“The urge to destroy is also a creative urge.” – Pablo Picasso
This painting was started one year ago as a sunset beach scene, it was put aside because I couldn’t see where it was going. I almost tossed it out, but I figured one of these days I’ll figure it out and paint right over the original ~ one of these days happened this past week and Picasso’s quote couldn’t have been more spot-on.
Sand Dunes, an acrylic painting (20×16) was painted on a gesso-prepared hardboard using golden brand acrylics. I really enjoyed working on the painting this second time, without rushing I took my time developing the dunes, the sky and water. It felt like I was right there feeling the warm sea breeze, making my way down to the shore watching the waves come ashore ~ even if I am sitting in Texas!
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Oil Pastels by Mary 
I am so glad you didn’t throw this one away.. you deliver to a painting all of yourself…every little brush stroke is placed perfectly. This is terrific, Mary!
Thanks very much Rose, this was a neat scene to work out in acrylics paints – but the process was real trying. I painted over the scene several times to get what I could see in mind’s eye.
wonderful scenes , Just Wow!
Thank you so much for your generous comment!
I can practically feel the warmth! Beautiful painting!
Thank you for your beautiful comment – always enjoy reading someones reaction to my work. Thanks again ~
Very good, Mary. gorgeous use of colour and texture.
Thanks Cynthia it was a neat scene to work on, took a while, but eventually it showed itself.
Beautiful work Mary! Living here in Colorado it makes me miss the shore!
Thank you so much Denise – I know what you mean about being away from the sea. Just not the same here in TX either! Thanks again, but you know you can’t beat your gorgeous CO mountains!
Beautiful! Perfect colours!
Thanks so much Pauline, glad you enjoyed the scene! Hope you are well, nice to see you again – Happy Fall to you.
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Thank you!
This is beautiful. I am so happy to stumble upon this blog.
Nice to meet you Neyda – thank you for visiting!
What a wonderful painting, Mary. It makes me want to skip work and go to the beach! 🙂
Thank you so much Janell for your wonderful comment. Somehow I missed this entirely. Hope you are well, looking forward to seeing what you have been up to.
Brings back all summer feelings…the sea and the warm dunes. You always bring out feelings – of course you know that by now…but still. Bringing out feelings is a wonderful gift!
I love your response Ann-Christine, it’s a real compliment to know that the painting can bring back those special times at the shore. I’m so glad you enjoyed the scene – now we can only dream of a warm summers’ day at the beach.
I can smell the wind from the ocean…I can feel the energy of the waves…beautiful!
robert
So cool Robert, thank you – your reaction to the piece is very much appreciated.
I know that gap in the dunes: Talacre, surely? And when I walk through, there will be the long-disused lighthouse on the beach, supposedly haunted by the ghost of a former keeper. The dunes are home to the rare Natterjack Toad. Skylarks sing aloft. Little Terns dive for fish…
Okay, so it isn’t. It isn’t Talacre on the Point of Ayr, here in North Wales. But it could so easily be. I thrill at the salty tang of the sea it conjures, the wash of the tide, the “kirri-kirri-kirri” cries of those Little Terns…
I love the picture, Mary.
My very best,
Paul
Hi Paul, it’s always a pleasure to read your comments – they are filled with great imagery and energy. This one is no exception, it’s made my day that the painting can evoke such a read. I think it’s quite alright that the dunes are located in North Wales, because in your mind it takes you to a special place – exactly what I had hope for this piece to do. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead.
I’m happy that you didn’t throw it out! It’s a beautiful painting. The contrast of the cerulean sky and the sand is terrific. I loved the Picasso’s quote you used. It’s so thought-provoking… 🙂
Wonderful to read your thoughts Maniparna – glad you enjoyed Picasso’s quote also. Thank you!
You may be sitting in Texas, but your soul is in these sand dunes. Nothing to say except BEAUTIFUL!! ~Rita
Thanks Rita so much – you really understand and know. Thank you my friend.
it was a good idea to let it sleep in your subconscious. So the result is magnificent.
