PPASP Winter Project #2 Chinook

I had fun with this challenge. Chose to work in pastel on Canson paper and focus on the rock formations and the zigzag quality of the shapes in the photo. To see other PPASP member interpretations, go to www.portlandpleinairandstudiopainters.blog where the photo reference is posted along with resulting images from about 20 members.

I'm happy with how I interpreted this reference and handled the pastel material. Working in pastel seems more like drawing than paiting to me; the material is held directly in the artist's hand like a pencil or a pen or charcoal is when drawing. I enjoyed this more direct contact with the support for a change. My day was good; hope yours was too.

New PPASP Winter Project Result

PPASP Winter Project Participation

Overworking paintings is one of the things I seem to do best these days. In an effort to improve my paintings, I have recently tried more irregular and unpredictable methods, colors, textures, etc. The "irregular" and "unpredictable" elements came from a John Salminen workshop I attended; I know they are tried and true elements of good design. I just haven't mastered them yet.

In a recent attempt at working from a photograph taken by a member of Portland Plein Air and Studio Painters for the group's Winter Project, my husband told me at least three times that he thought I was done. I, however, was not convinced and continued to apply paint in a less conventional way. This was an exercise first and foremost and so an opportunity to experiment. It was a fun experience and I look forward to the posting of the next image in about a week.

I wonder however if an artist should play it safe and quit while the painting has a good traditional quality or risk what's working for a chance at creating something more exciting and original. I think I'm at a stage in my art journey where I need to reach outside my comfort zone. I've posted my interpretation of Winter Project #1 here on my blog.

I had a wonderful day today. Hope you did too.