Blog

Memory Lane - Painting Nordhouse Dunes

6/27/2012 8:09:43 PM

One of my favorite spots on earth is on the western shore of Lake Michigan called Nordhouse Dunes.  It is adjacent to the Manistee National Forest campground that sits along the lake.  The beach is pristine and there are very few people who venture that far out from the campsites.  Last summer my husband proved his love for me by lugging my pastel plein air equipment 3 miles to the lake so I could paint.  My thought was to paint the lake but one lone cloud above the dune called to me.  I turned my easel away from the water and spent a happy hour or so painting.

Today I was organizing my photos and came upon some that Mark had shot of me painting.  It was a nice trip down memory lane and I thought I would share them with you.

Nordhouse Dunes  10x10  Pastel

Mini Homage to Mad Men

6/14/2012 8:44:29 PM

 I am a fan of the program Mad Men.  This figure was purposely kept small, 6x8, because I have been playing with small gesture portraits which are  quick  loose  sketches.   It evolved into a more finished piece as the  drama of the light skin and red slip against the dark background took on a vintage look.   I changed the bench she was sitting on to resemble a bed. Now all it needs is the theme song from the show to play.......