Granite in Shadow
14 x 16"
Pastel on Canson Paper
I've been busy for the last 6 weeks teaching some pastel classes at work, so have not been very productive. I do sometimes setup to paint when I'm out with the class, but most often move around offering advice, and "meddling' on their work. Its really quite fun and rewarding, but I have only some fairly rough studies to show for it.
This is a studio piece, based on studies and reference from last summer's trip to Lake Ediza. Granite is so light in value that it is like a litmus paper for ambient and reflected colors when it is in shadow.
18 comments:
Beautiful drawing. Wish I can join you class.
Your paintings are always inspiring!!! Thanks!
So engaging it makes me want to pick up the frame of your drawing and move it around -- to see more of Lake Ediza. Just beautiful, very uplifting.
Calvin- I may eventually teach a class outside of work, but I haven't had the time yet.
Abey- Thanks for your kind words.
Slightly Imperfect- I was descending from a hike to the saddle between Mt. Ritter and Banner when I stopped at this spot to paint a study and shoot some pictures. It is close to the timberline... just entering the trees. This long 'wall' of cracked granite was on my right. Ediza, you can imagine being to your left, and a few hundred feet below, less than a half mile away, not visible through the trees, boulders, and underbrush. Fairly steep trail down. The Ediza basin is a beautiful place to go, and fairly accessible if you can hike (or you can ride a horse)
Bill,
I am sorry for posting a off topic comment but what are your thoughts on the current CA fiscal crisis on CA State park system. Already, you can see that the parks are not being kept. But, there is a threat that many CA State parks may close. I am afraid that the parks will be devastated by illegal activity like marijuana growing or campfires. Many beautiful places where you painted like Sugar Loaf State Park or Mt Diablo will be ruined.
If you know any grass roots movements to save our parks, please let me know.
Br,
Charles cK
Hi Charles, I don't know if the parks will be 'devastated' as you surmise, by their closing. To me, they have become over-regulated in some respects. Many amateur astronomers can attest to that. Lack of access is entirely another issue. It may end up costing the state an equivalent amount of funds to patrol parks to keep people out, as it does to keep them open.
I've also read that the federal government may step in and retake possession of certain parks that were once federal property, including Mt. Diablo and Angel Island. As long as they can be kept open, I don't mind whose jurisdiction they are under.
Beautiful work Bill!
Love the splashes of light and orange grass and the way the shadows feel sort of illuminated in their midtone blueness... a really nice drawing!
I absolutely adore your work. I get to learn a lot of things by merely staring at your paintings- the brush strokes, the compositions, the colours... what not!
"Iceberg Outlet" caught my eye as I was paging through the recent Pastel Journal. Beautiful! The article enticed me to visit your blog. Never mind what others tease you about your subjects-you've got great rocks!
Just ran into your blog, great work, awesome color!
If you eventually get time to teach a class out of work, please add me in the list... I have been wanting to take a class from you (or simply stay beside and see how you work) since the first day I come across this blog...
PS: I saw the article in Pastel Journal talking about your Sierra painting trip... Nice!
Great stuff. The light and shadow is amazingly realistic.
-Hans
This is such a beautiful work! I adore the way you integrate similar tones in the rock face. The light is just amazing!
I'll have to hunt down that issue of the Pastel Journal as it's not always available from my local outlets
oh shit! this is crazy good. your hit all the right colors to make this look completely real
You are the KING of rocks!
Not anything like the Prince of Pop, but you come darned close in my eyes!
Inspired!
Beautiful shapes, light and color!
Your pastels are beautiful. They inspire me to get off my a** and get painting. Paul Kratter was my teacher years ago in San Francisco. I really love the last painting. Granite. You really know colour!
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