Spring Cleaning: Additions to the Studio Archive …

Red Sky at Night – Pastel on Paper, 15″ x 20″

Spring cleaning underway in the studio, preparing for 2012 open studios (Dates TBA). Uncovering work on paper from stacks upon stacks upon piles. So much work, heading to the frame shop this month and next …

Green August Twilight – Pastel on Paper, 15″ x 20″

Topaz Light – Pastel on Paper, 20″ x 15″

Rhus Typhina – Pastel on Paper, 15″ x 20″

Thirty in Thirty, Day Thirty One: Reflecting Upon A Month of Studio Days & Slideshow of Thirty New Paintings …

Thirty in Thirty is an annual January tradition in my studio, which began in 2011 as a self challenge. The idea is to devote thirty straight days to painting, and to post a new piece of work on this site, each day of the month. The final day of January is spent evaluating the process and the work itself.

Working for thirty straight days is challenging, to say the least. Trying to balance the demands of successful studio life with a happy and rewarding personal life is always a wobbly juggling act, and during “Thirty in Thirty” the juggling act starts to feel a bit like a three ring circus! I’m so grateful for the encouragement and support I receive from friends, fans and the people I love. Thank you everyone!

For me, painting requires a great deal of focus; it’s a solitary pursuit. When I am working, distractions and interruptions need to be minimized so that I can stay 100% with my painting. I’m fortunate. My painting studio is located in a quiet, remote spot, surrounded by nature. The greatest inspiration for my work is right outside my door. Of course, not every day involves a full 8 hours in the studio, but at least four or five productive hours are usually spent painting, with many more hours spent devoted to the process (winter walks, taking photos, making notes, evaluating work in series, and thinking).

I’ve decided to continue giving myself monthly work challenges. Some of these commitments will involve out-of-studio explorations, and others will explore new media and themes.  Thank you for following along, commenting and for all of your support with “Thirty-in-Thirty”!

Thirty in Thirty, Day Thirty: Sunlit Winter Saplings …

Sunlit Saplings ⓒ 2012 Michaela Harlow

20″ x 15″ – Pastel and Pencil on Paper

Thirty in Thirty, Day Twenty Nine: Winter Meadow …

Winter Meadow ⓒ 2012 Michaela Harlow

20″ x 15″ – Pastel and Pencil on Paper

Thirty in Thirty, Day Twenty Eight: Slate Ridge …

Slate Ridge ⓒ 2012 Michaela Harlow

20″ x 15″ – Pastel and Pencil on Paper

Thirty in Thirty, Day Twenty Seven: Winter Tangle …

Winter Tangle ⓒ 2012 Michaela Harlow

20″ x 15″ – Pastel and Pencil on Paper

Thirty in Thirty, Day Twenty Six: Winter Brambles …

Winter Brambles ⓒ 2012 Michaela Harlow

15″ x 20″ – Pastel and Pencil on Paper

Thirty in Thirty, Day Twenty Five: Along the Icy River …

Along the Icy River ⓒ 2012 Michaela Harlow

15″ x 20″ – Pastel on Paper

Thirty in Thirty, Day Twenty Four: Moss Pool …

Moss Pool ⓒ 2012 Michaela Harlow

15″ x 20″ – Pastel and Pencil on Paper

Thirty in Thirty, Day Twenty Three: Stones in the River …

Stones in the River ⓒ 2012 Michaela Harlow

15″ x 20″ – Pastel and Pencil on Paper

Thirty in Thirty, Day Twenty Two: Autumn Remnants …

Autumn Remnants ⓒ 2012 Michaela Harlow

15″ x 20″ – Pastel and Pencil on Paper

Thirty in Thirty, Day Twenty One: Glazed Pool …

Glazed Pool ⓒ 2012 Michaela Harlow

15″ x 20″ – Pastel and Pencil on Paper

Thirty in Thirty, Day Twenty: Red Osier …

Red Osier  ⓒ 2012 Michaela Harlow

15″ x 20″ – Pastel and Pencil on Paper

 

Thirty in Thirty, Day Nineteen: Winter Blonde …

Winter Blonde

15″ x 20″ – Pastel and Pencil on Paper

Thirty in Thirty, Day Eighteen: Through Freezing Fog …

Through Freezing Fog

15″ x 20″ – Pastel and Pencil on Paper

Thirty in Thirty, Day Seventeen: Surface Layer …

Surface Layer

15″ x 20″ – Pastel and Pencil on Paper

Thirty in Thirty, Day Sixteen: Frozen Veneer …

Frozen Veneer

15″ x 20″ – Pastel and Pencil on Paper

Thirty in Thirty, Day Fifteen: Winter Reed …

Winter Reed

20″ x 15″ – Pastel and Pencil on Paper

‘Almost Blue’ … Almost Home

‘Almost Blue’ (24 x 24, oil, oil bar and wax on panel)

SOLD – Collection of Rose and John Goetsch, San Antonio, Texas

It isn’t every day that I post a note about a painting when it’s sold, but this piece has an interesting and fun history. By complete coincidence, two individuals from San Antonio, Texas –not acquainted with one another– inquired about this piece. How interesting! What is it about this piece that pulls it westward? I have no idea, but I do love a bit of mystery. Obviously this painting wants to head west, and today ‘Almost Blue’ is almost home. Congratulations to Rose and John Goetsch, my new collectors in San Antonio, Texas!

New Work on Paper: “Melt Water” Series…

“Melt Water” ⓒ 2011 Michaela Harlow (16″ x 16″ Pastel on 19″ x 24″ Paper)

This is a peek at a new series I’m calling “Melt Water”. I’ll be posting more from this series soon. I’m really happy with it.

 

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New Work on Paper: “Last Leaves IV”…

“Last Leaves IV” ⓒ 2011 Michaela Harlow (16″ x 16″ Pastel on 19″ x 24″ Paper)

SOLD – Collection of Bruce & Linda Tingle

This piece has more form… Ghosted maple remnants

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