Last Summer

Snow storm yesterday 

with treacherous driving conditions

 (a disadvantage of country living

 the roads don't get the attention of townies)

so I missed a concert to which I was quite looking forward. 

To cheer myself up, 

here are two pics of summer fields.

You'll notice fog in the distance as they are morning studies.

I love that time of day 

as the sun begins to warms the ground, 

 colours are more vibrant than full midday.

Field and Fog - Leslie Snider

Field and Fog - Leslie Snider

Sheffield Conservation Area

This 9" by 12" pastel 

was created in August 

from sketches / photos

taken at the Sheffield Conservation Area.

(just north of Napanee)

An interesting habitat

featuring granite outcroppings and picturesque views.

This smaller pastel was done earlier in the year 

and features the water view as you peak through the trees from the trail.

For more info follow the link below.

http://ontarioconservationareas.ca/component/mtree/conservation-authorities-of-ontario/quinte/sheffield-conservation-area

Old Cedar Trees - Pastel

This group of old cedar trees were full of character 

and a good subject for studying colour 

in the landscape 

as well as light and shade.

I exaggerated the light areas

 in order to create interest across the picture plane

and used the pink, turquoise green contrast as a colour scheme.

I perhaps made the trees too evenly spaced - 

the arrangement of trees is more interesting in the photo.

Maybe next time!

Pastels -Landscape Painting - a beginning

Here is an early example of experimenting with pastels....

I immediately felt an affinity with the media. 

One of the main attractions for using pastels
is the ability to softly blend colours.
Whether it's the summery beach scene illustrated below
or a cold blustery winter's day 

I'm looking forward to learning how effective pastels can be in capturing 
that illusive atmosphere.

Presquile beach in summer