Strong feelings for Yosemite

Recently a young couple politely reminded me I hadn’t added to my Blog in several weeks. The nudge was needed. Learning that Andrea & Richard had fond ties to Yosemite National Park I chose this painting for the Blog with them in mind.

The work was created last February at The Hillcrest Festival of Arts where I was demonstrating and exhibiting. I began with a white pastel board, first staining it with earth tones that I planned would impart a warmth to the scene when it was completed. Next I sketched my subject: shapes of trees, deer (three would give way to just one in the end) and the iconic Half Dome in the distance.

Here are a few shots taken that day of the work in progress.

Summer Deer, pastel, 17" x 23"

Animals in the Imagination

Arthur at the Kitchen Sink

Look into their eyes and the sense is that you are on their 'frequency', somehow. I doubt we really are, but still they make us feel in touched with the wild, and that is certainly special.

Domestic pets--mine, friends' and strangers'--are a favorite part of my life and a favorite subject to explore in my work. Here are a few images from my 'sketchbooks', quick records of those looks they give and the sweet mysteries they evoke.

Carrot and the Stick-- at the Beach

Theo the Cat