Fall is a great season for brilliant colors and seeing that I have little practice, I figured that Day 13 would be devoted to Fall colors highlighting a Maple Tree.
This oil pastel measures at 9×6 and was painted on cream tinted Mi-Teintes pastel paper. Using mostly Senneliers and Neopastels, although Holbeins Sap Green, Indigo Blue and Magenta came in real handy for the super darks. Oh my, we are having a storm and I needed to get offline, but I wanted to post this for today and just noticed a dark area that is standing out too much. I’ll fix it tomorrow, but in the meantime I’m calling it a day for this challenge.
I used a reference photograph of a Maple tree from pmp, with the sky and background from my imagination – the tree needed a scene that showcased the tree. Don’t you agree?
The painting subject came on the recommendation from my blogging friend, Cynthia Jobin who has a great blog http://littleoldladywho.net/. Cynthia is a writer, poems are her forte (the writing is awesome), she also has art in her blood – she’s a retired teacher of the arts. I have a great deal of respect for Cynthia (check out July 13, 2013 you’ll understand a little more about this remarkable woman). So Cynthia, my friend, this one is for you ~
Maple Tree, Day 13
Oil Pastels by Mary 
I love the maple tree painting. It reminds me of one that I know here.
Thank you, nothing like Fall in New England especially in the darling State for leaf season!
Another beautiful work dear Mary!
Warm colors as sun’s warmth❤️
xxx
Hi Violet – thank you so much!
You’ve managed to achieve dark values in the leaves without muddiness-your colors remain fresh and bright!
Thanks Elena, so glad you noticed. I know, I was a little concerned about creating mud – glad this piece cooperated.
Maple trees in the fall are my favourites! Great work, Mary!
Thanks Calee – we don’t see this kind of brilliance of the Fall season here in TX, I miss it terribly.
Absolutely beautiful, Mary! the colours are alive!
Thank you Ann-Christine so glad you enjoyed the tree!
It did need a scene Mary .. and now you’ve show a blazing tree there beautifully ! Lovely tints and colours … I can almost feel the sun’s warmth 🙂
Thank you Poppy, to show the tree by itself just wouldn’t have done her proper. These warm and blazing colors will bring warmth to any chilly morning add a little coffee and this is the way life should be.
Beautiful dear Mary, I lov ed it. And how nice of you 🙂 Thanks and Love, nia
Thanks Nia!
wow!
Thanks Audrey!
Very good
Thanks Catnip!
Thank you.
Well how can I put it any other way than: you’re on fire Mary, literally! What a beautifully colored painting! Love autumn because of the same reason, color, color,color! It gives so much joy to look at the colors, it’s a burst of energy even do the season is closer to winter but Mother Nature is at her best in the fall! I like the fact that your challenge no:13 is not green, love surprises and you just surprised us all with your choice! Beautiful, thanks for sharing!
Thanks Eva – who doesn’t love the look of a brilliant Fall, glad you enjoyed this piece. Nothing like a little surprise as we close in on the final days of the challenge, two to go and who knows what will show up on your screen! Love your assessment, it really is all about the warmth of color – thank you!
How long did this take you? it’s beautiful!
Thank you for your lovely comment. This painting took about 2.5 hours, thanks for asking.
You are welcome!
Such a beautiful Maple—and background.(blue and orange are my favorite complementaries). There is an abundance of these trees just outside my window, so I’m glad you included it in your tree repertoire. I declare you an honorary “maine-iac”, even though you’re now in Texas! It’s also kind of you to mention my poetry site. You’re not only a fine artist, but also a dear and generous blogging friend. 🙂
Thank you Cynthia – I’m so glad to have been able to surprise you with a little Fall fire! It was a fun challenge, and oh boy were my hands blazing in red and orange OPs. So glad to be able to introduce others to your beautiful writing and “person,” best to you this morning my friend ~
Love the palette you’ve chosen Mary. The Orange of the tree against the blue of the sky is very lovely. I especially like the way you handled the volume of the tree and the gradation of your background and foreground. Beautiful!
Thanks Rhonda for your beautiful comments and feedback!
I love this, Mary! It represents New England fall so beautifully!
Thank you Francesca!
Fall being my favorite season, I love your work for the day.
Thank you Evelyne!
Oh, now that’s a beautiful fiery tree!!!! 🙂
Thanks Marina – only a little fire! What’s incredible is during Fall in New England if the temps are just right during the day and night the trees become so brilliant it’s like the trees are on fire. We had a tree in our backyard in Maine, that would blaze for only a couple of days – you’d swear a spot light was on shining on it.