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Like a floodlight in a theater, a single ray of sunshine casts light on a white water lily. This bloom seemed to speak in a quiet voice of its singleness, reminding me of our isolation during this pandemic. Reminding me also of how grateful I am that I can witness such gifts from nature that bring so much joy and hope. For the sun will, indeed, rise tomorrow. Rachel Carson says it better: “There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature – the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”

This painting began with a simple sketch in pastel. I then used brush and alcohol to create an underpainting. When the underpainting was dry, I gradually defined the shapes using pastel. I was mindful of not creating too much detail - I want you, the viewer, to be engaged in the painting by filling in some of the detail yourself. I hope I've succeeded in leading your eye to the white bloom – “The Star of the Show.”

Oh, the fresh smell of rain, sweetening the air,

washing the world with joy.

Pooling puddles wait for tiny splashing feet;

Thankful trees drip on small heads.

The dust has settled;

The earth is glad for the refreshing drink.

In this painting I wanted to convey the freshness of the air after a rain.

Though the rain has stopped, the air is heavy with moisture that dampens cheeks and hair.

This painting began as a pastel sketch on Uart paper that was then washed with a brush and alcohol. When that was dry, layers of pastel were applied as I chipped away at the shapes to define the objects.

"He provides rain on the earth; He sends water on the countryside."

I tried to capture the peachy-colored light on the water and the serenity of the entire scene. The low light softened the detail in the tree line, creating nice abstract shapes.

This 10" x 12" pastel on Uart paper is unframed and will be shipped to you safely protected between two pieces of foam core board.

Here are some photos of the work in progress.

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