Here is the first of the reviews I’ve been promising–this little sketchbox is going to free me up to paint out and paint out more often! Find this box at https://heilmandesigns.com/ Subscribe to Blog via Email Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Join 8 […]
IAPS Experience and What’s Upcoming Here
Here is a report with photos of my experience as an IAPS newbie! The greatest pastel play ground in the world was such an enriching time for me and I’m sharing an overview with you here. But before I dig in to the delicious details, I want to let you know that my quarterly newsletter […]
On Framing
During our IAPS trip, my friends and I discussed framing. It’s a never-ending topic for pastelists! Not only that, but it’s a hot topic… There are so many options about the right method. So here I share with you my own method. You decide for yourself whether it is a good one or not! 😄 […]
IAPS 2019
What is the ultimate play date for pastel artists? The International Association of Pastel Societies conference, of course! Just imagine seeing, eating, chatting and learning with numbers of master pastelists, all of whom were approachable, generous and encouraging. Walking at your leisure through a roomful of the very highest quality pastel paintings from all over […]
Bluebonnets in Sunset
I was angry. I can’t even remember what I was angry about, except that it was something about my art. I was at that point which most artists experience frequently–the one where I ask myself if I should even bother continuing painting–just give it up and spend the rest of my life watching reruns of […]
Pecos Bills
For twenty minutes the artists watched these two delight themselves in their morning ablutions. Untroubled in the least by their audience, they preened and washed without moving away from the area. The artists were delighted, the ducks were delighted. A recent highlight in my life was the painting plein air workshop I took last October […]
Precious moments
Sitting on the porch. That’s where I found Mom and Dad. Just sitting in the beautiful spring air of the late afternoon, rocking a bit from time to time. The silence was truly golden. A balmy breeze rustled the leaves as it heralded the wet weather for tomorrow. Dove, mockingbird. Hummingbird. The grasses from the […]
Stroll Down Redcloud
I am blessed to live in a very beautiful part of the world. This year the wildflowers have been amazing! A few weeks ago I went out plein air painting–one doesn’t have to go far here to find something wonderful to paint. I finished with my first scene, then turned to begin packing up… And […]
Bitterweed Grace
Life lessons: the bitter can end beautifully. I know it can, because just look at these flowers! They are so beautiful– and this year they are so plentiful!–and yet the are named bitterweed.Brown bitterweed. I wish for a better name for them, one more suited to their joyful abundance, sunshiny spirit, and laughing dance in […]
Pink Tea for the Ladies
It never fails that I learn something delightful when I paint. Sometimes it’s something about painting, but often it’s about the subject of the painting. I’ve learned about bees, bluebonnets, pollinators and pink ladies. These flowers, called Pink Ladies or Pink Evening Primrose are a common sight along our highways this time of year. I […]