Sue Flanagan’s Website

The first Great Lakes Pastel Society convention was held in Ypsilanti, Michigan at the Eagle Crest Resort. It was a very well organized event and an enjoyable weekend. I arrived on a Friday evening to register and enjoy the reception for the participants. It was stressful driving across Michigan because of the heavy rain. This unfortunately made it challenging for the artists who were participating in the plein air painting near the resort. However, it did not stop them and their paintings were hanging in the reception area. There was a computer slide show of paintings for the artists who were in attendance. It was a humbling experience because there were so many beautiful paintings.

In the next two days, I attended 3 sessions. The first was on how to digitally photograph your artwork. Now I have to learn more about my camera-ouch! The second session was a landscape demonstration by Larry Blovits. He is an accomplished artist and you can tell that he has a lot of teaching experience. Here are some photos of his demonstration of a fall scene. His photograph is his reference.

The third session was a portrait demo by Vianna Szabo. Vianna has a great ability to see color. Here are some pictures of her starting her drawing, doing an alcohol wash after blocking in with pastel, and then with pastel application. She did not finish but accomplished a lot. 

What did I learn from these great artists? There are many things but I was certainly reminded to be patient! There was a banquet Saturday evening. Richard Rubenfeld, an art historian, gave a commentary of modern pastel art. It included an interesting slide show.

It was a very pleasant weekend that was followed by some time in Saugatuck, Michigan. I painted an iris, beach and water scenes plein air. I hope you are enjoying summer and keep in touch with your creative side.
Sue Flanagan

A couple of weeks ago we had our first 65 degree day in months. So, I packed up the easel and art supplies and headed to the Morton Arboretum. I knew it would be too early for blooming flowers and trees but I had to get outside.  Here are some of the earliest signs of new life. The daffodils were just sprouting.

I set up my easel next to the car because I did not realize how windy it would be and the wind was cold! I anchored the easel so it was secure but I was constantly holding something else down. I was attracted to some trees that had red grass in front of them. Here is the set up. I first put pastel down for the major shapes and then used Gamsol (mineral spirits) to spread the pastel. When it was dry, I applied some pastel. I did not finish.

Unfortunately, this was not fun so I gave up and went to the visitor’s center for some hot tea. I was so cold! I spent the rest of my time driving through the grounds. Today it is an unusual 80 degrees and many things are blooming. It is still windy but I am looking forward to a return trip.

One of my pastel paintings, “Running Out of Titanium White” has been accepted into the Great Lakes Pastel Society National Show. This will be at the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art in Midland Michigan from May 8th to August 1st. In August I will be showing a large number of paintings at the Vogt Visual Art Center in Tinley Park with Marcia Duff, a watercolorist. So I am busy painting in my studio and framing.

Have a great Easter.
Until next time,
Sue Flanagan