Pastel Painting

Gulfport FL Plein Air Painters First Group Show

2024-01-09T14:52:00.000-08:00

I started the Gulfport FL Plein Air Painting Group in Gulfport, FL last year. And we will be having our first exhibition next month at the Catherine Hickman Theater lobby. Opening reception is February 2nd from 6:00PM - 800PM with the show running through February 21st.

We meet on Wednesday mornings for 2-3 hours to paint in our scenic little community. From the colorful restaurants on Beach Blvd to the sailboats in the bay and palm trees in our parks it's always fun to see everyone's different take on our subjects.

If you are in the area, I hope you will join us for the reception on February 2nd and see the "Colors of Gulfport" through our paintbrushes (and pastels).

Pink Palace Tower - Live Painting at the Don Cesar on St Pete Beach, FL

2023-11-13T05:32:00.000-08:00

"Pink Palace Tower"

Soft Pastel on UArt 400 9 x 8"

Do people still write blogs? I just saw that the last time I did was last Spring when I was painting and selling my art at the Don Cesar. Well, I did it again this weekend. Though it was pretty quiet poolside so not a lot of art sales, I did have plenty of time to work on this pastel painting of one of the Pink Palace's towers. It wasn't sunset but I decided to push the colors a bit which gives the piece a nice glow, I think.

Sunday at the Don CeSar Weekend Brunch St Pete Beach Pastel Painting by Poucher

2023-05-07T11:43:00.004-07:00

"Sunday at the Don"

Soft pastel on UArt 400 paper 8x8"

This is the second time that I set up a table of my prints and notecards poolside at the Don CeSar through the Suntan Art Center but this time I brought my pastels. What a great gig. Tent, tables & chairs all set up for us in a shady location at the #pinkpalace. I just stroll in with my wares, unpack and I'm good to go. So many fabulous models that it's hard to choose. Finished this pastel painting on location, sold some goods and at the end a dunk in the Gulf. I'm pretty happy with my weekend.

It's OK Little Buddy Pastel Painting of Two Egrets by Poucher

2023-04-17T13:19:00.006-07:00

"It's OK Little Buddy"

11 x 14" Soft Pastel on UArt 400 paper

The little one is looking a bit dejected with head down and ruffled feathers. Thought of calling it "There's more than one fish in the sea" but decided it might be a little pep talk after a failed fishing attempt. Anyway, I had fun painting these two. In the original, the background is a bit darker so more contrast. Hope you like it!

Plein Air Painting Gulfport Beach Blvd - No Cars

2023-03-02T05:34:00.002-08:00

"Beach Blvd Gulfport - No Cars

Soft Pastel on UArt 400 12 x 9"

I've started a new plein air group, Gulfport, FL Plein Air Painters. We paint around town on Wednesday mornings. Yesterday, we were by Stella's and I chose a spot at the edge of the blvd. There was a lot of trafiic (for Gulfport), along with horn honking, speeding and loud engines. So to bring a little peace to the painting, I left out the cars.

St Pete Pier Morning Plein Air Pastel Painting - Adirondack Chairs by Poucher

2023-02-12T07:23:00.005-08:00

"St Pete Pier Morning"

Soft Pastel Plein Air Painting on UArt paper 12" x 9"

Enjoyed painting at the pier with the Plein Air Colony of St Pete on Thursday Morning. As it was a beautiful cool morning, I strolled around a bit before settling in to a quiet spot on the south side of the pier. As you might know, I favor painting reflections on the water but with a strong breeze the water was too rough. Shadows are a second favorite so I was pretty happy to find these palms and Adirondack chairs.

After 2 hours it was getting warm and I lost my shade so headed home. I did work on it for about 15 minutes in the studio because I have a hard time just letting it be!

My Funny Valentine - Laughing Gulls Love Soft Pastel Painting by Poucher

2023-01-30T07:01:00.002-08:00

"My Funny Valentine"

Soft Pastel on UArt 400 paper 11 x 14"

We don't celebrate Valentine's Day. (love should be an every day thing not just one day a year) But I couldn't refuse these 2 Laughing Gulls looking amorous. Wishing you love!

Grace - Pastel Painting of a Great Egret Flying above the water by Poucher

2023-01-17T06:06:00.000-08:00

"Grace"

Soft pastel on UArt 400 paper, 11 x 14"

I love these shorebirds and when the image also includes a reflection, that's the best. I practice Tai Chi in the morning at a local waterfront park here in Gulfport, FL. I try and mimic the slow, graceful movements of these amazing creatures but I have a long ways to go.

Available at the Brenda McMahon Gallery in Gulfport, FL.