Thank you so much Dsaquarelles, you are very generous – it finally decided to show itself. Was a great seascape to workout.
When a Artist paints from the Heart, the Viewers also FEEL The Painting.
I Love the Sea. Its boundless.
What a beautiful thing to write Cattie, thank you so much for your lovely comment and compliment. I really do feel the push and pull of the water when I paint it, it’s my favorite subject. Thanks again ~
That’s a True Artist.
Beautiful quote and beautiful painting! The colors are so lovely! 🙂
Thank you so much for your thoughts on the painting – I really appreciate it!
You’re welcome Mary! 🙂
I am ever so glad you didn’t toss this one away and revisited it Mary!! Its a beauty.
Thanks Susan – it was a good project to work on! We all need a little beach to hang out ~
I hear that nice and loud. Can never have enough beach.
Just returned form a New England vacation and saw some gorgeous beach areas and rocky coastlines. photographs to come ~
Goody!! Looking forward to seeing your paintings of the scenes too.
I can never see a way forward with someting I’ve tossed aside Mary but there’d be a reason why lol …
This is so inviting … pick up the shimmery soft sand and let it run through fingers .. I look out to the ocean and hope when I walk through the gap in the dunes I’ll have the beach all to myself 🙂
It’s a really lovely painting indeed Mary … you , your brushes and paints a wonderful combination . Love my visits here 🙂
Oh did I ever enjoy your imagination Louise – just for you the beach is a quiet place today! Thanks so much for always being present and allowing me to fully appreciate your response to my works through your creative thoughts, means a lot. Thank you and hope you are having a wonderful week!
I’ve come for another wander Mary before I get on with my day 🙂 I keep looking at my pens and brushes and colours * sigh … and think I’ll have a stab at something .. I’ll have to see how it and the day goes …
Happy Saturday Mary !
What an awesome thing Louise – thanks so much. For someone to come back and look again, the compliment doesn’t get any better. I hope you did get those brushes working – you’ve got such a great eye for seeing and creating. Hope you had a beautiful weekend and best wishes for a great week. Looking forward to seeing what you’ve been up too – we just got back from our New England trip (it was an amazing time) and getting settled in.
So lovely!
Thanks you so much Fiona!
I love this painting, I think it’s my favourite one of yours, it speaks to me in a visceral way — and the colours you chose are relaxing and invigorating at the same time — difficult to do, but you did it.
Thanks so much Genie for your generous comments, I enjoyed reading your reaction to the painting and it was what I had hoped for with viewers. Take care and have a wonderful week.
I urge everyone who visits here to view the larger image. So much is missed in the small pic. I love this , Mary!
I’ve been quite busy hiding & finishing my new Art Gown, which I hope you will love. (she’s based on birds) artgowns.com
Ah Resa you are so kind. Thank you my friend, glad you clicked onto the image for the larger size – this was an interesting and fun scene to paint. Have a wonderful new week!
Looking at the blue sky and waves, I can feel the wonderful breeze… So beautiful!
Happy to see your work again, Mary! 🙂
Thanks Amy, so glad you enjoyed the painting. Thank you for stopping by ~
Gorgeous, Mary. And I agree with the others. I’m now feeling the sand between my toes. I needed this retreat. I love the Picasso quote. It really is all about the process! It’s the same with writing: Edit, Edit, and Edit. Repeat. Again, thanks for the holiday! ~Theadora
Hi Theadora, so nice to see you. Loved that the painting offered you some reprieve, another place to dream and be at peace – yes, enjoy the moment my friend. I can only imagine that as a writer the restart button is nothing new for you, but oh your final work is always exquisite from your research to the amazing way you weave us into your communication – we live your writing as you through your choice words!! Have a beautiful week ~
Thanks for your thoughtful words, Mary! You made my week. My month!! And as you know, the feeling is mutual. I’m a Big Time Fan of your work. Thanks for the inspiration and armchair retreats.
