Lone Wolf

 An acrylic painting of a wolf resting in the snow, one of a current series of acrylic paintings.  I will always love working in pastels, but  acrylics are an amazing medium.  Their quick-drying properties allow me to use them similar in some ways that I use pastels, but with brushes on canvas. As a bonus, the finished product is easier to ship, to frame and to hang.  Plus,they are better for my health. They don't create dust in the air or on floors and furniture in my studio, and clean-up is almost a breeze. This painting  and others are available for purchase on my website, Della Burgus Fine Art.

The Wolf: Friend or Fiend?

Throughout history humans have been fascinated by wolves.  They have been so hated, feared, loved and revered  that it is nearly impossible to separate fact from legend.  The word "wolf" is  completely woven  into our culture and has come to mean all sorts of  different things.  We speak of either being a "lone wolf," or "running in a pack." A "wolf" may be a financial predator or an overly flirtatious man.  A "wolf whistle" might be flattering to some, but if you "cry wolf" you will bring trouble upon yourself.  You don't want  " the wolf at your door," especially if he is howling, and be sure avoid at all costs a "wolf in sheep's clothing."  Finally, never, never "wolf down" your food, this is both ill mannered and very unhealthy.

Whether you see the wolf as a vicious beast or a noble creature depends a lot on your background and perhaps your experience with the animal.  I guess I would fall somewhere between the two. Like all wildlife, they are to be admired and respected, but from a safe distance, or a very strong fence.

Light in the Darkness

 

The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it.

I love painting horses, especially big white horses. They cheer me up when I am down and I have had more than a few down days over the past couple of years. Most of us have. The world can seem very dark at times and it is difficult to see any way out.  But in times like these a phrase from a favorite song winds its way to the front of my mind. It is an oldie, was never a classic and I doubt that many people remember it.  It sounds so simple, but it is meaningful to me:  "Don't try to drive the darkness out, you just turn on the light."  Turning on the light is all it takes but it isn't always easy to find the light switch.  It is worth the effort. Even one dim little light is better than stumbling around in complete darkness.  For me, the light switch is to be working in my studio. It is my way of expressing gratitude to the Creator for the beauty and wonder of the world. It brings me joy and I like to think that He likes it too.

 

 Acrylic on Wrapped Canvas

It has been fun to be working in acrylics again. They are faster drying than oils, less messy than pastel, and lend themselves to  all sorts of techniques. I did this one using a glazing process along with scumbling and dry brush. That is pretty much my standard way of operating, but experimentation is what keeps work fresh and new. Even if the result isn't great it can be a learning experience. You learn what works by finding out what doesn't work.

 

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Majestic African Lion

 

Majestic African Lion

His Royal Highness
Portrait of an African lion at rest but ever watchful. Lions are among my favorite subjects and i paint them often. Their regal appearance and raw power fill me with awe. What amazing creatures!

The Wisdom of Picasso
Recently I ran across this quote by Pablo Picasso:
“God is really only another artist. He invented the giraffe, the elephant and the cat. He has no real style, He just goes on trying other things.”

Of course, to me He is the quintessential Artist, rather than “just another” one, and He does have style, even though He doesn’t limit Himself to any particular method or material.  But I like to think of Him trying out other things, perhaps just because He wants to, perhaps because that is who He is. His creativity is never ending, He doesn’t get bored, never runs out of fresh ideas, and somehow one new thing leads to another, then another and another, and…

That is an encouraging thought, especially for those of us who have been at this for a while. Even though others may think we are too old to play, we just keep on trying new things, or new ways of doing familiar things. In theory, we can stay young forever because we never have to lose the wonder and joy of new discovery, new adventures, new  accomplishments - often without ever leaving our studios.

It isn’t always easy, however. We all go through “artists’ block” sometimes, or times when it seems we should be doing something else, something more important, more practical, more lucrative, more grow-up. Do those other things also, if you must, but don’t give up what really brings you joy, just keep on keeping on. Because being joyful and sharing your joy is what life is really all about. It seems to me that it must please our Creator too or he wouldn’t have filled the world with so many wonderful things.

 This pastel painting is available through my website,  https://www.dellaburgus.com/

 

 

Intelligent Design Zebra

Intelligent Design

side view

A uniquely designed zebra shows off his stunning coat. Inspired by the abstract patterns of his fur, I chose a close up format for a modern look.  It was painted in acrylic on stretched canvas, 16 x 16, with a depth of  1 5/8 inches. The edges have been covered with a matte black. paint. The painting can be displayed with or without a frame.

