The Traveler

I've just finished a very difficult commission which has taken up all my painting time over the last 3+ weeks. I know, you thought I was sitting around eating bonbons and not working, and I can't even show you proof until after Christmas (the client is giving the painting as a Christmas gift). You'll just have to take my word for it that I was slaving away at my easel.

I was able to squeeze in some time to paint the current Different Strokes From Different Folks challenge, though, so I can show you that. I had intended to paint all three figures from the reference photo, but given the time crunch I decided I should make the composition easier. All those lost edges were fun to paint, and fun and easy was just what I needed after that commission!

The Traveler

6" x 6"

Soft Pastel on Suede Matboard

A couple of miscellaneous items:

Since I last posted, I have a new web site. My soft pastel demo is on my site, so those of you who were waiting for it can now access the demo at KariTirrell.com.

Also, many people have tried to add me as a friend on Facebook over the last few months. I created an artist page on Facebook, so you can now join me there. Either click here, or in the blog sidebar. Thanks!

Cupcakes and More Cupcakes

I didn’t get a chance to participate in the Different Strokes From Different Folks challenge for week 46-48 when everyone painted cupcakes. It looked like it would be a fun subject to paint, so when I had the time I took a crack at it.

“Cupcakes”
8” x 10”
Soft Pastel on Suede Matboard

I had so much fun painting them, but I really wanted to try the same subject on a different support. I heard about a new cupcake shop in Tacoma, so I drove over there looking for good references. I got them!

The shop is called “Sweet Things Cupcakes,” and is full of the most beautiful cupcakes I’ve ever seen. I didn’t get to try any of them because they weren’t gluten free, although the owner said they were planning on serving a gluten free cupcake eventually. The staff was very friendly and very kindly let me take some photos for references.

“Sweet Things”
9.5” x 12.5”
Soft Pastel on La Carte

If I could have eaten one, I’d have picked the Lemon Meringue (which I haven't painted yet). It looked fabulous! If you’re in the Proctor area of Tacoma, please stop by and try one so you can tell me all about it. I want to hear every yummy detail!

BEST IN SHOW!!

Last night was the artists’ reception for the 7th Annual Peninsula Art League Open Juried Art Exhibition. I entered three pieces to the show, but only one got in, so I was feeling lucky to be included. Imagine my surprise when I found my painting had won Best in Show!

"Sunny Spot"

10" x 20"

Soft Pastel on Suede Matboard

My dog got a huge, well-deserved helping of turkey when I got home last night!

Pastel Dog Portrait

I painted this pooch for EBSQ’s Pet Portrait Swap ‘09. This year I paired up with one of my favorite EBSQ artists, Lauren Cole Abrams. Lauren doesn’t have a pet, so I painted her mother’s dog, Rocky.

10” x 8”
Soft Pastel on Suede Matboard

Hawaii Bound

I’m off to Hawaii with my family for some serious relaxation, and hopefully lots of drinks with little umbrellas in them. Lest you think I’ve been slacking before vacation, I thought I’d post my most recently finished painting.

“Lunch Break”
11” x 14”
Soft Pastel on Suede Matboard

See you in a few weeks. Aloha!

My Paintings on Exhibit

My painting “Idle Moments” was juried into the Northwest Pastel Society’s 23rd Annual International Open Exhibit. You can see the exhibit at American Art Company in Tacoma through August 15, 2009, or view it online. Check out the gallery’s web site for info.

The artists participating in the Gig Harbor Open Studio Tour have art on display until August 28th, 2009 at the library in Gig Harbor. I have included a couple of my paintings (one of which won 3rd place at the Peninsula Art League’s Summer Show last weekend).

Dog Painting From my Live Presentation Last Night

I’d like to thank all of you who attended my EBSQ Live! Presentation last night. It was great to meet some new people, and overall a very fun experience. My presentation will be in the EBSQ archives (click on the “Learn” icon on the web site) at some point, so you’ll be able to see it there eventually. Here is the painting I used for the demonstration. It is my dog, in one of her favorite sunny spots in the house.

10” x 20”
Soft Pastel on Suede Matboard

A Live Presentation on Soft Pastels at EBSQ!

I have been asked by EBSQ to give a Live Presentation on soft pastels this Monday, 7/13/09 at 6:00 p.m. Pacific. Anyone can attend, and you’re all invited! The presentation will be held in EBSQ’s chat room. If you’re not a member of EBSQ, you’ll need to register as a patron (it’s free!) in order to attend. Then at 6:00 p.m. Pacific (look up the equivalent in your time zone) log into the chat room.

I’ll be talking about the materials I use, then going through a painting from start to finish, step by step. I’m using my dog as a subject.

I’d love to see you there!

Summer Bounty

This was painted for the Different Strokes From Different Folks blog. I started it last Thursday, thinking I’d whip it out really quick instead of waiting until the last minute. I was very impressed with myself for not procrastinating. Unfortunately, I only got it about half finished and didn’t have a chance to paint until now (no procrastination involved, honestly, just super busy). Still, I’m a week early, so that’s an improvement!

(SOLD)

7" x 5"

Soft Pastel on Suede Matboard

Cherries

Here's one I just finished. It will be available this weekend, along with some of my other paintings, at the Peninsula Art League's sale during the Maritime Gig Festival, June 6 & 7. The sale will be set up in the old Ship to Shore building by the new museum. If you're close to Gig Harbor, make sure you stop by and see all the great original art!

3.25" x 5.25"

Soft Pastel on Suede Matboard