Pastel Gallery One -- European Scenes
My wife Sue and I have made several trips to Europe and just returned after spending two weeks in Paris and parts of France. I will be sharing my impressions of France in future pastels.
A few years ago I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Venice and, relying on my memory and my photographs, I recently created the four pastel paintings you see pictured on the right.Capturing Venice
"Tied Up in Venice" (9"x12" pastel on Wallis paper) I came upon this dramatic scene while walking the back streets and alleys of Venice. There was no sign stating "Gorgeous Photo Op Here" and the crowds of tourists were passing by without so much as a second glance. But the scene caught my eye and I took several photos which I used as reference in creating this painting. Larger view
"Venice Salute" (9"x12" pastel on Wallis paper) This scene shows the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute across the Grand Canal. It was a hazy day and I tried to recreate the quiet mood. Larger view
"Venice Sunset" (9"x12" pastel on Wallis paper) This is the same scene as the previous pastel painting but I relied on my imagination as well as attempting a "looser" style with bright colors which resulted in a very eye-catching painting. Larger view
"Nightfall in Venice" (8"x10" pastel on Wallis paper) This scene also tried to capture a mood through the use of a limited palette of blues and lavenders. Larger view
"Venetian Canal Home" (12"x18" pastel on Wallis paper) This old home on a Venice canal shows signs of life with its flower garden above the closed entry doors.Larger view
European Landscapes
"Cotswald Cottage" (9"x12" pastel on Wallis paper) The rural area outside of London known as the Cotswalds features picturesque thatched-roofed cottages and spectacular gardens. Larger view
"Cochem on the Mosel" (9"x12" pastel on Wallis paper) The little German town of Cochem is shown on the banks of the Mosel river with its ancient castle still standing guard. Larger view
"Lily Pond" (9"x12" pastel on Wallis paper) While in France I enjoyed visiting the home and gardens of the great Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Larger view
"Monet's Lily Pond" (9"x12" pastel on Wallis paper) Another painting inspired by the famed gardens at Claude Monet's home. Larger view
"Reflections in a Lily Pond" (9"x18" pastel on Wallis paper) I loved the reflections I found in Claude Monet's lily pond. Larger view
