Being Honest with Yourself

As I was preparing to frame my work for the Germanton Gallery Miniature Show, which will open next week, I went to their site and took a peek at the preview of the show.  I could have sent my images for inclusion in the preview, but I had procrastinated. I had pieces that I had been working on for weeks but just didn't feel satisfied with them. After seeing the wonderful work that would be in the show, I was forced to step back and be objective about my efforts. Clearly these were not my best.

Walking down the hall to my studio, I was struck by the glow of golden leaves on the maple tree outside the window. I grabbed my camera, shot some closeups of the leaves and went straight to the studio to begin a new pastel.  I was so excited about the subject that the painting was effortless.

8"x10" pastel Final Performance.

Feeling like I was on a roll, I searched through photos I had taken at farm we visited in Pennsylvania. I had always loved the feeling of this image so I decided to do a pastel of the sheep family. Once again, something I loved at first sight made a good painting.

8"x10" pastel Family Time

Now I can deliver these to the gallery, relax and enjoy Thanksgiving with my family. The show will open next Friday, November 30 with a reception from 5:00-8:00 pm at Germanton Gallery in Germanton, NC. Please join us!  (Click to see directions and preview of show.)