Sunset Waltz

Pastel 12 x 9, SOLD

© Copyright 2014 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

Some evenings it looks as though the clouds are dancing a slow graceful waltz.  

This was one of those nights.

Canola Fields

Pastel, 12 x 9
© 2013 Paula Somma. All rights reserved.

I belong to a fabulous group of artists on FaceBook, Paint The Barn In Winter.  Founded by Casey Klahn, this group selects a common photo reference each month to paint from in any style or medium you choose.  It's a wonderful experience to not only participate in, but what I'm learning and enjoying just by viewing other interpretations and responses to the same image is invaluable.  I'll be posting a few of the earlier "challenges" as well.  This one was actually from a video Casey took of the Canola Fields.  I took a still shot from the video shown below.   Painted on Art Spectrum ColourFix (Umber).

San Clemente Sunset

Pastel, 12 x 9

© 2013 Paula Somma. All rights reserved.

My husband, Bob, and I love to walk the beach here in San Clemente.  Early on in our marriage, Bob realized that when I have a camera in hand, I often get swept up in composition and miss the joy of being in the moment.  So he is the one often taking the photos on our adventures in life so I can take it all in.  Not just visually, but the feel of the place, the subtle sounds and smells.  Thankfully he's got a great eye and the combination of his photos with my memory of the moment make for strong references to paint from.  This was an amazing sunset that evening a few months ago.  Now I have a tangible memory of it to share.

Painted on ArtSpectrum ColourFix (Storm Blue) with no underpainting.