I am often asked about the many different media that I use in my work. Choosing only one to work in would be like choosing only one food to eat or one type of book to read! I love the variety of different materials, styles, and subjects. When I see something that I would like to paint, the subject usually tells me what medium would be best. I’ll try to explain the different media and why I use them. (Just glide over the pictures for the explanation.)
All Media
I am often asked about the many different media that I use in my work. Choosing only one to work in would be like choosing only one food to eat or one type of book to read! I love the variety of different materials, styles, and subjects. When I see something that I would like to paint, the subject usually tells me what medium would be best. I’ll try to explain the different media and why I use them. (Just click the + Sign for the explanation.)
Pastels
Why I love to use Pastels
Pastels are a very direct medium…drawing in color! There is no mixing of paints, only the color mixing directly on the paper with the pastels themselves. Since drawing is my favorite activity, pastels are a perfect fit. The colors are bright and vibrant and the soft texture of the sticks makes the marks look like brushstrokes. Because of this, I started creating my Van Gogh style pastels, replicating Van Gogh’s distinctive loose brushstrokes. Pastels are perfect for painting on location. No worrying about paint drying too fast or transporting wet paintings. Pastels are ideal for capturing the scene quickly in changing light conditions.
Pastels
Pastels are a very direct medium…drawing in color! There is no mixing of paints, only the color mixing directly on the paper with the pastels themselves. Since drawing is my favorite activity, pastels are a perfect fit. The colors are bright and vibrant and the soft texture of the sticks makes the marks look like brushstrokes. Because of this, I started creating my Van Gogh style pastels, replicating Van Gogh’s distinctive loose brushstrokes. Pastels are perfect for painting on location. No worrying about paint drying too fast or transporting wet paintings. Pastels are ideal for capturing the scene quickly in changing light conditions.
Acrylics
Why I love to work with Acrylics
When I want to do a large, dramatic, finished painting, acrylics are what I turn to. I love the look of the semi-transparent washes and glazes that let the texture of the canvas and the colors of the underpainting show through. Yet acrylics can also have the thick, painterly look of individual brushstrokes. The colors are rich and vibrant. I like to work quickly so the quick drying time is a benefit. Acrylics are easy to work with and clean up with water.
Acrylics
When I want to do a large, dramatic, finished painting, acrylics are what I turn to. I love the look of the semi-transparent washes and glazes that let the texture of the canvas and the colors of the underpainting show through. Yet acrylics can also have the thick, painterly look of individual brushstrokes. The colors are rich and vibrant. I like to work quickly so the quick drying time is a benefit. Acrylics are easy to work with and clean up with water.
Pen & Ink
Why I love to use Pen and Ink
I like to draw old, historical buildings that I see in our travels and in Downtown El Paso. Pen & ink is my choice to get the fine detail that I want. I use a very small quill point, which gives me very fine lines, but it is also flexible enough to get the fluid, variable, expressive line that makes my drawings more than just architectural renderings. I use crosshatching to develop the dramatic darks and shadows necessary for drama and contrast.
Pen & Ink
I like to draw old, historical buildings that I see in our travels and in Downtown El Paso. Pen & ink is my choice to get the fine detail that I want. I use a very small quill point, which gives me very fine lines, but it is also flexible enough to get the fluid, variable, expressive line that makes my drawings more than just architectural renderings. I use crosshatching to develop the dramatic darks and shadows necessary for drama and contrast.
Mixed Media
Why I love to do Collages
Collage is the “fun medium.” It is exciting to work with all the beautiful handmade papers, fabrics, trim, rubber stamps and found objects to create a work of art. I most often turn to collage when I’m working on a theme piece. Texture, design, and color are all very important. I always incorporate some of my original drawings to make them truly unique.
Mixed Media
Collage is the “fun medium.” It is exciting to work with all the beautiful handmade papers, fabrics, trim, rubber stamps and found objects to create a work of art. I most often turn to collage when I’m working on a theme piece. Texture, design, and color are all very important. I always incorporate some of my original drawings to make them truly unique.