I am a slacker. Apparently. It has been two weeks since my last post. (Why does that sound as if I am in the confession box?)
As long as I am confessing, I will add my name to the list of artists who feel like they have hit a brick wall. Slight relief to know at least, that I am not alone.
Is there something in the air?
Does pollen make you procrastinate?
I have worked on this pear for several days. Not sure why pastels are drawing me in now. But I do know it has a lot to do with Karen Margulis and her amazing work. She is a daily painter and she is so generous in sharing her insights on her blog. She also has Fabulous lessons for sale in her Etsy shop.
A couple of years ago, I took several free online classes with Johannes Vloothuis. He worked in several mediums, one of them pan pastels. It was love at first sight for me! I never had any interest in pastels before. Much as I did not appreciate Impressionism when I studied art history, I could not find beauty in pastel paintings. They just never captured my eye.
But again, I have done a 180. I think it is due to the fact that so often details are kept to a minimum. I find pastel very, soothing, Pastel landscapes, draw me in, and give me… a peaceful moment. I have yet to try pan pastels (expensive!!) but I my lust for them is like that of a youngin’ counting the days until Christmas, in July.
I just have to give a huge “Thank You!” to all the artists who share their knowledge so freely. What a blessing!
Here is my humble pear study. I’d love to hear what you think.
Enjoy your weekend everyone!
A beginning. Pear. 5 x 5 pastel, © Sheila Delgado 2014
A middle. Pear. 5 x 5 pastel, © Sheila Delgado 2014
An end? Pear. 5 x 5 pastel, © Sheila Delgado 2014
Sheila,
If you are a “slacker”, so I’m I. I just can’t seem to get the enthusiasm to paint lately. But your pear studies have made me think that I should pull out my pencil, pen & brushes again soon. Thanks for the pick me up.
Maybe it is spring fever, huh? So many have mentioned it online. Carol Hopper shared a pin with me, and it really was fun. I will send you the link. Maybe we just need to play for a bit, and not sit down to try and do a painting from start to finish.
So glad if I helped in any way. Enjoy your day Pam!
Sheila I hit wall after wall this week too and doesn’t it make you grumpy? it does me! The days when the pastel flies onto the paper in the right place and in an exciting way are the days when I’m in a good mood and relaxed later! Recently I found watching an interesting film can help you forget about painting for a short time! My problem is I market and admin for my shop around my painting so theres always something else to do if inspirations dont come my way 🙂 I like your pears, I’m going to say ‘Sheila, your pear is an absolute peach!’ Keep them coming!
Yes it does make me grumpy. I always look so forward to sitting down to paint… and then if it hits… major drag yes! I am trying to “do it all as well… ad i think that is part of the problem, but for now, it is and must be. I did start on that pear for lack of inspiration. And i really enjoyed working on it, so that was nice 🙂 I have actually been playing with the idea of assigning myself 30 days of pears. i should be pretty good at the end, don’t ya’ think?
So good to hear from you Sue! Hope you are able to make rubble out of the wall!
Hi Shiela! First time to visit. I got your postcard YEY!
Your 3 pears are good exercises.
I need to update my blog too 🙂
Hi Lui, thanks so much for visiting! I am so glad you received the card! Good Luck with your blog, it is a lot of work isnt’ it? Take good care, and let me know when your blog is ready so I can check it out 🙂
I wish you could’ve heard me roaring with laughter here! I laughed until I had tears in my cheeks about your confession! Now that you mention it, it did!
That last pear picture is beautiful, Sheila
Thank you Kat 🙂 I am glad I could make you laugh! I was trying to remember which movie I had heard that line in, but it is common. It may have even been Mad Men. Hope you are having a splendid weekend!
Is that soft pastel, Sheila? They are brilliant but I don’t like the dust. Have you tried oil pastel?
They are Nupastel, Prismacolor. It says firm pastels. I really want to try soft. I have not tried oil pastels, but i have been reading a lot about them. Hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day, Lucy!
You must be entirely OK with taking time for you. Nobody said you had to post everyday or paint everyday. Do that which brings joy to you and for goodness sake, stay out of the confessional booth.
Carol I am cracking up! I will do that, and I will keep out! Best to you 🙂
I just love your PEAR!!!! You are so talented my friend!
Thanks so much Traci! Wow – you made my day! Hope you have a super “Momma’s” Day!
I follow those artists too! Take a day off to do something NOT ART and then get back to art! (as in do an artist date!) Happy Mothers Day!
Why didn’t I think of that? Instead I figure I need to put my nose to the grindstone and of course, that is not helping. I will be taking the afternoon and evening off. A meal and a movie for my mother, on her day. (early)
Thanks for reminding me Terri – I needed that thump on my forehead! (V-8 moment!)
I hope you have a special Mother’s day Terri!