I was gifted a beautiful set of Mamut soft pastels for Christmas and what else could I do but try them out on a small landscape? Here is the result. I can definitely still improve my pastel techniques but I'm pretty happy with this one. I've included a picture of the absolutely lovely gift box in which the set arrived.

This oil painting is to celebrate the festive season. comments are welcome.

I’m so glad to be accepted into your amazing group. I see so many accomplished artist. I am searching for a realistic depiction of waves coming onto the sand. I call myself a surreal cartoonist. I put an idea on the canvas mindful of composition. I want to juxtapose the idea with a little realism in the background. This painting called “the net” has several dichotomies. We don’t know if the egrets are depositing the bounty on the shore or taking it away. We don’t know if the contents of the net are treasure or refuse.

Another painting from memory. I spent my teenage years on Lake Erie and one morning the water was like a smooth pane of glass. After many sketches, this 16 x 20 oil on canvas is my attempt to capture that morning.

Well I finally finished the tooth of time painting. Thanks for your inputs along the way. After I thought it was finished I did a B&W photo to check tone and depth. That step helped a great deal because the tones are subtle and I could make the slight changes needed.