Callipygous Pony

Callipygous Pony  7 x 5 pastel

Click here to bid

Day 1 — Yep, it's true. I signed up for another Thirty Paintings in 30 Days Challenge.
I'm starting off the new year with a "rear end".

I am linking this blog to Daily Paintworks, which provides an easy way to bid on the
paintings and pay with Paypal. 

Orange is the New Blackberry

Orange is the New Blackberry  6x6 pastel

Click Here to Bid

I am reposting from paintings from the last challenge. Why? Because I like them.

Schoharie Cow

Schoharie Cow  6 x 6 pastel

This is actually an experiment to see if I can link my blog to my Daily Paintworks page where an auction is set up.

Click to Bid

Poppy

Poppy  10 x 10 pastel  Commission

I had to wait until after Christmas to post this one. What a sweet dog and much fun to paint.

Luna

Luna 10 x 12 commission

Luna was shipped to Texas with the wrong address (my bad) and returned to sender (moi).
That took 12 days. She needed a little touch up from all that travel, and was reshipped
via Priority Overnite and arrived safely in time for Christmas.

Lesson learned: pay for the fastest delivery, with the least amount of handling—
your pastels will thank you for it.

Bings

Bings  6 x 6 pastel on gatorboard  $125

Many days of dreary, cloudy, rainy weather in the northeast had me thinking about summer
and chiaroscuro.

chi·a·ro·scu·ro

kēˌärəˈsk(y)o͝orō,kēˌarə-/

noun: chiaroscuro
Italian for light-dark) in art is the use of strong contrasts between light and dark, usually bold contrasts affecting a whole composition.

Funky Chicken VI

Funky Chicken VI  6 x 6 pastel $125

I gave myself a half hour to paint something— and my go-to subject is chickens when I want
to do a fast painting.

I have been told it can be hard to post comments on my blog, that you need to open a Google account. 
I have my settings set for anyone to post, so you should be able to go to "anonymous". 

It is also possible there are no comments.

Gasboy

Gasboy  10 x 8 pastel on gatorboard $150

Thanks to Madeline Wilson, my great photographer friend, for this image. We took a trek to the Catskills to photograph and snoop around some of the old Borscht Belt abandoned resorts and Gasboy was stuck in the middle of an overgrown field.

Madeline created a book, Outside The Lines, featuring work from her abandoned series.
I have not seen the book, so I don't know if Gasboy made the cut, but here he is in pastel.

Cherries

10 x 8 pastel on gatorboard $150

Driving back from Big Sur to SFO we stopped at a farm stand in Gilroy CA — the Garlic Capital
of the World. We bought fruit. I just realized this is the first human I have painted.

The Shape of Things to Come

The Shape of Things to Come  6 x 6 pastel on gatorboard  $125

December means commissions so my posting has been spotty. I will be able to post those
paintings after Christmas.

Went to a great country wedding in the Catskills this past weekend. The favors were these
cookie cutters, attached to a bag of yummy cookies with the recipe included. Sweet.

O Tannenbaum

O Tannenbaum  7 x 5 pastel on gatorboard

I have wanted to paint one of my ceramic Christmas trees since last Christmas. I doubt this is the last one you will see — they are a challenge. 

Speaking of challenges, I am signed up for 30 Paintings in Thirty days for January.

Here is a small sampling of my collection

Tom

Tom  14 x 11 pastel 

I delivered this wedding gift a few days ago, so it's safe to post. Tom was quite fun to paint and I decided he needed the periwinkle border at the last minute.

Another Chicken

Another Chicken  10 x 6 pastel on gatorboard  $150

Yep, it's another chicken.

If The Shoe Fits

If The Shoe Fits 6 x 6  SOLD

Thank you all who came to my reception yesterday at the Larchmont Library.

Found and Lost

Funky Chicken IV

 

 Funky Chicken IV  12 x 9 pastel on gatorboard

I needed a fast, loose chicken today. Nothing else was working. For some reason, chickens
are very forgiving.

International Association of Pastel Societies

Not A Dozen  14 x 11 pastel                                   Bushel of Tears  14 x 11 pastel

I am delighted to announce both these paintings have been juried into The 25th IAPS Juried Exhibition/2014 Webshow.  I will send a link when the show is posted online in late November for you to see all the wonderful pastels.

