I am trying out some new Terry Ludwig pastels - they are very soft and a blast to use on Wallis paper. They are darker than what I am used to and really help the lights pop out. I also got a set of ultramarine blues which are handy for skies and shadows. It's like Christmas all over again!

We have been treated to several days of foggy, freezing wheather, very cold and very beautiful. This painting is of a grove of Russian Olive trees dressed up in their winter finery. These trees have actually been classified as a noxious weed in Montana and North Dakota, but they sure are pretty right now.

I think my dad originally inspired me with a love of design, because he was (and still is) always restoring old cars and trucks. His appreciation of the beauty of the lines, the curve of a fender, the fuctional beauty was contagious. So I always liked the looks of these 50's pickups and never pass up the chance to ride in or drive one. Even the door handles and steering wheel designs can not be improved upon. 

This particular one took my brother from Colorado to North Dakota, a 600 mile journey several years ago, without a hitch. Simple clean designs with amazingly simple motors.

And when they reach their final destination and start to rust - the fun begins! Oranges and browns warmed by the sunlight against cool greens in the shadows. Differing textures of painted metal, rust, chrome, glass and rubber tires. Yep, lots of reasons to paint an old chevy pickup. 

This is #17 of  100 for $100.

I feel like I'm searching for adventure with these small pastels, unknown worlds to be discovered and the smaller format lends itself to that, I suppose because it's a less of a risk? investment? I'm not sure, but I'm finding a braver me within these 6 x 9" boundaries. I'm also exploring a new world of color in the shadows of a backlit subject. In this case, a mule deer, one of three bucks I came upon while on one of my travels through the big, wide, wonderful West.

Although it has been a long and very cold winter, I still enjoy the still beauty and color of scenes like this one.

#7 of 100 paintings to come. SOLD

Horses seem to be endlessly curious about their environment. Something across the hills has got the attention of these two.

This is #2 of 100 paintings in progress. For more information click on 100 for $100

Well, here goes! Like many other artists, I have set a goal of painting 100 small paintings within the next few months. I have no idea where this road will take me, but I am excited and ready for the journey. You can join me by subscribing to the RSS feed for this blog or if you would like to see these paintings delivered directly to your email inbox, go to www.trishstevenson.blogspot.com and subscribe there. 

Painting #1 began with a turpentine wash on Wallis sanded paper and then layered pastels over that. I was intrigued with the many colors reflected within the shadow on the deer as well as capturing the tenseness of the deer's body as it remained alert for danger.

These small paintings (6 x 9" or smaller) are available for $100, unframed and including shipping.