Cathedral Falls

Cathedral Falls   5" x 8 "    Pastel    © Sheila Ashley Liston
Available $85


Day 22 of Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge, September 2017

Cathedral Falls is always an unexpected pleasure in every season. This is one of those roadside treasures that can be found on Route 60 near Gauley Bridge, WV.  We parked in a tiny lot just off the road, where the falls can easily be seen as the water flows into the New River. 

 By now, if you've been reading this blog for a while, you know that my husband and I love waterfalls, especially after a heavy rain.  We have often wondered just how many people drive by, never knowing what real beauty lies within their midst .

The last time we were there, I did this sketch of the falls. Today seemed like a good day to paint this scene from that watercolor sketch. I hope we get to visit there before the fall season is over. 

This is the first time that I've underpainted on an orange toned surface. It's really pretty ugly in that beginning stage to establish the values. In the next frame, I began to add some local color and then further developed the painting by adding the water and working to give shape to the trees. I'm working on UArt 800 sanded pastel paper that allows several layers of pastel to hold to the surface.

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Misty Memories

Misty Memories    4" x 7"   Pastel    ©Sheila Ashley Liston
Available $75



    

Day 7 of my personal challenge of painting 7 paintings in 7 days. These were my "warm-up" exercises before starting 30 in 30, beginning September 1, along with 1500+  artists. Like any challenge, this demands planning ahead for an interesting growth and learning experience.

On the last day of my challenge, I decided to paint simply an impression of the ocean, wherever the painting decided to lead me. It does remind me of our first trip to Maine years ago, as we walked along Marginal Way in Ogunquit. The weather report promised rain all day, so we purchased ponchos and headed out into the storm. It was a totally exhilarating experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat! With the wind and surf leaving us breathless, our umbrella's only option was to morph into a useful walking stick. The only regret was that I couldn't take art supplies into that environment!

I decided to try a different surface to paint on this time. It is a mixture of pumice and gesso on 300# watercolor paper. I did enjoy experimenting with a new method for me, as it added a significant amount of texture. I began with a watercolor sketch first, and then added layers of pastel. I guess you could say memories of that adventurous day and a new adventurous painting surface brought about this painting. I'll definitely try this surface again in a larger format.