This weeks word challenge had three: blue and it’s complement, cirrus clouds and movement. I’ve wanted to do a panoramic scene for the longest time that was all about the sky. I figured this was the opportunity that I was looking for.
The oil pastel was painted on a gessoed hardboard (7.5 x 13.75) that was prepared with an acrylic underpainting. The scene went through about 5 major changes along the way, and while I might change a thing or two down the road (like building up the darks in the immediate foreground) – for today I’m calling it a day and have posted for you to see.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!! I’m looking forward to started several autumn scenes I have in mind ~ yeah, got to love Fall colors!
Oil Pastels by Mary 
Great work, the sky and clouds in contrast with the ground.
Thank you for your feedback on my painting. If I have a new one (can take a few months 😉 ) I will sent you a photo of it.
Thanks Petronette for your lovely comments! Looking forward to your next painting ~
Brilliant, Mary! This is a personal favorite. The sky in contrast with the landscape is so very compelling.
Means a lot to receive your comments Elena, they have made my morning! Thank you for your encouraging and supportive feedback.
You captured those clouds with lots of movement! Beautiful sky!
Thanks Leslie – I really enjoy receiving your comment. Painting skies and clouds are some of my favorite subjects with oil pastels.
I feel as though you captured my today. It was lovely, and very similar to your painting!
So cool Elisa! Thanks very much – I loved reading your comment so happy that the painting kept your day with you.
Simply grand!
Thanks you so much!
It looks so real! Amazing clouds 🙂 have a nice weekend!
Hi Maria, thank you very much for your lovely comment on the clouds – just a lot of fun to have at it! Have a wonderful weekend too!
You’ve made the sky dance in your painting Mary !
Beautiful .
Thanks Poppy!! That’s it exactly – was my intention to have the sky clouds dance straight through the piece.
I agree with all the comments: the movement is spectacular and totally natural. It looks perfect to me but I know that – to the artist’s eye – there is always something that can be changed, improved …
Hi Francesca, thank you for your kind comments – means a lot to me. It was a fun piece to work on and you’re right. I see three areas that I’m definitely going back in to fiddle with – foreground grasses need to be dressed up, a path has revealed itself and I plan to paint it in and there’s a spot in the clouds to work out. How did you know!! Have a great weekend.
it’s beautiful, Mary… I can imagine just how they’re moving. Have a great weekend
Thanks Scott, appreciate your comment. I wanted to convey the feeling of clouds dancing across the sky – glad you noticed! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.
Amazing clouds, Mary!! 🙂 Happy weekend!
Thank you Marina!! Hope you are enjoying your weekend ~
This is beautiful Mary. It’s like looking out my window right now.
Thanks so much Tim, you made my day! You guys live in the most wonderful part of the country, it would be my dream to see an expansive view like this every day. Thank you ~
For someone who doesn’t see it everyday you did a magnificant job!
Thanks Tim!
I love the big sky 🙂
Thanks Annie!
I always wait to see what will be the next one here and you never stopped to be amazed me… Mary thank you it is stunning!!!!
Hi Doron, you are too kind – thank you for your wonderful feedback and comments. I see some patterns revealing themselves in the foreground of this painting that I might want to go back in and work out like more grasses and I see another path that has emerged.
Mary please don’t touch but do another in this series with those ideas.. It is beautiful painting. I did touched many paintings of mine in the past and at times I regreted it… It is hard to say OK I finished.. and the more I look the more I want to add… I am sure it happens to all of us..
Thank you Doron, I don’t know – will be starting another painting and this one will sit for a while. I understand your message though and has me hesitating to push forward my adjustments.
Mary, this is a wonderful painting! Those clouds are amazing! the movement takes my eyes all around the piece. very talented!! 😀
Hi Patricia, thanks so much – especially for noticing the movement. This piece went quick and was a lot of fun working with the clouds.