Rotary Beach Afternoon

"Rotary Beach Afternoon"
Pastel, 8" x 14"

This was quite an enjoyable pastel to plan out and complete. The first thing to do was to lay out the scenery using compressed charcoal, then following it up with color swatches for the under painting. Not too long ago I tried using a water color wash for the under painting but wasn't pleased with the results and it took to long to dry out.

It was at this point I decided to try something completely different by brushing over the dry pastel using rubbing alcohol. The alcohol actually mixed and fused the pastel together on the Wallis paper giving it a painterly effect. Some areas had the look a thin wash feel while other areas appear to be a thick gouache. Once it was dried, about 15-20 minutes, it was time to get to work on mid-tones colors.

The alcohol process permitted the greatest coverage for the under painting and didn't effect the tooth of the paper. I was able to add and work in additional layers of pastels with no problem at all. In fact some area just didn't need re-working with pastel as the under painting color mixture was working just fine.

The reference photo I used was taken about two years ago from a little island at Rotary Beach. This small island is only accessible during low tide. Its a beautiful place where many of the locals like to hang out on a sunny afternoon throughout the year. The vista from this little island is looking out across Tongass Narrows toward southern end of Gravina Island beneath cedar limbs hanging out over the rocky beach.

Well back to the drawing board to start another drawing.

Kodiak Harbor

"Kodiak Harbor" (Detail)
7" x 11"

"Kodiak Harbor"
Pastel on Wallis Paper
7" x 11"

Here is a pastel drawing of Kodiak Harbor done on Wallis paper. It was an interesting drawing in that most of the under drawing was done using charcoal pencil. Took a photo of the harbor from the hill next to the bridge going over to Near Island. I was inspired to do a more formal drawing after re-discovering a sketch I did some years ago. Perhaps one day it will make to a oil painting.

Christmas Letter

As the winter and Christmas season approaches we realize how quickly 2010 has flown by! It is always a highlight for us to recieve news from family and friends at this time of year.

In January Pat took another course in web design studies through the University of Alaska, learning advanced web design with an introduction to JavaScript. The latter topic was extremely challenging and while she managed to see it through, it isn't something she plans to pursue further (whew!). Pat taught acrylic painting classes to a couple groups of homeschoolers, in still life and landscape. She also enjoyed teaching two new students (ages 6 and 7 1/2) a beginner's art class of learning the basics of color, pattern, texture, and drawing with simple shapes. Her students alway inspire her as they learn and grow in their art skills.

Near the end of May we flew to Raleigh, NC to visit Chris's family and to attend a cousin's wedding in Virginia. It was a joy to witness Daniel and Lois's beautiful wedding celebration and it brought back memories of our wedding day almost 13 years ago to the day. Our time in Virginia gave us the oppurtunity to visit with many family members. While we were in Raleigh we got to visit with Aunt Linda as well - it was so good to see everyone!

This past year our church family grieved deeply for the loss of three loved ones who went to be with the Lord. It's been difficult to accept but God's comfort and peace has been evident day by day, and we know He works through all circumstances for His glory. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." - Matthew 5:4

In August Pam and Sarah came to Ketchikan for a few days. We shared a quilting craft table at the Blueberry Arts Festival. The weather was cool and damp. Sarah (7) used blue crayons to color a page from her coloring book, held it up for people to see, and welcomed them to come and "pick anything you want" at our booth - an adorable little blueberry helper!

In the two days following American Thanksgiving Pat participated in the Winter Arts Faire and had a table with quilted fall- and Christmas-themed table runners, small zippered fabric bags, potholdders, and Pam's beautiful crocheted snowflake ornaments. It was a fun event and unlike the Blueberry Festival the Faire was indoors so there were no weather worries. Interestingly, Pat shared something in common with fellow crafters next to her. On the left, knitted hats and scarves were made and sold by friends name Pam and Pat... on the right, the handmade jewelry designer was Ivy Rose... friendly Faire neighbors with names in common!

We do not have any bear stories to tell this year (for which we are thankful), but in October it was weather that became headline news in Ketchikan. We had hurricane force wind and rain storms come through several times, causing power outages over many days. Linemen were flown in from outside regions to help restore things back to normal. Tree cutters were also in big demand in delaing with the many trees that ended up leaning across power lines and falling across roads. We now have our own generator for future emergencies. Power outages are not uncommon in our community but October's weather created longer and more serious outages than usual.

In spite of a very busy summer and fall at the Coast Guard base Chris has been working hard on honing his pastel painting skills in his free time. He plans to evenually make prints and sell them at a couple of local art gallery stores, and hopefully he'll be able to have an art show sometime in the future. Most of all he just wants to enjoy and grow in the art of creating art!

Happy New Year!

The Son of God became a man to

enable men to become the sons of God.

- C.S. Lewis (Mere Christianity)

Oil Pastel Studies

View of Guard Island
Oil Pastel on Paper ( 7" x 11")

View towards Metlakatla
Oil Pastel on Paper (8" x 11")

View south looking down Tongass Narrows
Oil Pastel on Paper (6" x 11")

Spent time experimenting using oil pastels and solvent thinner on drawing paper. It was interesting to just let loose permitting the medium to dictate how the drawing will turn out. The oil pastel seems to melt under the use of the solvent which is great for spreading out the material as an under painting. But I found the surface of the paper wouldn't take a second layer of oil pastels even after the solvent dried. I actually think it had more to do with not enough surface tooth with the paper to take additional layers. Going to try the same process on various other surfaces such as Wallis paper.

Parting the Light

"Parting the Light"
Oil Pastel on Wallis Paper
6" x 8"

Dabbler's Delight

Dabbler's Delight
Pastel on Wallis Paper
18" x 24"

This pastel should have been completed about a week ago, but pressures at work took up some of my evenings. In any event the photo for this pastel painting was taken a few years ago at a friends house. This mallard drake was with a female hanging out in the tidal zone from a creek. Our friend Audrey had some dry cat food that came in handy to set up a few photographic shots. Mallards are 'dabbler feeders', meaning they survive by surface feeding. Most people do not find them interesting as they are common bird found throughout Northern and Southern Hemisphere's. As a child these birds captivated my imagination so much they would fill my dreams with wonderful flights; journey's to far off lands. Enjoy!