God did give the Zebra great beauty,  but those extraordinary stripes are also quite practical. The markings of each individual animal are unique, enabling zebras to recognize one another. And, while black and white stripes may stand out to us, their predators are color blind and easily confused.  Zebras run in a herd, called a “zeal” or a “dazzle.”  They usually move in a zig zag pattern which creates even more confusion. The stripes run together and makes it difficult to identify a solitary animal.

Lessons from a Zebra
1. We are all different and we are all beautiful.
2. There is strength in community, so run with your tribe.
3. A moving target is harder to hit.
4. The shortest distance is not always the best path.
5. With enough “zeal” you can “dazzle” the enemy.

For more information or to purchase this painting, please visit my website:

https://www.dellaburgus.com/workszoom/3829703#/

White Horse "Devotion"

         Reference photo by Karen Broemmelsick

  Devotion

Joy Comes In the Morning

Portrait of a graceful horse saying her prayers in the early morning light. During times of chaos and uncertainty, I often find comfort in nature and animals.  They help me remember happier times and forget, if only for a moment, the present distress. Their joy is somehow contagious, and it gives me the faith to believe that the One who created all things can surely get us through this.

This is an acrylic painting created on stretched wrapped canvas. standard depth, about one half inch, and is shipped unframed.  All the edges have been finished and fastened on the back. It may be displayed with or without a frame. 

Assembly Required

No floor in the studio yet, but my drawing table arrived. Unassembled. The three most feared words in the English language are "Some Assembly Required." Sometimes it is even called "Easy Assembly."  That's when you know to run as fast as you can in the opposite direction.  Last week, besides the table we were also blessed by a chair and also a bench that needed some assembling.  The problem seems to be that most assembly instructions were written by aliens. And no, by that I don't mean people from other countries. These directions came from a galaxy far, far away - a planet where Part A connects to number 57, and the round peg actually does fit in a square hole, where triangles have four sides and left means right. Fortunately I am married to a man who is a genius at putting things together, so in each instance the end result bore a reasonable resemblance to the picture on the box. Not because of the clear, concise directions but because of Larry's great mind and perseverance.

At this point the drawing table is sitting by a big window in the living room.  Out of respect to the carpet and furniture,  I have to refrain from using any messy art materials, but I am grateful for a place to dream and to plan and to sketch. For now charcoal and graphite pencils will have to do, but it will be a thrill to unpack the pastels and paints when the studio floor is finally finished.  There are commissions to do, and paintings to paint - and they are waiting for me!

Waiting for the Sunshine

Waiting for the Sunshine

White Cat in the Window

Pastel 9 x 12

There are things to do,  people to see, money to spend and here we are stuck behind a window on a dreary, windy day. Lately it seems all we do is wait for the sun. Even indoor kitties like to have a little sunshine now and then.

We have been waiting for new flooring for the studio in our new home, and now it seems we must wait a little longer.  While removing the old carpet, the installers discovered a very soggy board in the sub flooring. They traced the problem to a leak between the siding and the window trim. Freaky, but fixable. Of course the new floor can't go in until everything is repaired, so a little more delay.  But I am grateful for this one - grateful we chose this larger room for our studio, grateful we decided that laminate hardwood flooring would be better for a studio than carpeting, grateful the heavy rain caused this problem to show up before things really deteriorated.  So there is a silver lining of sorts to these dark clouds, but I am still praying for sunshine.

Waiting for a floor

This and other paintings available through my online Gallery

The Creative Spirit Gallery Art by Della Burgus

Good-bye, Hello

A New Thing

Having a new home is an exciting and wonderful experience. Being able to live life on one level is a dream come true and I love our spacious, open floor plan. No more going upstairs to bed, or down stairs to do laundry. Yes, there is a finished, walk-out basement,  but I am not required to go there on  a daily basis. Only when I feel like it.  On the other hand, there are things I will miss about Woodward.  It is never easy to say good-bye to long time friends and good neighbors, but it is not as if we are moving to the other side of the world - or even the other side of the state. When the dust settles a little, I hope I will still be getting together with my painting partner Avis now and then.  No matter how tough or chaotic life becomes, painting and good fellowship always makes it better

I will miss my studio squirrel friend. He lives in the large tree outside my window and has become the subject of many drawings and paintings. He is also very good company and something of a comedian, often providing a much needed break from very intense work.

