an honor to be displaying my work with you.
 
NYC here I come!!!
 
 © by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

A "Best in Show" award.....

I was pleased to accept a Best in Show award last weekend in an art show held by the Suburban Art League in Syosset, LI, NY.  What a great feeling to win an award like that, I truly appreciate it.

© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved

Monday, June 16, 2014

Plein air at my marina, Pastel, 6 1/2" x 10", Painted on Arches HP with Art Spectrum Colorfix primer

I painted this one plein air a couple of weeks ago. I tweaked it a bit in the studio, adjusting the value of the trees and adding color to the grasses. This is the third time painting this scene, and I am finding it to be a good exercise.  As with the pears, painting a landscape multiple times really allows you to study the scene, enabling you to capture its essence. 

I have by no means figured out this plein air stuff, but I do think I have improved a bit.  I'll keep at it.......

© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Packham's Triump pear #14, Pastel, 6" x 6"

Back with another pear, these aren't going away any time soon... I think I will continue with them, sporadically.....  They are a great exercise, keeps me thinking.

This time I wanted to do a green pear.  Green is always a challenge, anything I do here with green can be applied to the landscape.


© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved 

Friday, May 30, 2014

Quiet Reflections, Pastel.....................SOLD!

Yup!  Another one sold at the Islip Library!  Happy, Happy, Happy................

© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved


Late Afternoon 2, Pastel.............SOLD!

I sold this one today from my show at the Islip Library.  I am one happy camper.....

© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Bartlett Pear #6, Pastel, 6" x 6"......................SOLD!

I sold this painting to a wonderful person, I am so very pleased it is going to someone that I know will enjoy it.  These paintings of mine are a piece of me, so knowing that they are appreciated is truly a gift.  This pear seems to be a favorite of many in my series of pears, and now it's on its way to a new home.

© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved
 

Gentle Push, Pastel, 11" x 15".................... SOLD!

This painting has sold to a lovely woman.  I am pleased it is going to a good home, this one is a favorite of mine. 



© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Plein air at the Maritime Museum, May 7th, 8" x 6 1/2" Pastel painted on Wallis Pro

This is a place I like to go to with a local sketch group called the Patchogue Sketch Club.  I join them in the summer months to go plein air painting.  The local Maritime Marina is a great place to sketch or do plein air.  It is close by and beautiful and I love being by the water. 

I painted this using just Ludwig pastels, and I stuck to more muted tones.  It was a gray evening, not much light to speak of, but the soft colors were beautiful.  Nothing dramatic, but that soft light is dreamy and beautiful.

 © by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Plein Air, May 17 at Sunset Harbor, Pastel, 7" x 8"


I find plein air painting most challenging.  I keep at it, and I do think I'm learning quite a bit.  Some of the sketches aren't turning out too badly now, a good thing.

This one proved to be an excellent learning tool.  I find when using blue for skies and water, it can either be too "blue", or too "green".  Violet seems to be the perfect "calming agent".  I know it works great for calming the greens, and I'm finding that in small amounts (sometimes imperceptible to the viewer) it works wonders with blue.

Here is my first version of the scene, done on location.  I was pretty happy (for a plein air......) with the vegetation.  The water, not so much.  It was moving water, so there were no reflections.  Because of the light there was lots of sparkle on the water, very difficult to capture.  I'll keep trying... I found myself wanting to use a "greener" blue, thus the turquoise choice.  I thought it might marry the green of the landscape with the water.  Well, not so much.  In looking at this at home, I had a hard time reconciling the water with the painting.  For some reason, the sky works better to me, the water seemed a bit too much turquoise. 

So...........against most everything I've read about plein air, especially the statements that say, once you're done, don't go back into it in the studio....... I went back into it in the studio.  I have to say, that although there are valid reasons for not going back into the painting (I've heard them all....), for me right now I much prefer going back into the work.  My reasoning is that I'm not viewing any of these works as anything "precious", they are all learning tools.  If I go back into it, while my memory is still somewhat fresh, I can experiment to see what would work better for next time.  In the "calm" of my studio, with a clear head and no distractions, I can apply what I think might work, sort of let the pastel dust fly.  I really don't care if I "ruin" the sketch, it really doesn't matter to me.  The freedom to experiment on something not precious for me is a really good thing.

