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Thursday, April 17, 2008

Pastel Painting, Malpais and Cacti

A new pastel painting of some New Mexico cacti in the lava flow (malpais). When you see the lava from a distance you think black rock, but it has a lot of subtleties in the color to match the texture. Some of it is also very heavy and dense and some is full of holes like a sponge and will actually float. It has many shapes where it spewed over the valley. The whirls and movement of waves or cake batter spilled on the ground. There are sharp straight edges where it broke or pushed against something that has eroded away, maybe it was ice. The earth around it is very fertile. Very fascinating stuff. The painting was done with the thought of my exhibit in Magdalena, New Mexico, in July.

Malpais and Cacti
Pastel on Wallis paper
9 x 12 inches

The first photo of the painting was taken by Joanna, followed by the photo I took. I won't put any text in between so you can compare. What a difference, even posted in 72 dpi. Wow. I tried changing the contrast and saturation on my photo, it doesn't come close. We took them out in the evening sun at the same time.

The painting looks more like Joanna's photo. :) Guess who I will get to photo my all my paintings in the future, right?


10 comments:

Regina Calton Burchett said...

I can't believe there is such a difference in the photos! Your painting looks just wonderful, Jo. Is it late evening sun? Really nice!

"JeanneG" said...

Good job on the Cactus. Thanks so much for describing the lava ground. Sounds interesting to see.

I couldn't comment on Joanna's blog. I was going to tell her that robin would have made a good one for a companion piece to the one I did. Also I am glad that lizard is there and not here. I don't even like to see the little tiny ones here. Don't know what I'd do face to face with a bigger one. Not run for the camera I'm pretty sure.lol

Jo Castillo said...

Regina, big difference for sure. And, you know I have a decent camera. :) Well, one more excuse for Joanna to do my photos. Yes, the time was evening in the painting, too.

Thanks! See you soon.

Jo Castillo said...

Jeanne, You made me laugh. The lizard wasn't too big. We have mostly brown ones that blend in with the dead pine needles and leaves.

Here is a link to your robin, a very nice sketch....

Joanna said...

I'm always pleased as punch to photograph your art, Mom. I just need to figure out a way to get out to Bastrop more often.

And, Mom's right about the lizard. The main bulk of his body was probably only about 4 inches long? Of course, that tail added another 5 or 6 inches. He was maybe an inch across at his belly. I was very pleased to spot him and be able to take his photo. Again and again and again. Heh.

By the way, it would've been a different story if the little guy had been in the house. I wouldn't have run screaming but I would have trapped and released him outside before grabbing the camera.

Jo Castillo said...

Thanks, Joanna. I haven't seen the lizards in the house .. good thing. My latest was a centipede in the kitchen sink. Not good. With all those feet it was difficult to wash him down the garbage disposal. Not sure I got him. Ugh...

Joan said...

The cacti are lovely!!! I lov the play of light in this. What a difference in the two photos. Does Joanna want to come here and take photos of my work???

Jo Castillo said...

Joan, thank you so much! I'm sure Joanna would be delighted to come to NY. :) No room between the baseball games at the moment. Ha.

Bag Blog said...

I may get her to photograph my paintings too - that is really a big difference.

I saw that OSU was playing Texas in baseball last night - did you go?

Jo Castillo said...

bag blog, Joanna does take nice photos!

We did go to the game, OSU won 2-1 in 11 innings. :( First time they beat the Horns since 2005. It was a very good game. Both pitchers were good. Chance, for the Horns, pitched 10 innings. First time, he is a freshman.


About Me

My photo
Bastrop, Texas, United States
I Grew up in a small town , Magdalena, New Mexico. I enjoy art and the pleasure other people get from my work. I always donate some of my sales and art to charities, especially for children. That started in Bolivia with Para los NiƱos. "I cannot pretend to feel impartial about colors. I rejoice with the brilliant ones and am genuinely sorry for the poor browns." -- Winston Churchill

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