"Tiger Cat on A Red Chair," Pastel

Another furry friend,  the neighborhood cat, Maow.  I am sure he goes by other names aw well, but when I asked him "What is your name?" he said, "Maow,"  so that is how I always address him, and he always answers. He has become quite adept at squeezing through the door whenever it is opened, even just a crack.  I will miss him, but he has a home of his own, so he is OK. Not homeless, just sociable.

It hasn't been easy to leave our studio - so many good memories! But, I am also excited about setting up new creative spaces in our new home.  For our studio/office we chose the largest of the two guest bedrooms on the main floor. I felt a little guilty about this at first until we compared the number of days we expect to have overnight guests to the amount of time I will spend in the studio. No contest. If we ever decide to open a bed and breakfast (NOT on my bucket list. BTW) that might change, but for now this is the new Creative Spirit Studios. Of course it will require a few alterations. The carpet must go. Pencil and colored pencil artists and some who work in collage or acrylic may be trusted to work in a carpeted room, but I don't even want to try, especially not with pastel.  It has a mind of its own and a life of its own. Sometimes all I can do is get out of its way and watch it fly. Right now this does not look like much of a studio,  but imagine it with hardwood laminate flooring,  drawing tables, easels and special lighting.  It will take a while - two weeks just to have the flooring installed; the rest will follow in its own good time. I am learning a lot of patience with this move, especially with myself.  More photos will come.

Waiting Dog Pastel

Your Best Friend is Waiting for You

Pastel, Image size 8 x 10

Mounted on foam core, matted to 12 x 14
Ready to Frame
Frame not included

 I don't know why they have to stay away so long, but there must be a really good reason. It will be wonderful to see them again when they come home.  I will wag my tail, run around in circles and maybe even bark, but only just a little.  Joy, joy, joy! It will be so exciting! Maybe they will bring me a new toy or give me a treat. I know they will scratch my ears and tell me what a good dog I am. That always makes me feel so happy. I know that they love me and they will always take care of me. But I still miss them when they go away. It always seems like forever, whenever we are apart...

20% of the sale of this painting will be given to AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue and Transport, who save "furry lives one carload at a time."  They are doing a wonderful work and if even you don't buy a painting, I hope you will consider making a donation. Or better yet, adopt a new furry friend. There are many pets just waiting for some people to love. You can read about AHeinz57 here: http://www.aheinz57.com/

email me to purchase
or for more information

dellartist@yahoo.com

Portrait of a Woman, A Thankful Heart

A Thankful Heart

Is a Heart at Peace

It is no secret that peace is a by-product of gratitude. It is also true that often the most thankful people are those who do not exhibit an abundance of material possessions. It may not make any sense to the rest of us, but it is true, nevertheless. They tend to treasure the simple things in life, the things we all take for granted - love, friendship, beauty, and the joy of living.

That is why, at this time of year, we all can take time out from making and spending money, running here and there, and trying to have a good time, just to say, "Thank you."  I wish I had said thank you more often to my parents, but I can still say it to my husband, my children, my friends and neighbors, my pastors, the UPS man, rhe Schwan man, the guy who reads my gas meter! Thank you for being in my life. Thank you for all the threads you have sewn into my tapestry of living.  Thank you that the world is a better, more interesting place because of you.

A thankful heart is a heart at peace. For that reason, I thank God, for the peace that passes all understanding, for His unfailing love, for the abundant life He has given me.  A teacher of mine used to say, "God's prosperity is when all your needs are met and there is still enough left over to meet the needs of others."
Have a blessed and prosperous Thanksgiving!

A Not So Gentle Reminder

 Ten years ago today on November 12, 2005 a tornado destroyed several houses here and left the rest of our town looking like a combat zone. It had come as a surprise attack, arriving as it did in November when we are used to thinking more about blizzards than summer storms.  So it took a little time to convince the entire household that a trip to the basement might be in order.  I remember my father, who was living with us at the time, seemed quite content to stand and watch from the window in his bedroom. Barney, our big dog, hid not only because of the storm but because he didn't like stairs and wanted nothing to do with basements. Little Button was ready for me to carry him anywhere. To me it seemed that everyone was moving in slow motion, even my husband, whom I suspected was just humoring me. Then John McLaughlin, the weatherman on KCCI said, "Woodward, you have two minutes to get to the basement" and things did begin to happen.  Somehow we all made it to the basement before the freight train hit. And yes, it did sound like a freight train. There were no serious injuries in Woodward and the town did manage to rebuild and recover from all the damage. But the Woodward tornado will never be forgotten.

