Autumn is such a wonderful time of the year – the colors, sounds of rustling leaves and for me, that familiar smell and feel of changing weather. Here in Texas our autumn is taking place now; the leaves aren’t as brilliant as back East, but none-the-less pretty and ready for raking (ugh!?!).
Oil pastels are the perfect medium to celebrate this time of year, here is my latest “Morning Glory.” My reference was from a fantastic photographer, John Robinson, of pmp.
To everyone that celebrates Thanksgiving, I hope you have a wonderful day.
Morning Glory
Oil Pastels by Mary 
Beautiful colors. I love fall and you’ve captured the colors and feel perfectly.
Thank you so much Carol!
Unbelievably gorgeous. What support …paper…do you use?what brand of oil pastels? I’ve never seen work so stunning.
Thank you so much, that’s a beautiful compliment!
I use gessoed hardboards and ampersand boards. In the beginning I was using pastel papers, but found I didn’t like the texture and white holes that would show through and there was a lack of tooth that I enjoy when layering, so I stopped using that surface. Every once in a I’ll use #300lb or higher watercolor paper, but have also found that unless I clear gesso the surface there isn’t enough tooth. Long story short, I like preparing my own hardboard surfaces so I have the tooth and texture that will hold many layers of paint.
There are a variety of oil pastels in the marketplace today. I often use a variety of brands in each of my paintings, what I use depends on the look, level of value and color that I’m looking for. Each of the following brands are soft artist quality: Senneliers, Holbeins, Neo Pastels and Mungyo. In order of softness and quality, but I like all four.
Thank you for asking, let me know if you have any other questions. Mary
This is surely the apotheosis of autumn: rusty trees, swaths of lifeless grass draped over the landscape like griege cloth, a gauzy sky… One of your best.
You are amazing! If I was giving out prizes, you’d win 1st place – thank you so much for your comment. You have a wonderful way with descriptions that reaches the soul.
Thank you, truly appreciate your encouragement. Mary
Hi: I revised the painting some and wondered if you would have a look it’s located in the landscape section – interested in your thoughts. Based on some feedback received I added a bit of brights to the leaves on the far-right tree in the background, and lowered the values and added textures in the foreground grasses. Thanks, Mary
SImply beautiful!! Happy Thanksgiving to you!!
Thanks so much Cyndi – have a good one! Mary
This is so beautiful Mary! Love it !❤
Thanks so much Violet!
Perfect!
Thank you so much, it’s really appreciated! Mary
Mary, I have a new favorite work of yours! Just beautiful. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well.
Thank you, I’ve been debating on making a few changes and your comment has made me re-think what I was going to do.
Really appreciate receiving your comment, thanks so much! Mary
There is an art, too, in knowing when it’s complete 🙂
Isn’t that the truth! Just like a writer, it never ends.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving, you’ve had a tough couple of weeks.
Very beautiful-Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Thank you so much, and the same to you!
This is so beautiful!! Again, I feel like I’m standing right there! I’m taking deep breaths of the fresh air and enjoy the glorious view of the autumn trees and the hills in the background. Five stars, Mary!!
Oh Calee, you’ve made my day! Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments – this was my first autumn painting.