By the time Bushel of Tears returns to it's owners it will have covered quite a lot of territory:
The Donald Gallery (Dobbs Ferry, NY), National Arts Club (NYC), Butler Institute of American Art (Youngstown, OH) and The 25th IAPS Exhibition (the World).

Another Nap

Another Nap     8 x 10 pastel on UART    $400

It's rainy here in NY. Instead of taking a nap I decided to try another painting of my cat. 

Someone once told me if you want to have a good life, live like a cat: never underestimate the value of a good nap, eat when you are hungry, play when you feel like it, live like it's your ninth life. 

Sage advice.

Naptime

Naptime 9 x 12 pastel   SOLD

I did this at the tail end of a 4 day plein aire workshop with Liz Haywood Sullivan in Litchfield, CT.  We had some time left and I was tired of landscapes and had a photo of my cat, Moon.

This will go to a dear friend so I will get to visit it!

Plein Aire

Here is the proof that I really did paint outside. This was Day 2 of Liz Haywood Sullivan's workshop in Litchfield, CT. Yes, someone parked a car in the middle of my scene, but the beauty of art is sometimes what you leave out.

I learned a lot: about lighting, atmospheric perspective, value, value, and value.

Will I do landscapes? Sure. Plein Aire? Maybe. It certainly hasn't been crossed off my list.

Independence Peaches

Independence Peaches  11 x 14 pastel 

Independence Peaches was accepted into the Renaissance in Pastel National Exhibition, to be shown at the Slater Memorial Museum in Norwich, CT. The show runs from Oct 8 - Nov 9, 2014. 

I hope to post some of my plein aire paintings once I unpack from my workshop with Liz Haywood Sullivan, sponsored by the Connecticut Pastel Society. I never imagined going outside would reveal so much.

Butler Institute of Art

Bushel of Tears  14 x 11 pastel

What an honor, I have just received notification from the Pastel Society of America that my painting "Bushel of Tears" is included in a show at The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio from December - January 2015.

Hummm, I've never been to Ohio...

Eye Candy

Day 21 — Pastel Society of America Materials Fair— I managed to add to my darks and greys
with juicy sticks from Terry Ludwig, Girault and Mount Vision. And then I saw the Caran D'Ache
pastel pencils, which I don't see very often, so I had to get them.

My South Church pals, (l to r) Stan, Maureen, moi, Annabelle and Lenore

Tonight is the Awards Banquet for the 42nd PSA Annual Exhibition: Enduring Brilliance.
Some old and new friends have won awards and I am honored to attend and cheer them on.

I will be stopping at Hudson Valley Art Association 82nd Annual Juried Exhibition at Salmagundi before PSA to get a look at that show— Awards Reception Friday Sept 26, 5- 8 pm.

PSA/HVAA Weekend

It's THE big weekend for pastel artists across the country.

Come to NYC tomorrow through next week, you can see both shows,
and they are within walking distance of each other—
and you can even go through Union Square Greenmarket and shop for dinner.

I've included a little map, too!

PJ's Chuck Taylor Hi Tops

PJ's Chuck Taylor Hi Tops  6 x 6 pastel on gatorboard  SOLD

Day 18 — I am fairly certain when I was a kid, Chuck Taylor's did not come in pink, or any
color but black or white. If they did I am not sure how I would have decided which ones to
ask my Grandma for.

Looks like PJ's Grandma owns her first pair of Pink CTs, too.

This is the big Pastel Society of America weekend at the National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, NYC. The Gallery Tour and Reception is tomorrow night at 6 pm, Materials Fair Saturday, and Awards and Banquet Sunday night. I am afraid I will be unable to paint and therefore post until Monday. 

Have a great weekend and maybe I will see you in NYC

Mac's First Chuck Taylors

Mac's First Chuck Taylors  6 x 6 pastel on gatorboard  SOLD

Day 17 — Apparently I said I wished I had more kid's shoes... and voila, in my inbox
were these adorable CT's.

I called the Grandma to make sure I had all the details correct and she bought the painting
as soon as she saw it!