Okay, here is the first version:



 © by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved
 
 

 
And here is where I'm at now:
 
© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved
 
 
 
I confess that I wiped out the entire bottom half, all the water.  I ended up with a turquoise underpainting, which was fine.  There is plenty of turquoise in the sky, and it does need to be in the water, just not so much.  I then went in with tones of blues and violets........ I can see how using violet in the water has helped to marry the water with the landscape.  I used violet in the landscape portion, so adding it to the water in subdued tones does makes a big difference.  I originally did have violet up near the shore line in the water, which I left, but I also added it to the lighter areas near the foreground. I also added tones of green and warm red in the water, again in an attempt to marry the scene.  This is by no means a masterpiece, but I do feel that the exercise was extremely valuable, so to that end it is a huge success.
                                          





Thursday, May 15, 2014

Comice pear #13a, Pears Squared Series, 6" x 6" Pastel

Another in the series.  This time I painted on Canson MT paper.  It's always been a favorite of mine, and since my students were using it today, I thought I would join them and paint a pear. 

This was painted using the same pile of sticks, though I did add my new Ludwig "Best Loved Basics" set, it was nearby and I figured I'd add them in.

Forelle Pear #12, Pears Squared Series, 6" x 6" Pastel

How much can I say about pears? Well, I'm running out of things to say actually..... this one is a Forelle pear, I liked the cast shadow, hence the reason for this particular view.  I left this one with the blocks of color really showing, it sort of looks like patchwork.  Just another experiment, each one is an opportunity to try something new.  I believe #10 was also somewhat like patchwork.

Painted on Wallis Pro, using the same variety of sticks as before.  The paper was toned with Pan Pastels.  All I can say is so much for trying to do something less colorful...lol.... maybe my next one will be more subdued.

© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Forelle Pear #11, Pears Squared Series, 6" x 6" Pastel

Another in my series of Pears Squared.  I challenged myself (on Face Book, can you believe it????) to paint a pear using only the sticks in the Terry Ludwig Set "Best Loved Basics".  It only has 14 sticks, and I am quite sure he wasn't thinking about painting pears with it.... I am positive actually.  I had a hard time finding the colors I needed to get the glow I was after.  Only one red and a pink really isn't enough, though I do have to admit it is quite a nice red and pink....

These Forelle pears are beautiful.  Tiny, with lots of color.  Painting pears is proving to be quite a useful exercise.  I know I can translate much of what I am applying here to any other subject.  If you haven't tried a series yet, I encourage you to do so.  It really is quite a challenge, and in the process you truly do learn things, and even if you don't (which I find hard to believe), you will have things cemented in your mind for future reference.  Either way, it's worth the effort.

I also used my set of Terry Ludwig Grays.  The more I use this set the more indispensable I find them to be.  They are highly useful, in just about any subject.  I highly recommend them.

© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved
 
 
Here is a photo of the sticks I used for this painting:
 

And for comparison, here are the sticks I've been using for all the other pears I've painted:



Using a limited palette, especially one that wasn't selected by myself, isn't easy.  It can feel very restrictive, but it is a very useful lesson, it really forces you to come up with alternatives. 




Sunday, May 11, 2014

Forelle Pear #10, Pears Squared Series, 6" x 6" Pastel

This exercise is proving to be valuable for working out backgrounds, amongst other things.  Thinking about abstract shapes of color, value and temperature to get certain effects is something that can be used in all aspects of the painting, but doing it in the background is a great way to answer the question "I wonder what will happen if......".  I did leave quite a bit of the background unfinished, and I am thinking I could do more with darkening on the left side for drama.  I probably will leave this one, and try that technique on another pear.  That's the beauty of doing a series like this, I can just paint another!

Also, I would like to do my next one with colors that aren't so bold, let's see if I can actually do that, knowing my love of color.  I think more neutrals, using colors but toning them down a bit.  The Asian pear was somewhat there, as well as the Bosc, this one looks more like a patchwork quilt, though I admit I rather like it.
 
 
© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Asian Pear #9, Pears Squared Series, 6" x 6" Pastel

This was an interesting pear to paint.  It was throwing off lots of warm oranges, reds and greens from one perspective, and when viewed from literally two feet away the colors changed.  I did this with two of my students, each of us painting the pear. We each had slightly different reflected light.  It also wasn't very "interesting", the colors were subtle.  The challenge was to paint what you saw, but exaggerate it to make it interesting. 

