Lemon Zinger
Pastel, 8x10, 2020.
After watching a how-to video by Karen Margulis on creating a pastel surface by applying clear gesso to a masonite board, letting it dry, and then applying pastel to the resulting toothy-surface, I had an epiphany. I would not let the gesso dry, but adhere little chunks of pastel to it first. What resulted was pastels applied to a surface that many pastellists use, so technically, it was 100% dry or soft pastel on a gessoed surface. I would come to refine my process, but this piece would be my inaugural attempt at a new way to paint with pastels.
Citrus Scintillation
Pastel, 8x10, 2020
This pastel was made by mixing dust or chards of pastel into clear gesso, applied to a pastelboard surface, allowed to dry, then layered over with dry pastel
BlueYellowGreen
Pastel, 10x8, 2021
This pastel was made by mixing pastel dust of a given color with clear gesso, applied thickly in a line or shape on a pasteboard surface, then pieces of the same color pastel were stuck to the colored gesso. Afterwards, the chards were sealed and then varnished
Primaries, Primarily
Pastel, 10x8, 2022
Using the same process as with the above pastel, I first did an underpainting of the three objects in a corner, then applied chards of pastel to gesso impregnated with the dust of pastel the general color of the chards.
Sparklingly Original
Pastel, 10x8, 2022
The subject of this pastel was suggested by my sons who thought an iconic image of a brand that did something innovative would echo my innovative approach to pastel painting.
Bottle of Red
Pastel, 12x10, 2022
I continued with my modified method of applying the pastel pieces, but this time, I used a spray fixative over the pastel chards after they were in place, then applied an isolation coat, then a spray varnish so the painting can be exhibited without glass.
Black and White and Red All Over
Pastel, 10x8, 2022
I wanted to go back to abstraction with a limited palette.
On the Sunny Side
I’m liking the shimmering effect of these pastel pieces.
String Therapy
Calming of Cat’s Cradle
Cycles of the Seasons
Abstracting the landscape