Rollei

10 x 8 Rollei  pastel on gatorboard  $150

Day 16 — Rolleiflex is the name of a long-running and diverse line of high-end cameras originally made by the German company Franke & Heidecke, and later Rollei-Werk.

I saw this at a tag sale and snapped a picture with my iPhone, things have come a long way.

Fun with Sunflowers

Fun with Sunflowers  10 x 8 pastel on gatorboard $150

Day 15 — I have always wanted to try to paint sunflowers. They are fast, fun and make me smile —
Van Gogh has nothing to worry about—he still rules!

Yes, I missed yesterday. Family came and it was a busy day. But the point of this challenge is to have fun, and not worry about it too much. By the way, the latest count has 1,053 artists participating

Here is a map of all the participating artists. I guess it's too cold in Antarctica.

Unbroken

Unbroken  8 x 10 pastel  $300

Day 13 —I was gone all day and wanted to post something. Since it ended up being a rainy day I thought these would be perfect.

Vintage Mirro Dripolator

Vintage Mirro Dripolator  9 x 12 pastel on gatorboard  $225

Day 12 — I grew up with this coffeepot, well not this coffeepot. This Dripolator was in Maine, at my dear friends house, along with a row of other equally regal coffeepots of the same era. For a gal who loves repetition in art, this was heaven. For now, only one, but stay tuned for the full chorus line.

I remember the brand of coffee my mother used, Savarin. Like Prell, there were not too many choices in those days.

Pygora Goat

Pygora Goat  10 x 8 pastel on gatorboard   $150

Day 11 — This was painted last night. I need to get a few paintings ahead of myself because of a busy month. I also wanted to paint an animal after so many inanimate objects. 

 

I can't guarantee he's a Pygora, but that's the best I could find in my Google search of goat breeds.
In fact, I started out calling him Lamb Chop... then realized he's is a goat, and he might be she!  

 

I've been off the farm too long.

The Fourth Time is a Charm

The Fourth Time is a Charm  6 x 6 pastel on gatorboard  $125

Day 10 — Sometimes it just isn't working. I wiped this one out 3 times before I switched to a different board and tried once more. It this one didn't work it was going the circular file. A very rough surface ate up the pastels, but kind of fun in the end. I think it works.

Haricot Verts

Haricot Verts  10 x 8  pastel on Ampersand  $200

Day 9  — I got into a bit of trouble today, as in— the day got away from me and I am only just getting into the studio at 7 pm. So, I made sure I had a back up painting for just this reason.

This painting was a struggle, but certainly not in finding models! My garden is overflowing with green beans. But, why when I pick them do I itch so badly?  Answer: contact dermatitis. Very common. I must remember to wear long sleeves and gloves, but that seems to take the fun out of gardening.

Oh, the reason I was out all day— I was looking at the venue for my show in November at the Larchmont Public Library. It will be nice, and just in time for Christmas shopping...

If The Shoe Fits

 

If The Shoe Fits  6 x 6 pastel on gatorboard   $125 

Day 8 —  Another great little girls shoe from Livie and Luca. I wish I had more reference photos, these shoes are a blast to paint.

And, as promised, the cucumber:

What Girls Want

What Girls Want  6 x 6 pastel on gatorboard  $125

Day 7 — Little girls, big girls— they all want shoes, and lots of them. But I think some of the coolest designs are for the little girls. 

I still think someone could make a fortune selling these styles, along with a form of long legged onesies for the big girls. Some of the coolest, funkiest designs go to these tots, who out grow them in minutes. "Do I have kids"  you say? Nope, skipped that step, so what the heck do I know. 

This is a late post because in the northeast we had about the most spectacular day of the summer,
and I spent it gardening. Tomorrow I will post the cucumber I managed to miss all summer —
it's about the size of a onesie.

Blaukraut

 

Blaukraut  6 x 6 pastel on gatorboard  $125

Day 6 — I needed to come up with a better title than "Red Cabbage" so I did a search and found a recipe for German Red Cabbage, Blaukraut.

This brings back memories of my German Grandma, Frieda, and her Sauerbraten with Red Cabbage, I mean Blaukraut. As a kid I wasn't too fond of this sour, peasant food but now I love it. And I still miss my grandma.

