Morning Catch

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Morning Catch

15 x 30

Acrylic on masonite

Most of the time I see herons and egrets on the river.  Occasionally, however, there's a flash of white, and it's a fishing eagle.  Never happens when I have a camera ready though.  With river memories and some reference photos, it's still possible to try reliving the moment.  One of the things I love about making art!

Frame and All

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I found this little, flat-surfaced frame at a resale shop.  Its outer dimensions are about 8 x 10 with a 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 insert.  There was a little piece of acetate to protect an inserted  picture.  I cut a canvas panel to fit the opening and gessoed the whole thing with a few coats.  This little robin, which I had painted in a small, square format, seemed to be a good fit.  I'm pleased with this little bit of recycling :)

Paint or Pastel...

I enjoy both media, but I tend to do more acrylic painting.  Why?   Not sure....  I did this little 11 x 14 to practice painting snow, which is lots of fun.  Building layers and making "snow" appear on a base of darkness is magical.  Is it really any different with pastel?

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The process seems much the same.  Yet there is a difference when viewing the two similar works side-by-side.  I'm not sure what it is...some kind of different quality to the color and light.  I haven't done many pastels lately.  Both acrylic and pastel painting have the sort of immediacy that I like.  I think that the reason I am less inclined to work the pastels is the fragility of the work, the need to keep the piece protected.  I can so easily pop an acrylic piece into a frame, no matter what its size.  When I find an odd-sized frame that I want to use, I can cut a piece of hardboard to fit, prepare it and paint away.  To put a pastel in that same sized frame, I also have to get a mat and a piece of glass, both of which require a 60 mile drive to the nearest Hobby Lobby.  Dealing with glass-covered work at craft shows also makes me nervous.  I'm just not good with "fragile."

Soooo....paint or pastel?  Mostly paint these days.

Painting at School

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Bluebird

12 x 9 Acrylic on Panel

I had the chance to substitute teach high school art.  So, being in a room all day with room to paint and a sink to wash brushes and a few students interested in painting.......Yep, I'll take materials and do a painting.  I retired from this particular school, where I taught English.  Several students asked why I didn't teach art.  Well, grading papers of any kind was never my favorite activity, but I could never get my brain wrapped around the concept of grading artwork.  Student submissions are so much more personal, not responding to questions, not repeating facts.  So many more students that really don't feel capable....  Wouldn't have been a good career choice for me.  As a substitute, I could just offer opinions, praise, and suggestions.  A good time and a new bluebird!