Lest we forget...
Yesterday once again we found ourselves in the path of a fierce storm, with almost the same point of origin, traveling nearly the same path as the Great Tornado of 2005. This time it was called a "radar identified rotation,"  and as far as I know, was never observed touching the ground. The winds that hit Woodward were also very strong and very loud, but the damage was far less intense.  Yet it seemed to me an eerie reminder.

I have a personal, more comforting reminder of that day. I call it my "Ebenezer Stone," and hardly a day passes that I don't look at it and remember.

The day before the big storm I had been reading in my morning devotions about a battle between the Israelites and the Philistines. When the Israelites cried to God for help, He sent a clap of thunder to the camp of the enemy, causing them to panic and run away in fear. Then Samuel, the judge and priest of Israel set up a special stone which he named "Ebenezer" because the Lord has brought us this far. For some reason,  I couldn't get this stone out of my mind. It kept invading my thoughts all day long.

Finally I decided to make one for myself.  Done in a hurry, not exactly a work of art.  But from the basement as the freight train was headed our way, I remembered the stone and all the trials God had brought us through before. We would be all right. If the house was destroyed and we lost everything, we would start over and we would be all right. If it all caved in on us, we would be together in Heaven and we would be all right. So we all just huddled together and prayed. And trusted. Now, whenever I see my stone I think of the day of the big tornado and I thank God that all three adults, plus two dogs and a cat, made it through safely. And, no matter what happens, we will be OK.

Jaguar of the Jungle, Acrylic Painting

Jaguar of the Jungle

Acrylic, 14 x 11

An exotic and beautiful animal, the Jaguar is little less known than some of his African relatives. Jaguars live in the rain forests of South and Central America and have also been seen on occasion  traveling the freeways near Los Angeles, California. (Sorry, I couldn't resist that one.)
My sightings have all been in zoos, which isn't the ideal - every artist agrees it is best to observe wildlife in their natural habitats - but it's the best I can do for right now.  Traveling the world and shooting wildlife with a camera ( and only a camera!) has always been a dream,  but it is still a dream, and with each passing year it seems a little less likely to become reality.  I do carry a sketchbook with me wherever I go - just in case. You never know.

This painting was my first attempt to express the spirit of this particular exotic cat. Usually I do big cats in pastel, as that medium just seems to lend itself to fur, especially when there are spots and other markings. For some reason this guy asked to be done in acrylic. I usually go by what they tell me. There is no analyzing it, maybe it is artist's intuition. I just go with the flow. He is a beautiful, incredibly well designed animal.  I love the texture of his fur, his amazing spots and especially his ears and whiskers. Like everything on earth, he is "fearfully and wonderfully made" and, as an artist, I stand in awe of his Creator.

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Jaguar's namesake, who happens to be an automobile. The vehicle is described as being well built with sleek, low lines, beautiful color and lots of speed.  Well, that fits. So I googled cars named after cats and found there are at least forty, from cougars and pumas to kittens and pink panthers (that seems like a stretch.)  It would appear that people are fascinated by cats and want to identify with them.

 And I will put in a little plug here: If you have ever wanted to own a Jaguar, but thought you couldn't afford one, here is your chance.  This and many other paintings are available for sale in my online gallery.

The Creative Spirit Gallery, Art by Della Burgus

Persian Beauty Cat Portrait

Perfection

Persian Cat

Pastel

A small pastel portrait of an elegant and beautiful cat. This one was begun in black and white charcoal pencils and finished in pastel for more depth. The serene green eyes and soft fur, with subtle blue and lavender tones in its shadows,  were a delight to render. Persians have always been a favorite of mine, not only for their beautiful appearance but also for the sense of serenity and regal bearing. And I have learned from people who have lived with them that they are also playful, they can be a bit willful, and most of them are very affectionate.

Canson MiTientes is still my favorite surface for pastels.  I like the soft side of the paper, which some artists believe is the "wrong" side. It has just enough texture to hold the pastels without the regular weave pattern that seems distracting for me.  Having said that, I also occasionally like to experiment with other papers,  especially those that are "sanded" and some really nice ones with the feel of suede. Variety and experimenting keeps my passion for art alive.

