A Tribute to Krissie

Krissie was my friend. She was first and foremost John's little friend and companion for all her years. She was a devoted dog, but with a princess attitude. When the Wilson's were home and she was out of her crate, she was first at the door when I came to visit and Ruth her mistress was kind enough to let me come to visit when I needed a doggy fix. Krissie was a loyal friend who jumped up and down when we met and expressed her joy in seeing me. I took that as a personal compliment. I was Aunt Pat.

I will miss Krissie as I miss the other dogs I have owned and loved. She will be with me always when I think of dogs who were part of my life.

I was privileged to be able to paint this portrait of her as I saw her in the last several years of her life. I only knew her as a older dog and for the last eight years, but that was a nice part of her life, at least for most of it.

Krissie will be missed, as we miss all people who have been part of our lives and are no longer there. She is in doggy heaven and out of her pain. John and Ruth loved her enough to let her go and for that she will always love them.

Bay Preserve in Osprey, Sarasota, Florida

This week the class went to a new park that has been purchased by the Sarasota Conservancy. The park at the present time is open to the public by appointment, but they are allowing artists to work there on an appointment basis. Our pastel plein air class was fortunate enough to be allowed for several hours on Tuesday morning. What a treat.

Presently they have moved the Sarasota Scullers to a location there, which is beautiful. They are hoping to have one of the building converted to an artist gallery with a retreat above. Wonderful plans for the community, and we were so fortunate to be able to go there before it has been revitalized. The main house is beautiful and next week I hope to be able to paint it if the light is right.

This is the old boat house on the bay and is so cute and relaxed. I loved every minute of painting this picture.

Paintings from Sleeping Turtle Preserve

Our pastel plein air class recently went to Sleeping Turtle Preserve in Venice, Florida for two sessions. These were the pastels that I did on those days. The preserve is along the Myakka River and has nice hiking trails and many live oaks and palm trees as well as luscious greenery in the trees. The last picture is of these gorgeous bromilides in the trees. At least that is what I was told they were, anyway, that morning the sun just shown through them like gold. It is a very overwhelming place to paint, and this is the third time I have tried to paint there. The first was a total disappointment, but these are not too bad. I have not used pastels for 40 years so this is a new learning experience. Hope you enjoy them.

Remember the Palm Trees

I decided to try Chroma Atelier Interactive Acrylics on paper to see the effect. This is done on 9X12 Canson cold press watercolor paper. I was extreme pleased with the results and the ease of using them on the paper. I did not try for a watercolor look, but more a gouache. I do like to paint more heavily then watercolor.

This is for my neighbors, who fortunately after waiting almost 2 years, have sold their home and are moving to Texas to be closer to their family. I will give them this small token of their life here in Pelican Pointe, Venice, Florida.

Oscar Scherer State Park, Florida

Second pastel in 40 years and I really like it. My plein air class went to Oscar Scherer State Park in Nokomis, Florida. This is a tidal portion of the Myakka River. The river is very dark and mysterious, as well it should be with alligators, snakes, turtles and other such things. I like the feel that I was able to get with dark green paper as a starting point. Spring in Florida has very different colors than in the north. Some of the colors are more indicative of fall up north. As a gardener, this is the end of the growing season for annuals. The night ground temperature rises to temperature that affects the roots of most annuals .

More next week from Sleeping Turtle Park in Venice, Florida