Inspiring Words from Charles Hawthorne

'Simply Summer'       2.5 x 3.5"   pastel          ©Karen Margulis   $15

'Poppy Play'           2.5 x 3.5"   pastel          $15

"Painting is just like making an after-dinner speech. If you want to be remembered, say one thing and stop. " (Charles Hawthorne)

It is so easy to fiddle with a painting.  It is easier to keep adding things and overworking the painting than it is to make yourself stop.  Especially when you aren't happy with how the painting is coming along. We often keep changing and adding and piling on the pastel or paint until we have really lost the way. (we finish it off as we like to say in the south!)  I like Hawthorne's quote because it reminds me how important it is to learn to simplify and to stop sooner than later in a painting. 

'Autumn Pond'           2.5 x 3.5     pastel

"To see things simply is the hardest thing in the world." (Charles Hawthorne)

 Painting these tiny 2.5 x 3.5 paintings have been a great exercise in learning economy of marks. I practice trying to say more with less and to suggest things rather than put in every blade of grass. They can be done sitting down while watching TV or out on the porch or wherever else you go to relax.  The more you do the easier it will be to see things simply.  Put together a small box of pastels and go paint some minis!

If you like Charles Hawthorne then I recommend you reading 'Hawthorne on Painting' a great little book. You can find the Dover edition on Amazon HERE 

Many of these mini pastels are still available for $15 or 2 for $25 with $3 shipping. Email me to make a purchase.