"Reflections of Red" is my latest painting.  It is an 18 x 24 pastel.  This painting was my first venture using iridescent pastels.  They are not apparent in this photo...but are very apparent to the viewer of the painting itself.  A number of years ago I purchased a full set of Sennelier pastels which included a number of iridescent pastels.  I couldn't imagine ever using them and ended up putting them in a basket in my supply closet. I have not touched them since except to move them around to different parts of the closet.  However, at the recent IAPS convention, I noticed a number of the paintings in the show used iridescent pastels.  Hmmmm.   As I began designing this still life setting and decided to use a silver tureen, I found myself thinking about how I would approach painting the silver.  Hmmmm.  I pulled out the basket of iridescent pastels and began looking through them.  I found a wonderful steel blue grey iridescent that made a perfect base for the silver tureen.  Iridescent whites and golds made perfect additional layers to create form.  Even when I used none iridescent pastels for the reflections the sparkles showed through from the base layers.  They really worked well for the silver.  I'm sold!  They have now been moved from their isolated basket in the closet to a section of my pastel trays next to my easel.  Another exciting benefit from attending IAPS!

Wine and Pears is the 12" x 18" piece I painted in my Master Class with Claudia Seymour at the recent IAPS Convention.  I needed to do some fine turning and cleanup once I got home.  The lighting in the room where we painted had high overhead lights which made it very difficult for me to see my colors and edges.  The top part of my easel holding my painting even cast a shadow down the painting.  I decided (with Claudia's encouragement as she thought I put it there on purpose and liked it) to utilize the line on the one side of the shadow.  It gives an impression of two walls coming together to form a corner of the room behind the table.   I think it adds some interest....what do you think?

I recently returned from a week of "pastel heaven" at the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) Biennial Convention held in Albuquerque, NM.  This was my third convention and I can't wait for the fourth!  I arrived at the convention hotel on Monday although the convention proper did not begin until Thursday afternoon.  My early arrival was to deliver my painting for the 18th International Juried Exhibit and all the materials for the hands on sessions I had collected from the vendors and bagged for each participant in the classes.  I spent the first day, Tuesday, helping to hang the Juried Exhibit as well as the first Master Circle Show.   I enjoyed getting to know Paula Ford from TN, Show Chair, and members of the Pastel Society of NM who were there to work the show.  It was great fun ohhing and ahhing about the art with my new friends as we hung each piece.

On Wednesday, my roommate, Cindi Underwood, and I drove up to Santa Fe to indulge in some gallery visits.  I particularly wanted to visit Sage Creek Gallery as I entered a show I hope to be juried into which will be hung in that gallery.  After my visit I am VERY much hoping to get juried in the show.  It is a beautiful gallery!   We got back in time to change clothes for the exhibit reception.  The reception was packed with several hundred people.....what a turnout!!!  The picture above was taken at the reception.  

Thursday the convention kicked off for me with a day long master class with Claudia Seymour.  By the close of the convention on Sunday I had attended a buffet, the President's Dinner, the Saturday night banquet, two demo sessions, the presidents' panel session, and a session on the business side of being an artist with Liz Haywood-Sullivan.  I had something booked for every available slot.....but I still found time to roam the aisles of the trade fair, better known at the convention as the "Candy Store".  I didn't plan to spend a lot of money....but the key word here is "plan".  How can one resist???

As I drove home I thought about all I had learned and experienced in the sessions.  I also relived seeing all the friends I have made that I only see at the convention as they are scattered all over the world.  I also thought about all the new friends I met this convention.  I came home with a handful of business cards so I can visit websites and keep in touch with them.  I was tired and yet exhilerated........and I can't wait till 2013!!!