For me, I chose to paint this on a green ground.  I took Wallis Pro (white) and toned it with Pan Pastels, using primarily green, with a touch of turquoise and neutral tan.  I then went in with a quick sketch, followed by the sticks.  I wanted to paint a green background as an exercise in taming the greens.  I think by doing this it will translate into landscape paintings, at least for me it will.  I plan on using some of the techniques and colors I used here when painting my greens in the landscape, at least that's my story now, and I'm sticking to it!!!

© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Solo Show at the Islip Public Library, running for the month of May

Starting Friday May 2nd, and running through the month of May, I have a solo show of my pastels at the Islip Public Library. I spent the better part of Friday hanging 20 paintings. It was a lot of work, but I'm hoping it is worth the effort. I think it looks great, the lighting is very nice, and I have an entire wall.
 
I'd like to give a great big hug and thank you to my very dear friend, Doug Broadhurst. He is the person that hooked me up with this library. He booked the show for me, what a great guy. I love you Doug, and Janet too! You guys are the best . Now, keep your fingers crossed for me, maybe something good will happen.....

I see by looking at these photos that there are two light bulbs out.... me thinks a visit to the library is in order. Can't view the show in the dark!

 
 


 
I was able to group the still life and florals together, which I think makes for a cohesive display (I put the one abstract I have with the still life, it seemed to look best this way):
 
 
 
Here is a photo of the landscape paintings grouped together:
 


Some photos of the artwork on display:





 
 


 

Monday, May 5, 2014

D'Anjou Pear #8, Pears Squared Series, 6" x 6" Pastel

I really pushed the red in this one.  I wanted to see what would happen.  That's the beauty of painting small and doing a series, you get the opportunity to experiment, and throw caution to the wind.  It's all about experimenting, and I'm enjoying this entire exercise. My dining room table is full of different varieties of pears, hoping to get in a few more this week.  Good snacking also!

Painted on Wallis pro, using pan pastels to tone the paper, and then the assortment of softies that I've been using for this series, Unison, Mount Vision, Ludwig, Girault, Grumbacher, and Art Spectrum Pastels.

© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved


Friday, April 25, 2014

Abate Fetel Pear #7, Pears Squared Series, 6" x 6" Pastel

This is an interesting pear. I believe it is from Italy, I looked up the name and that was what I found. I am looking forward to tasting it..... my reward at the end of the painting!  It is green, not a bit of red to be found on it anywhere.   Well, I guess that's why I decided to do the background red... quite a lot of color, even for me.  I used Ludwig vibrant colors, a small set I purchased a while back.  It's not the full vibrant set, just 14 of them.  And yes, they are vibrant!

I used Unison, Mount Vision, Ludwig, Girault, Grumbacher, and Art Spectrum Pastels.  This is painted on Wallis Pro, and was underpainted using Pan Pastels.

I do think I will paint it again, so the snack will have to wait...  Maybe not such an intense background next time...

© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved

Bartlett Pear #6, Pears Squared Series, 6" x 6" Pastel

I do think I'm getting a bit crazy with my colors..... not sure why. Maybe it's because I'm forced to come up with new ideas to portray the same subject..... getting creative with the backgrounds also. If for no other reason, this is a good... exercise to practice backgrounds. I know I'm a color junkie, but this is nutz.
 
I used Unison, Mount Vision, Ludwig, Girault, Grumbacher, and Art Spectrum Pastels.  This is painted on Wallis Pro, and was underpainted using Pan Pastels.
 
I rather like this one....

© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved



Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Bartlett Pear #5, Pears Squared Series, 6" x 6" Pastel

Another pear.... these are definitely coming out looser than I usually paint. Not sure why, but I'm liking it..... I think it's because they are not "precious", and I'm willing to take risks and try different colors. I admit I'm getting a bit nutz with my color selections.... I'm painting for the fun of it (which is really the only way to paint, IMHO...

 The camera is really loving those blues on the right side of the pear. They're not quite that intense IRL....

