From Studio to Shoreline
March 24, 2022
Playing with Pigment
My phone does not recognize my thumbprint. My studio is always dusty, and my bank account is in shock. This happens when an artist takes up pastel painting. And I am absolutely thrilled. Rather than the separation from the canvas by the length of a brush, I am applying the pure pigment directly with my hands. I can feel the buttery texture of the soft pastels, hear the scratchiness of the harder pastels on the sanded surface, it is totally a sensual experience. And the colours are vibrant and fresh. Luxurious is the best way to describe pastels. But they are expensive, and addictive. And they must be framed behind glass.
Did I mention that they break?
We Row with the Oars We’ve Got
Broken wire spool? No problem. Rewind it with a jury-rigged drill using duct tape and plastic tube.
Covid-19 and restrictions put a halt to a favourite pastime – painting en plein air with friends. My painting pal Helen Shideler and I would drive around the region looking for painting locations. Conversation was constant and always about art. It was energizing discussing something we both care about deeply without concern how we might bore others around us.
Once restrictions halted our explorations, we opted for online meetings. We would chose a different theme each week; trees, skies, water, landscapes, and Russian or Canadian painters. We wanted to understand what attracted us to a particular painter or painting. How did they use the composition, values or colour to achieve what we felt was extraordinary? Zoom became the oars we’ve got.
Wintertime is Painting Time, but Spring is Here
Capturing the moment
I jealously guard my time in the summer. It is about family and being at the cottage. Being isolated in our homes during the winter was no hardship. My studio became my haven. My first opportunity to paint en plein air was both thrilling and heartbreaking. We chose St Andrew’s Indian Point and with the 18-degree temperature it felt so freeing
The smile says it all.
Thanks, Helen for the good company
Sadly, part of our day’s event included paying respects to the family of a wonderful painting friend who passed away unexpectedly. Simone Ritter was full of joy, humour and love for her family, her art, her church, and her community. Simone, you were cherished by so many and will be missed. .
