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Saturday, April 27, 2013

Y is for Yardwork and Pastels

'Daisies in My Garden'          8x10           pastel        ©Karen Margulis
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Years ago before I got busy with children and work I had beautiful garden beds in my yard.  Neglect had taken it's toll and when I decided last year to revive my gardens I had my work cut out for me.
So the last few weekends I have been out pulling weeds and getting things back in shape.

My goal now that I paint is to create gardens that beg to be painted.  I am planting some of my favorite flowers ....daisies, coneflowers, black-eyed susans and sunflowers!  The plants I put in last summer are all coming back in nicely so I am encouraged. I am seeing many similarities in gardening and pastel painting. For one thing both are very much hands on and you get your hands dirty!

Another similarity, I am finding is that plants are like pastels.....you can't just have a few.  Going to the Nursery is a dangerous thing. I see rows of flowers that remind me of a box of pristine pastels.  I want every color!  But now that I have been painting I have to try to remember that designing the garden is like designing a painting.  I want to be sure to balance the color with neutrals and to strive for color harmony.  But I don't want it too manicured!  Here is my dream garden.....

'Living The Good Life'          18x24         pastel 
I know it will take time to get things the way I want but I am enjoying the journey and having fun being back in the dirt again!

1 comment:

Unknown said...

TE FELICITO POR TUS PINTURAS ,SOBRE TODO EL PASTEL ,YO COMO PINTOR ME IDENTIFICO CONTIGO ,SABEMOS QUE AL PRINCIPIO DA MUCHO RESPETO AL UTILIZARLA,PERO DESPUES CON EL TIEMPO ES MUY AGRADECIDA