This and other paintings are available through my online gallery, The Creative Spirit Gallery, Art by Della Burgus

Or email me at dellartist@yahoo.com

Sunrise: Morning Has Broken

Sunrise:

Morning Has Broken

The sun rises over distant hills casting a rosy glow across the landscape. The colors are slightly muted, more subtle than the colors of a sunset - a bright, cheerful hello at the beginning of a day in contrast to the vivid, dramatic colors announcing its end.
In order to preserve the luminosity of the colors, I worked this one in layers, gradually building them up from very thin to thicker paint.  It was done is a somewhat looser style than my animal and wildlife paintings without so much attention to detail.
The colors themselves are a fairly standard selection - ultramarine with a little cerulean blue and lots of white for the sky, more white, cad yellow hue and a little ochre for the sun, and just a tiny bit of crimson and even more white where the sun meets the blue sky.  The earth was painted in ochres and umbers, with a bit of raw sienna. I am experimenting with  a new addition to my personal palette -quinacridone burnt orange.  Not new, but new to me and it is working out well so far.
Occasionally adding new colors to my working collection is a good way to keep me from becoming bored - and therefore boring. It can be overdone, of course, but a little change now and then keeps me going.
I gave the painting the title of a favorite song, Morning Has Broken. You may be familiar with Cat Stevens' version of it, My favorite is by Michael Card.

This and many other paintings are available through my gallery

The Creative Spirit, Art by Della Burgus

Red Fox in a Snowdrift

Red Fox in a Snowdrift

Pastel, 8.5 x 11

One last look at winter. It was a cold one this year in most of the country, not the most pleasant memory for any of us. And yet, even on the coldest, most dreary day, you can find moments of beauty and pure joy. This is one of my most favorite subjects in one of its most perfect settings. I can not think of anything more stunning than a brilliant red-gold fox bounding through the pristine white snow.  Snow and foxes, they seem to have been made for each other. And they serve to remind us to always look for the beautiful, even in a snowstorm.

I love using pastel because of the spontaneity and versatility of the medium.  With the sides of the pastel sticks I can lay down broad strokes of color for fur, and with the edges I can draw tiny hairs or whiskers - and for the fox I need them both.  They come in a wide range of colors, which is good because they aren't really that mixable. But they are messy and fun to use and in a way they take me back to the crayons I loved as a child.

May you see beauty in this day, and something to do that brings you as much joy as your happiest childhood memory.

The Way of An Eagle in the Sky

The Way of An Eagle in the Sky

It seems eagles have become like pop stars lately. Nearly every area of the country has its own eagle cam, and very few people can resist taking a peek once in a while at least. We are fascinated  by their strength and beauty; we love to watch their family life, their fierce protectiveness and tender care of their offspring. We love to watch the babies hatch and grow, their funny antics, and their first flights. But we aren't the first admirers. Way back in biblical days, one of the writers of Proverbs observed:

There are three things which are too wonderful for me,
Four which I do not understand:
¹⁹ The way of an eagle in the sky,
The way of a serpent on a rock,
The way of a ship in the middle of the sea,
And the way of a man with a maid.
Prov. 30:18-19

The world is filled with wonderful, awesome things that none of us can really understand.  We may observe, study, form hypotheses, and draw conclusions,  but we will never fully know.  Eventually, even the greatest minds come to the end of themselves and admit that there is Someone in the universe who planned and created it all.  That is the "WOW" factor.  That is also the God factor. 

Albert Einstein said:

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

Think I will go for the "WOW" factor.

Blue Jay Dining Out

Blue Jay

Dining Out 

Pastel

 What grass is visible has turned a dull brown, the last flower faded months ago, and the sky is gray for days at a time. We call it "winter." The white snow is pretty at first, but a little color would be nice for a change. So God made the blue jay and sent him into my backyard. So what if he has a reputation for argumentative and a few bad habits? There is no denying he is graceful and beautiful. That is all he needs to be, that is his calling in life and he fulfills it well. He is always a welcome sight to me. He reminds me of the color of the sky when it isn't gray and the bright pretty flowers in my garden.

The beautiful blending of blues and soft, subtle grays inspired me to paint him. I wanted to keep the background simple and somewhat neutral in color to contrast with those bright feathers. I love his expression, which is bright and perky, but seems to say, "This is my spot and I have a right to be here." My thanks to my husband Larry who provided most of the resource photos.  The birds don't have enough patience to do any posing for portraits.

