Mandana Farmland, 13x13"

Mandana Farmland, pastel on paper by Adriana Meiss

On my way home after the Finger Lakes Lavender Fest, I slowed my car down and took photos of this field. I have actually seen it many times before and have taken shots of it, but somehow after this time I really felt the need to paint it right away.  I decided to be more creative with colors though and I'm happy with the results. I hope you like it too!

Under a Cloudy Sky, 12x9"

Under a Cloudy Sky, pastel on board by Adriana Meiss

The Rose Garden at Thornden Park is one of Syracuse' summer jewels. One of my plein air buddies and I decided that even under clouds the place was great to paint. Selecting what to paint was tough though, as everywhere I looked offered painting possibilities. After spending almost an hour deciding what scene to paint I settled for this one.  This happened over a month ago. The painting has been on the shelf ever since, and I now I'm wondering if perhaps the hint of a person or a couple walking in the background could be a good idea... or perhaps that would better be left for a studio painting...

Variations on the Pamet River

Afternoon By The Pamet River,  12 x 9 pastel on board

 My  whole last week in June was spend it in Cape Cod with an artist friend. The purpose of the trip was to paint, take photo references, and visit galleries and exhibits. It was very exciting and productive. We got the chance to see the pastel exhibit sponsored by the Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod.

Fearing coming back home with just photo references, I set myself the goal of producing  three paintings every day. I know it sounds crazy, but that goal helped me at times when because of the heat, rain, or tiredness I felt like doing nothing.

 Our home base was in N. Truro and the area being new to me, provided lots of subjects to paint everywhere I looked.  The painting above, was done on location, by the post office in Truro, a place almost hidden by tall grass. I don't think I did justice to the light and the haze of late afternoon.

The following two paintings are variations of the one above and they were done indoors the last day of our stay, simply because it rained the whole day. When I find a place that speaks to me, I like to imagine what it would be like under different weather conditions.

Lazy Afternoon By The Pamet River, 7x5 pastel on board

Fog on the Pamet River, 7x5 pastel on board-SOLD

 Did I fulfill my goal? Of course I didn't! But I produced eleven paintings, most of which still need some work.