SUSAN'S . . . PLAYING AGAIN!

BRUSH STUDY 10" x 10" pastel on sanded paper I've been teaching a lot lately, which is always a challenge for makes me think . Amazing how much artists create intuitively! So now I have to think of the words to express the technique and thought process. Above, Brush Study , is a work in progress of a Southwest landscape created during a class at the New Mexico Art  League. It was executed with a alcohol wash underpainting. Still a ways to go, but progressing!

 SUNSET + MOUNTAIN 12" x 12" pastel on sanded paper Sunsets in New Mexico are so magnetic and dramatic!  Sometimes hues of oranges, or purples or pinks, but  nevertheless mesmerizing. And typically the mountain range is daunting, yet looks  so diminutive under a blazing sky.  Enjoy the hot colors!

ORANGE BEAUTY 2                     2 LEAVES 6" x 6"                                        7" x 7" Thinking in two realms, yet there's is still a  commonality between these two pastels. Orange Beauty 2 is a simplified sunset with use  of bold colors. The medium is applied in an  extensive layered patterning. The representational abstract, 2 Leaves , again uses the same bold colors, yet with a different  execution. A wash is applied to the primary base  and then colors applied in a layered fashion.  Funny how I have to really focus when changing  genres.  

DROPPING COLORS pastel on board June 26th and June 27th I will be teaching a pastel class at Oasis / Albuquerque on Subtle & Blazing: Pastel Skies . The 2-days, 6 hours class will illustrate the execution of light and pastel sunsets versus bright and bold sunsets.  Dropping Colors is a sample of a blazing sunset. The registration opens May 8th at 10:00 am with  additional information available at: www.oasisabq.org . Please note one needs to have created an account in order to sign in and register! 

Students work Last Saturday I held a class at the Fuller Lodge Art Center   in Los Alamos. So fortunate for the opportunity and that  I had a wonderful group!  We covered pastel gestural washes of landscapes and then took one of the two created and begun a pastel painting. I'm always personally inspired after teaching and amazed of the variety and imagination.  I'll be teaching another class at Fuller Lodge Art Center  on October 22nd on pastel portraits, so please come and join me!

ONE-DAY WORKSHOPS! I'm very honored Fuller Lodge Art Center , Los Alamos is sponsoring my 3 one-day pastel workshops for their Fall Semester.  They are as follows: Saturday, September 10th - Miniature Pastel Skies Saturday, September 17th - Gestural Pastel landscapes with Washes   Saturday, October 22nd - Portraiture in Pastels The classes are limited to 10 people, so space is limited.  Read more and sign - up at:  http://fullerlodgeartcenter.com/classes.shtml  Hope to see you there!!!!