The title of this painting is "Humid Michigan Morning" because it was named after the subject. If I had named it according to the content it would have be entitled, "Welcomed Peaceful Solitude."

A recent publication of the Pastel Society of America, the "Pastelagram" put me on an internet search for art terms. This magazine has me reflecting on subject and content in my art. Until reading this series of articles, I thought subject and content were synonymous but they are not. The simplest definition I found is that subject has to do with the object or scene that is portrayed in an artwork. The content is what the art is truly about or its essence.

The subject in this painting is a misty field. The content has to do with what I felt standing there alone in the silence of the morning. I enjoyed being alone in this beautiful and silent setting. There was nothing to disturb my peace. I hope that this is what the viewer feels.

When I start a plein air painting, I do a thumbnail sketch of values. I also record words that describe the experience. I record the date, time, and location. Am I alone or with friends? What could I hear? What is the temperature, humidity, and wind? I describe the light and shadows. Do I see wildlife? These things are about the subject.

Perhaps I should also record my mood and what attracted me to this scene. Now, this speaks to content.

As a representational painter, it is easy to concentrate on recording what is in front of me. I have concentrated on the technique of using my materials and on the elements and principles of design. All of this is necessary to master in order to go on to the next level.

I think the best art goes beyond the subject. The best comment I ever received about my art was when a collector said, "Whenever I look at this painting, I feel better." The key word here is "feel." This is when the viewer is beginning to see the essence of the painting. However, what he feels may not necessarily have been your intention. We all come from different places and that influences our perceptions. Nevertheless, the art evoked a feeling. This is what engages the audience.

Clearly, conveying content can be all intuitive as in this case. It can also be accomplished on a conscious level. It can be orchestrated. Colors, shapes, strokes, etc. have meaning, symbolism and emotional content. Abstract and non-representational painters have a very good understanding of this. So if the content is clear in your mind, then you can use these principles to communicate the essence of your painting.

I was about ready to sign my name to this when I realized that content is communicated in another way. People are insatiably curious. If there is a discord in your painting, they will wonder about it. If there is the suggestion of a story, they will finish it. If there is something missing, they will fill the void. Now, the viewer participates in the development of the content.

So, the next time I start a painting I am going to ask myself the important question. "What is this painting really about?"Let's see if this makes a difference.

Sue and Suzy

(My two artistic personalities)

I am recovering from a 2 week trip to Colorado which included the 2 day plein air event in Littleton, sponsored by the Art Depot gallery. I say "recovering" because we hiked 5 days in the heat at elevation in truly beautiful areas of Colorado. We hiked several trails in Monument valley.

Then we went to the Alamosa area and hiked up the largest sand dunes I have ever seen. The sand is piled 750 ft. high over a 30 square mile area. We also hiked a trail in the Penitent park. People love to climb these rocks. I just watched them. The photos do not capture this awesome scenery.

The Littleton paint out was a beautiful and peaceful event for me. There were so many places to paint and they were wide spread. I hardly saw any of the other artists. This is where I painted.

Here are the three pastel paintings I did in the two day event. The first one was along the Platte River in the nature Center. The second was at the Hudson gardens and the third on Jackass hill.

Each artist could show two paintings in the gallery for a week after the event. This is the Depot Art gallery.

Of course, I couldn't resist going to the Terry Ludwig shop in Littleton where they make and sell some great pastels. Terry and the staff are very friendly and they gave me a tour of the facility explaining how they make their pastels. Of course, I had to buy some. I could pick out those sticks that I felt I needed and was hard pressed to keep it to eight.

Summer has definitely arrived and I look forward to more plein air adventure. Have fun and be safe.

Sue and Suzy