Flow

"Flow" / pastel / 9x7

"Flow" refers not only to the water in the stream, but to the state of mind I hope to achieve when painting. Flow feels good!  Although I can't force it to occur, there are certain physical, mental, and spiritual conditions I cultivate to increase its likelihood. Physically, I want to be well-rested, nourished/hydrated, clothed appropriately for the weather, and free from arthritic hand pain. (Tylenol? Check!) Mentally, I think about sunlight and shadow, composition, editing the scene, colors, textures. Spiritual preparations include focus on being fully present; gratitude for the resources and opportunity to paint; confidence in my abilities; being open to outcome. My painting "Flow" comes from a photo taken during last summer's workshop with Bill Cone at the San Francisco State University Sierra Nevada Field Campus. In my mind's eye I see myself setting up my easel on a big boulder in dappled light, shifting around a little bit to get comfortable, listening to the sounds of the water, beginning to work, and then suddenly being aware that Bill was at my elbow saying it was time to pack up and go. Flow? Check!

Pastels and Natural Light workshop with Bill Cone in the Sierra Nevadas

Sarah & Bill at final critique (Photo: Melissa King)

I don't recall how I originally stumbled upon Bill Cone's blog, must have been one of those "one link leads to another" adventures, but when I saw his landscape paintings I was blown away. His popular one-week plein air workshop in the Sierra Nevadas fills up almost immediately and although it took me more than a year to get in, I am happy to report that Pastels and Natural Light at the San Francisco State University Sierra Nevada Field Campus was even more than I'd hoped for. I joined thirteen other students--our ranks included architects, animators, and graphic artists, most of whom live in the Bay area--for five full days of painting meadows, rivers, lakes, mountains, and rocks (my personal favorite.) Our experience included camping, swimming, and hikes loaded down with plein air gear; my pack weighed about 35 lbs. (Note to self: lighten up!) At the end of the day we looked forward to a hearty, delicious meal prepared by staff, lively conversations, and a sound sleep from all the fresh air, exercise, and focused concentration on our painting. Bill taught us more than I could comprehend about painting water: surface, reflections, depth, rocks on the bottom and their shadows, what to look for where rocks emerge from the water...it goes on and on and yes, he says, he actually is planning to write a book about it. I can't wait to go back again next year! By day Bill works at Pixar. His work is featured on the cover of the August Pastel Journal.

Light and shadow in the meadow

Me on remote location

Bill Cone's work on cover

Johnson Creek Watershed Art Show at Reed College coming soon!

Crystal Springs in Late Summer / pastel / 11x14

Here are paintings I produced for the upcoming Johnson Creek Watershed Art Show at Reed College's Vollum Lounge from September 7-October 12. They were painted at three locations: Leach Botanical Garden, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, and Gresham Main City Park. I can submit only three paintings--which ones do you like? Note: Nature, people and structures are all part of a watershed!

Reflections at Johnson Creek / pastel / 9x7

Sunlit Creek (Johnson Creek) / pastel / 7x9

Swag / pastel / 7x9

Half-Pipe and Ramps / pastel / 7x9

Secret Pond / pastel / 14x11

"Doing Laps" now available through Daily Paintworks auction

"Doing Laps" / 9x6 / pastel

I've been a member of the Daily Paintworks online art gallery for almost a year. One of the services offered by Daily Paintworks is an online auction and today I will participate for the first time by listing my painting "Doing Laps." Click here to bid.  I'm curious to see how it works and welcome your feedback. The sidebar of this blog includes a rolling view of ten of the paintings included in my Daily Paintworks online gallery. I hope readers of this blog will periodically check out my online gallery because it includes more paintings than I post in my blog.

Doing Laps and reflections

Doing Laps, pastel, 9.5 x 6

Who wants to go someplace sunny? I do! This painting is from a photo reference of a trip to Florida last year visiting my husband's family. Being an artist is a lot like swimming laps. You get up, get ready, go do it. Round and round you go. Some days it's a lot of work and you struggle for every stroke, every kick. Other days you get in the zone and the time passes quickly. Every day you get stronger, though. The main thing is to get into the pool.

2011 creative accomplishments: Launched this blog; joined Daily Paintworks; attended Dawn Emerson and Casey Klahn pastel workshops; participated in exhibits at White House on the Gorge and Portland's Cathedral Park Place; finished a few paintings; sold a few paintings; attended several meetings of the Portland Plein Air and Studio Painters and the Cathedral Park Place artists' group; painted and organized my studio; designed and sold fairy gardens; worked on "nuts and bolts" aspects of my art business;  and most importantly, found inspiration, encouragement and valuable information by reading countless blog posts by other artists,  making several new friends along the way.