Comments on: Ten Stunning Pastel Paintings – Be Inspired!

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Sat, 23 Feb 2019 22:12:14 +0000

In reply to Marsha A Schauer. Oh I like "mind-blowing"!! Thanks Marsha for taking the time to look and select a few that jump out at you and then making the effort to tell us something about your reaction. I can totally relate to the sinister cat! And I agree with your reading of Sally's painting, the reason she has turned away from the fridge. And yes, what is that on the greenhouse peoples' faces??? Love to hear you learn from these monthly blogs :-D

By: Marsha A Schauer

Marsha A Schauer — Sat, 23 Feb 2019 12:55:54 +0000

Gail, yet another mind-blowing assembly of wonderful artists. Upon my 1st read, I was stopped by The Golden Apple. I couldn’t move beyond the image, even feeling a bit scared because that cat’s face on the child’s shirt is a bit sinister. Looking at Sally Strand’s work is wonderful. My 1st thought was that the woman sure has a lot of food in her fridge! You pose interesting questions, especially about the angle of the wall behind the fridge. And yes, what is going on? I think she heard a noise and has turned to see what it is. I love Rue des Fleurs, for the composition and use of vertical panels. Greenhouses and gardens are great pleasures to me, so I feel happiness in that scene. Yet as you noted, what is going on with their faces? The man looks tired, defeated. And that raven, just wow! I so appreciate the effort you put into these monthly blogs. I learn a lot.

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 19:58:45 +0000

In reply to ChrisD.

Days behind is just fine Chris. You’re here now and that’s fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing your favs and what makes them stand out to you.
Yes, that light on the floor in Sally Strand’s painting, what is it really? Maybe we can get comfortable with the ambiguity. Or maybe we need to get Sally in here to set us straight 😀

By: ChrisD

ChrisD — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 20:25:17 +0000

Your email newsletter has only just reached me, so I am days behind. I’ve always liked Sally Strand’s work, her technique of weaving lines is fascinating and I am drawn (literally) to any work where the application is linear or scribbly. The other one I really like here is the nocturnal urban scene….being a rural-dweller that might seem unusual for me, but the play of bright coloured lights in a dark atmosphere is irresistible. And “Rue des Fleurs” is interesting for all the mark-making. Going back to Sally’s work, that light on the floor is certainly ambiguous….maybe she did it on purpose!

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 06:25:44 +0000

In reply to Randall Kronblad. Thanks so much Randall!! I certainly appreciate hearing that :-)

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 06:24:56 +0000

In reply to Jeff Chase. Jeff, I LOVE hearing that - all the things you can learn from this piece (and all of Pitkin's work). I am delighted to have made the introduction!!!

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 06:22:50 +0000

In reply to Lyn Diefenbach. Lyn, I would have to agree with you!! There is soooooo much about it that's extraordinary!!

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 06:19:55 +0000

In reply to Anne van blarcom kurowski. Oh my gosh Anne, thank you for your very appreciative words. It warms and motivates me :-)

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 06:18:23 +0000

In reply to Jan. Thanks Jan for picking out Janet's piece and telling us why it struck you. And YES I agree with all you have said! It's pretty amazing isn't it?

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 06:17:25 +0000

In reply to Andrea K Hofmeister. Andrea, I'm so glad you brought that up about Sally's painting. I did see what you saw and began writing about the piece with that in mind. BUT, when I looked more closely (and of course this is looking only at a digital version), I noticed that there was a brighter part to the light and what looked like a curved bottom of a mug. With this light shape having its own reflection. Do you see? It is lined up so perfectly with the light coming through the window though that I flip-flopped between the two ideas. I needed to pick one so I went with the mug idea. And I'm glad "Jaja" took your breathe away since that was my intention!!