This pastel is no longer available for sale. It was purchased by a fellow artist and birdwatcher, who is also an art teacher for fourth and fifth grade students.  I love hearing from other artists and feel honored that she chose to buy my little jay bird.

Thanks for reading. Here's hoping you all have a colorful day. Spring is coming!

"At Day's End" Old Barn Acrylic Painting

At Day's End

Old Barn

"At Day's End" signifies not only the end of the day but of a time long past. I thought about calling it "Day is Dying in the West" but that did seem a little depressing, plus it makes rather a long title.

Old barns can be picturesque and are even considered beautiful by some, but to me there is always a sadness about them.  The family farm is quickly disappearing from the American landscape. Where once there was life and activity, crops and livestock, parents and children working and playing together, now there is only silence. That way of life and even its memory is fading away. It has been said that, besides death and taxes, change is the one constant in life. It isn't all bad; in some ways we live better than they did back then. Automobiles are nice, electricity and indoor plumbing. I for one am thankful for the Internet as it has enabled me to meet people throughout the world.  Still, there is a sadness associated with the end of things, a nostalgia, and perhaps a desire to visit those quieter, simpler days if only just once.  We could learn something from them, probably more than we would expect.

This is an acrylic painting on stretched canvas and is available through my online gallery. The Creative Spirit Gallery.  It was inspired by the barn belonging to my husband's step-grandfather.

For a number of reasons, I have been absent from the blog lately and I apologize.  One of my favorite quotes was actually attributed to John Lennon: "Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans."  I can blame illness, busyness,  family circumstances, and all kinds of other things, big and little,
but those are the things that make up life, and they are not really an excuse.  I promise to do my best not to let those things get in the way so much, now that they have all settled down a little. For a while at least.

Have a happy Tuesday!

Wolf in Wolf's Clothing

Wolf in Wolf's Clothing

Taking a little break from commissions and portraits to do something different. Painting wildlife is a way of escape for me. It takes me away from the ordinary ups and downs of everyday living into another world, where for a while at least I can experience life from the viewpoint of another creature.  For centuries the wolf has been the subject of stories and folklore. He is  worshipped by some, hated by others and respected by a few. In truth, he neither god nor devil, but simply the wild animal he was created to be. He lives in a community for protection and companionship and hunts for food to survive.  Not really so different from us...

I chose to paint this guy looking a little scruffy because he lives in the wild and doesn't brush his hair. He probably doesn't even bathe regularly, so he won't look as well groomed as a contestant in a dog show.  Yet in his own way, he too is beautiful.  The pastel is on Uart sanded pastel paper, a new surface for me, though actually it has been around for quite a while. I love the surface - enough texture to hold on to the softest of pastels, but fine enough for detail work.  It is never too late to try something new.

For information on purchasing this or other paintings, visit my online gallery, The Creative Spirit Gallery

The Collector

Squirrel

The Collector

Pastel, 9 x 12

This little guy likes to hang out in the tree by the window in my studio.  Actually, lots of his friends hang out there as well. Maybe that is because my husband had built a squirrel feeder and attached it to the trunk.  The ear of corn it holds keeps them busy for a while, though occasionally they do have to stop and nap in the middle of a meal...

I enjoy watching them as go through their day, snacking on tidbits, chasing each other, teasing the dogs, and chattering incessantly. They remind of of the verse from Proverbs. "A merry heart does good like a medicine." Whether or not they have merry hearts may be up for discussion, as they do have tempers and squabbles often seem to break out among them, but they always bring a smile to my face. So it is medicine for me, at least.

This painting was done on a new (to me) pastel paper which I believe will become one of my favorites. It is UArt pastel paper, and is available in several different  grades from very fine to very rough. Actually it feels similar to sandpaper but is acid free for artists' use. I use their 500 grade, which is considered medium fine. It grips the pastels just like Wallis paper but the finer grade makes it easier to show detail. And those of you familiar with my work know how I love detail!  I didn't like that it came in only one color, a light buff, but you can use watercolor to tint or underpaint, which some artists prefer to do anyway. Of course, I will always love Canson, my old standby but every now and then it is a good thing to have some variety in life.

This and other paintings are available for sale through my online gallery, The Creative Spirit Gallery.
I have not been posting regularly for some time, but am hoping to remedy that. Thanks for your patience and understanding and thanks for stopping by!  Hope to see you again soon.