 Used Unison, Mount Vision, Terry Ludwig, Girault, Grumbacher, and Art Spectrum Pastels 


© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved

 

Cactus Pear #4, Pears Squared Series, 6" x 6 Pastel


Feeling Prickly???  
 
I thought I would try a cactus pear.  The colors are beautiful, and the shape and texture is great.  Yes, they are prickly..... note to self, "Don't touch a cactus pear.  That's why they call them prickly pears..... they have pricklies, and they hurt!"  This one started out with a very strong shadow, too strong actually.  I went in and lightened the value and I like it much better.

I used Unison, Mount Vision, Terry Ludwig, Girault, Grumbacher, and Art Spectrum pastels
 
 © by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Bosc Pear #3, Pears Squared series, 6" x 6" Pastel

Another in my series of pears.  Today I painted a bosc pear.  This is about an hour's worth of painting, not much time and very loose for me.  I give lessons on Thursdays, and I often like to paint along with my students.  It gives them an opportunity to see how I do things, not just hear how I do things.  Funny thing is, I only had enough lights for my students to use to light up their work as they paint.  As a result, I was painting in the dark.....frustrating, but I ended up with something passable.  Also, because of my laziness, I used the same pastel sticks as I did for my last Seckel Pear #2, something I don't like to do.  I'd much rather put all the sticks back, and select some new ones for the new subject.  Alas, laziness won, and I just used what I had out in my tray.  That proved to be a challenge, because some of the colors weren't what I would have "chosen".  These were pre-selected for another subject, a red pear.  Yikes, what was I thinking???

In the end it worked out, and I think it's probably a good idea to try something like this out, forcing yourself to use colors in a subject based purely on nothing else but laziness..... I am laughing just thinking about it, painting in the dark, using colors I didn't select for this subject, talk about sabotaging oneself.....



 © by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved


Tuesday, April 15, 2014

"Square Pears", or "Pears Squared"....

Square Pears..... I know, not really.
 
I really should be painting another portrait, and I will very soon.  In the meanwhile, I thought I would start something that I could keep as an ongoing project.  I do love pears as a subject, they've always been a favorite of mine. 

I don't know if I'll actually have the time to paint as many pears as I'd like, but I'm going to try. My plan is to paint pears in a 6" x 6" format, using different varieties, placing them in different lighting and positions. Here are my first two, both are seckel pears, actually the same one in different positions. One side of the pear is red, the other is golden. I like the second painting best, it's looser and I like the color palette.

Painted on Wallis pro, using all different sorts of softies. Unison, Mount Vision, Ludwig, Girault, Art Spectrum and Grumbacher pastels were used.
 
Seckel Pear #1
© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved
 
 
 
Seckel Pear #2

© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

"Why?", Pastel, 12" x 12" finally finished

I think I can officially call this one finished.  I've been painting it since the end of November, my brain cells have been consumed with this for 3 1/2 months.  I'm not going to know what to think about now, lol........

This went through quite the rigors of the painting process.  The hair on the right got erased and repainted at least once, the hand and arm got erased and repainted once, and the hair on the left got the same treatment.  Suffice to say Wallis stood the test of abuse, which is why I love this paper. 
 
© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved

Monday, February 24, 2014

First Snow, 2 3/4" x 10 1/2", Pastel painted on UArt 500 sanded paper

One of my teeny tiny paintings..... I was showing a student how I would do a watercolor underpainting on UArt... paper, just toning the paper actually. I used a small scrap of paper, and for some reason the colors spoke to me, so I thought I would try a sketch.

For reference, I used a small gouache sketch I did a while ago from a photo I took at Sunken Meadow State Park a few years back. I'd always wanted to do something larger, lol.... this isn't larger, it's about the same size... I guess my next step will be to go larger, I kind of like the color palette, something different.


First the pastel:

© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved
 
Now the underpainting:
 
© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved
 
And here is the gouache painting:
 
© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved
 

Monday, February 3, 2014

Scrapping the Sky, tweaked just a bit.....

I felt the need to tweak this just a bit. There was a light spot on the right that I liked in my thumbnail, and I wanted to add it to the finished piece. I like the bit of tension that spark of light adds to the painting.   I also strengthened one line, to make it come forward a bit.

Getting a good photo is always a challenge.  This is close, but I think my first photo is a better example of the colors and edges.....


© by Christine DiMauro, all rights reserved