Orange is the New Blackberry

Orange Is The New Blackberry  6 x 6 pastel on gatorboard  $125

Day 5 — One great thing about this months challenge is that the day corresponds to the date.

This painting was fast, fun and I love the colors. Certain layouts make it really hard to find a good place for the signature— this placement is very different for me.

Remembering Prell

Remembering Prell  10 x 8 pastel

Day 4 — If you are of a certain age, you remember Prell (and Breck). Back then there were not too many options. I was a "Breck girl" but I recently found Prell at Walbaumn's.

I was trying to do this fast, loose and bold. Maybe if I go back and figure out the floor tile correctly it will work better. But it was fun trying something different, kind of reminds me of the days of doing marker comps for ad agencies.

Artichoke Bloom

Artichoke Bloom  7 x 5 pastel on gatorboard  $125

Day 3 — While driving down the coast of CA from Half Moon Bay to Big Sur for a wedding this summer, we passed acres and acres of artichokes. I never got a good shot, but luckily my BFF from high school saved the day and sent an image I could paint from. 

Every time I see an artichoke I remember the Little Rascals quote "It might choke Artie, but it ain't gonna choke Stymie."

That Lobster Painting

"That Lobster Painting"  6 x 6 pastel on gatorboard   $125

Day 2 — It's called That Lobster Painting because I said to my husband "I don't know what to call that lobster painting" and he said, yup, "That Lobster Painting."  I am open to suggestions for another title.

The afternoon was spent at the Apple Store. As far as stores go, this is one high on my list. 2 hours later—new laptop and iPhone for hubby. Purchases like this make the shareholders (moi) happy, too.

Goin' Postal

Goin' Postal  9 x 12 pastel on gatorboard  $225

Day 1 — I thought Goin' Postal was an appropriate title given how busy my month is and I decided to do the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge. There are over 700 artists participating this time, from all over the world, and all of them goin' postal !!!

The Internet Can Be a Good Thing

I got this email last week:

Dear Ms Kossow;

Years ago I purchased a painting on line I think via e-bay. Its been hanging in my house for at least 10 yrs, it is an ocean scene, grey/blue/beige scheme with a liminous green in the center,,,,signed CKKossow 69'. Is this your work???  It has a sort of antique look  to it. I purchased it as it captures the sun through high waves on a late summer  West Dennis MA beach....Often wondered about the artist.

Warren M
Billerica MA

My response

WOW is all I can say. There are a couple of strange coincidences going on here. I would love to see it— can you send an image?

In 1969 I could have signed a piece of art "CKKossow".  I never had a middle name and adopted the K for a while because I felt left out.

I used to go to Harwichport for vacations with my family, though not West Dennis. I honestly have no recollection of this art, but it was the late 60s after all, enough said, right?

What is so interesting is that I went to Parsons in 1971, then eventually had a 35 yr career in graphic design. I "retired" two years ago to see what would happen if I tried painting again—picked up pastels and have not looked back. But to have you contact me from a piece of art I might have done in 1969 just astounds me.

Here is the painting. I do remember it, an oil. I know it's me because I also put the apostrophe after the year incorrectly — only to learn some years later that it goes before!

 

The best Warren and I can come up with is that when I cleaned out my Dad's house in Briarcliff Manor NY, about 2004, some one went through the pile of trash on the curb and put this up on EBay. I think the Cape connection is just a coincidence.

The internet is full of surprises, like what the heck will I paint for the next 30 Days...

PSA 42nd Annual Exhibition Enduring Brillance and HVAA 82nd Annual Juried Exhibition

 

The month of September is going to be busy. I hope you will stop by the National Arts Club,
15 Gramercy Park South, New York, NY— and take a look at the best pastels from around the world. It was a tough competition, with 182 finalists out of 1222 entries. I am thrilled to be part of this tribe.

Snapper On Ice 11 x 14 pastel

The week of September 20-26,  the Hudson Valley Art Association will have it's 82nd Annual Juried Exhibition at the Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Ave, New York, NY. Along with pastel, this show includes the best oil, sculpture and watercolor paintings in the US.

On top of all this excitement, I have signed on to another 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge. This round close to 700 artists are signed up from 20 different counties. That's 21,000 new pieces of beautiful art for the world to enjoy.

Monday is September 1st!!! Check your email...