Fearless Friday, “Sea Oats”

I am participating in the 31 day challenge for World Watercolor Month in July, but I am still painting with other mediums too
You can see my most recent daily watercolors on the right sidebar and on Instagram here
One of my art goals this summer is to learn more about pastel painting…I have a love/hate relationship with pastel, it is ironic that it can be one of the hardest mediums to master {in my opinion}, yet it’s one of the most forgiving in that if you make a mistake you can rub it away and redo
The initial sketch defines the 4 main areas of the painting, sky, water, grass and sand
One of the challenges of pastels is the dust that is constantly created, I work vertically, and start at the top
This is a sanded light ochre pastel paper
I am still experimenting with when to blend, and actually used my fingers {wear gloves} to blend the clouds and parts of the sky
You can see the dark blue dust covering the paper as I color in the water
I often tap the paper on it’s edge to get rid of the dust build up and remove excess gently with a rag
Once I was fairly happy with the water I began to work on the grasses, establishing the darks first
Next came the lighter tones of greens
Then finally the sea oats and shadows on the sandy path
Sea oats are a tall subtropical grass, protected by law in Southeastern coastal areas, they are of upmost importance to keeping the sand in place on our coastal beaches and promote the growth and stability of sand dunes
“Sea Oats” after Laurel Daniel 9″ x 12″ pastel on sanded paper
This was a joy to paint, and I am looking forward to my next experience
An oil painting by Laurel Daniel was the inspiration for my pastel interpretation
Just for fun, try something out of your comfort zone
Be Fearless!
I will be joining these fabulous parties and blogs:
Meal Plan Monday Dishing it & Digging it, Between Naps on the Porch,
Merry Monday Make it Pretty Monday Celebrate and Decorate,
Tasty Tuesday Oh My Heartsie Girl Full Plate Thursday
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Beautiful painting! =)
thank you Tilly!
Thanks for the step by step Jenna. Pastels are not a medium I use, but you have me interested again. Beautiful art.
thank you Sharon, I am only just beginning to learn the nuances of this medium, but it’s really fun!
You simply amaze me girlfriend!
Pastels are not easy! It looks great!
I find pastel very difficult, yet so much fun, I am determined to figure it out! Thanks Nancy!
Beautiful, it’s like I could walk right into the water for a cool refreshing swim, ahhh!
thank you Cyndi!
I love this, Jenna. Your pastel work is so beautiful.
I’m trying!
So pretty Jenna….your painting in pastels captures the beaches around here beautifully. Have a great week-end.
Kari
Who can resist a beach scene!
Jenna, your pastel is gorgeous. I feel like I am on the Alabama Gulf Coast!
thank you Pam!
a beautiful pastel!!!!
thanks Jodi!
Just beautiful Jenna! I love the soft texture surface of pastels. Hope you’re enjoying some cool gulf breezes this weekend. ♥
It’s been really hot, but luckily the breeze arrives by afternoon 😅
So beautiful! It makes me miss the beach!
thank Michelle!
Your painting is gorgeous, Jenna!! It makes me want to walk that path right onto the beach.
thanks Kitty!
You are so good, my friend.
thank you Bonnie!
Jenna, that is gorgeous!! I love it! Hugs!
thank you Benita!
Your colors are so spectacular. I love this piece!
Thank you Jeanie, I had a lot of fun with this one!
That is beautiful! I too have a love/hate relationship with working with pastels. Looks like you are definitely mastering it.
well, I wouldn’t say mastered, I have made a hot mess of some other attempts 🙂 but I have learned that the paper can make a huge difference, so I’m experimenting with different types. Good luck!
Beautiful! I have a hate-hate relationship with pastels. Your work is lovely.
ha ha, pastels can certainly be frustrating, but so much fun when it works out!
You are such a great artist, you make it look so easy!!
Thank you for sharing on Oh my Heartsie Girls WW last week, watch for it, your post will be featured!! Congratulations!!
Stop by again to share!
Oh! Thank you Karren, I’m so excited!!