Have a wonderful week!
Theadora
Thank you Theadora, we are very lucky to have met virtually ~ hope you are having a beautiful weekend.
Your work, which I follow is inspiring and the Sand Dunes acrylic reminds me of some scenes on the west coast of Florida on the Gulf, visited for the first time last year. Thank You.
Thank you very much Jerry for leaving such an inspiring comment – so happy the painting reminded you of the beautiful coast of Florida.
This is beautiful. I can also feel the warmth of the sand, hear the sound of the sea….it is alive….and I agree with Picasso’s quote wholeheartedly. Wishing you a beautiful weekend, and a week filled with creativity….Janet:)
Thank you Janet for your lovely comment – your response was what I was hoping for. Glad you enjoyed. Have a beautiful week ahead my friend.
So glad you didn’t throw this out! I completely identify with the quote by Picasso. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much Catherine! Looking forward to seeing your latest paintings – hope you are well and enjoying the new season.
It reminds me of where I came from, Lovely!
Wonderful compliment, thank you so much!
Very beautiful Mary!
Thank you Nicodemas!
Beautiful and soft, your sea side paintings are always wonderfully done. Very inviting scene, I feel I could just walk over the dunes and feel the sand under my foot and that breeze which gently moving the grass. I’m glad you kept and returned to this piece, sometimes it happens to me too. I do tend to keep everything and some days a light bulb goes on and I know what I need to do.
Hope you feel good and having a lovely weekend!
Much love, hugs and take good care of yourself my dear friend!
Thank you so much Eva. It took about a week to finish this piece out, kind of took my time whenever I stepped back I saw something new – it was fun to work it out. Loved your description and glad that it took you to a pleasant place. Feeling better every day – hope you have a wonderful week ahead. Love to you too – Mary
I’m so happy that you getting better and better, building up your strength day by day! I’m working on mine as well one day at the time! Hugs~Eva
This is so good to read Eva ~ take care my friend.
I’m so happy you decided to revisit this painting, Mary. It really is beautiful and so inviting. Sometimes it’s best to put a project aside for a while. Obviously that choice worked well for you.
Thank you so much Jill – means a lot. You know all about setting work aside I’ll bet as a writer. Good to see you and hope you have a wonderful week.
Beautiful!!!
Thank you so much Michelle!
You’re welcome!
I’m getting sand between my toes, as I look at this painting, Mary. You definitely have a feeling for the sea. As for putting a work of art aside and revisiting it, I do it all the time with poems. I might think a given piece is wonderful or terrible when it’s freshly written, but I know if I put it aside for a day or two It will seem completely different when I come back to it… and even if I ignore it for much longer than that, a return to it seems like seeing it for the first time again. Who wrote that? I ask myself. It must have been a different me.
Hi Cynthia, it’s always surprising to me how many times I’ve had half-way decent results in just setting something aside and take it up at a later day. Like you, fresh eyes lets me see what I didn’t before. You gotta love the sea – fresh, invigorating and overwhelms the senses. Have a special weekend.
I’m so glad you didn’t throw it out, Mary. I don’t think one should ever throw anything out – writing or art. You just never know what idea might strike at a future time. Hope you’re having a lovely weekend!
Hi Sarah, it sat for so long in the corner but in the end I’m glad I kept with the idea for a beach scene. I hope you are well – I’m looking forward to see your new creations!! Happy weekend to you ~
Good thing you did not throw it out! It turned out great! Sometimes it’s good to take a breather from a painting and to look at it with “fresh eyes” after a while.
Great to see you Jess – thanks so much and you are really right about that. Looking forward to seeing what you’ve been up too.
Great quote and so glad you kept this, it turned out marvelous. Now I am going up to paint …
Now that is a cool thing Cynthia – have a great time. Thanks very much and have a great weekend.