This spring has been quite the cool, wet and cloudy one, forcing me to remain in the studio to work.  Oh I have been out attempting to plein air paint in both April and May but the clouds, wind and constant pop up showers have hindered my efforts.  Luckily opportunities to travel in the recent past have supplied me with subject matter. Here I am working from the famous Dallas sculpture of Robert Summer. The day were walked among the life sized works it was sunny and mid-90's with a heat index of 102 degrees. Back in the studio I interpreted the rider to be in a distant cattle drive with moody skies.

On a recent spring visit to New Orleans, I previously concentrated my painting to the colorful Bourbon Street area. Here somewhat off the beaten tract were many historic homes uniquely designed for the French Quarter and the surrounding neighborhood.  The play of the light and shadow on this delightful pink house coupled with the distinctly draped patterns of the wisteria drew my eye.  Let's face it how many times does the opportunity roll around to use such pinks and lavenders! 

Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi i Cornet was known as the greatest modern Catalan ever. Here I fell in love with this interior view of La Sagrada Familia. The moody light in the cavernous structure filled me with awe at Gaudi's amazing talent as an architect. Hats off to Gaudi!

This work is created with: Nupastel, Rembrandt, Richeson, Sennelier and Great American pastel.

This work is created on: Wallace Professional pastel paper.

When I was a student at University of  Michigan, the School of Art building was shared with the School of Architecture.  I was always in awe of the students of Architecture. They seemed so elite and elevated in their choice of major. Now it crosses my mind (from time to time) if I was influenced by this admiration when I make my subject choices. I just love to paint architecture in the landscape-here it is readily apparent!  

Considering the neutrals in the cityscape, is always challenging. Here I am confronted by two very neutral large shapes that dominate the composition.  My focus was on the pattern of lights and darks and the repetition of the columns. Adding the people in back space helped to infuse the painting with some much need spots of color.

This artwork is created with: Nupastel, Rembrandt, Richeson, Sennelier and Great American pastel.

This artwork is created on: Pastel Premier pastel paper

Lovely details abounded in the trip to Spain.  Back in the studio, the strength of the light and shadow patterns continue to challenge me as I work on this series.

As the afternoon progressed we continued our exploration of the beautiful streets of the city. Delighting in the neutrals and light values all around me, I found myself in the studio remembering the colorful memories that influenced my actual painting.

This artwork is created with: Nupastel, Rembrandt, Sennelier, Richeson and Great American pastel.

This artwork is created on: Pastel Premier pastel paper.

Studio pastel painting 14" x 11"

Please contact me if you are interested in this or similar artwork.

This delightful little fountain caught my eye as we continued to sightsee. Working loosely I enjoyed the play of the light and shadow on the cupids, fish and the perfect turtles and frogs! 

This artwork is created with: Nupastel, Rembrandt, Sennelier, Richeson and Great American pastel.

This artwork is created on: Pastel Premier pastel painting.

Here is another of my favorite street scenes from our visit to Spain. The contrasting sunlight on the dome and the corresponding sunlight on the colorful awning were enough to delight me visually and it was painting time!  

For everyone who has ever had the pleasure to visit Spain, I was drawn to the stunning architecture. The muted, subtle grays juxtaposed with the color of the Spanish flag was irresistible!