Together - New Year, New Gallery

2023-01-12T07:02:00.001-08:00

Together, 11 x 14" Soft Pastel on UArt paper

I don't post on my blog much anymore but thought I would announce my new gallery. River's Edge Gallery is in the sweet, fishing town of Apalachicola on Florida's Forgotten Coast. It's a beautiful area away from the hustle and bustle of much of the Florida Coast.

2022-02-12T16:13:00.002-08:00

"How Long Has This been Going On?"

Soft pastel on Pastel Premier Paper 12 x 16""

Available through the Brenda McMahon Gallery, Gulfport, FL

Florida Life Series Golden Years Oil & Cold Wax Painting by Poucher

2021-02-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

"Florida Life Series I"

Oil & Cold Wax on Cradled Panel 8x8"

Continuing my exploration of figurative work in Oil and Cold Wax. I usually work from my own images but I saw a series of old, vintage photos taken to advertise new retirement villages in Florida during the 70's. So, here is #1. It's hard to get the colors right. It's a bit warmer in real life.

Women & the Sea IX, oil painting, Coastal Art by Poucher

2021-01-14T07:14:00.003-08:00

"Women & the Sea Series IX"

Oil and Cold Wax on Cradled Panel 8x8"

Available

I'm not sure if there is anyone still following my blog. I haven't been posting lately. But, this is why. During the pandemic, I needed a change in order to keep making art. My galleries and other venues where I sold my art were closed and my walls were covered with pastels that weren't selling. So, I wasn't encouraged to make anymore pastels if there wasn't a market. But it did seem to be a good time for experimenting. So...I changed medium and subject! I've enjoyed working with oil and cold wax and the challenge of painting figures. And working on cradled panels is a joy as they don't need to be framed. I still love pastels but right now the challenge of a change feels right. (Oh, and they're selling!)

Looks like a might need to rename my blog!

Patience Tri Colored Heron Shorebird Soft Pastel by Poucher

2020-08-04T12:25:00.007-07:00

"Patience"

Soft pastel on UArt 400 paper 9x12"

I watched this Tri Colored Heron at Wood Ibis Park for a long time. There are many lessons to learn from herons. Stillness, intention, determination, calm but above all patience. I've set an intention to be more like this bird.

Side by Side Sailing Seascape Soft Pastel by Poucher

2020-06-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

"Side by Side"

Soft pastel on UArt 400 Archival paper

A memory from one of the Great Provincetown Schooner Regattas. Thanks Ron for letting me crew despite my limited sailing knowledge.

May the wind be always at your back.

Urge for Going VW Bus Beach Poucher Pastel

2020-06-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

"Urge for Going"

Soft pastel on Wallis paper 9x12"

Wharf Reflection April 2020 Coastal Boat Pastel Painting by Poucher

2020-04-17T17:59:00.000-07:00

"Wharf Reflection 4/20"

Soft pastel on UArt 400 paper 8x15"

Tethered, Soft Pastel Coastal Canoe Painting by Poucher

2020-04-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

"Tethered"

Soft Pastel on UArt 400 paper 9x12"

blessing the boats

Lucille Clifton - 1936-2010

(at St. Mary's)

may the tide
that is entering even now
the lip of our understanding
carry you out
beyond the face of fear
may you kiss
the wind then turn from it
certain that it will
love your back may you
open your eyes to water
water waving forever
and may you in your innocence
sail through this to that

2020-03-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

Water Lily

Soft pastel on UArt 400 paper 8x8"

The Peace of Wild Things

Stillness Boat Reflection Coastal Art by Poucher

2020-03-22T12:06:00.000-07:00

"Stillness"

Soft pastel on UArt 400 paper 8x8"

Gulfport Bougainvillea Florida Pastel Painting by Poucher

2020-02-26T14:46:00.000-08:00

"Gulfport Bougainvillea"

Soft pastel on UArt 400 paper 8x8"

I don't think you can call yourself a Gulfport, FL artist unless you have painted this scene. Just a couple of blocks from our house. I don't know why it took me so long to get around to it. Time to buy more pink and violet pastels!

Soft Morning Light Boat Reflection Pastel Painting by Poucher

2019-12-14T13:44:00.000-08:00

"Soft Morning Light"

Soft Pastel on UArt 400 paper

This was the demo piece that I worked on for my open studio this past weekend. Moving more toward those Florida water colors.

Ruby Red Sailboat Seascape Pastel Painting by Poucher

2019-11-29T15:58:00.000-08:00

"Ruby Sailboat"

Soft Pastel on UArt 400 16x20"

Dance of the Egrets Coastal Seascape Pastel Painting by Poucher

2019-11-11T09:47:00.000-08:00

"Dance of the Egrets"

8x8" Soft Pastel on UArt 400 paper

Sunny & Bright Yellow Sailboat Pastel Painting by Poucher

2019-09-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

"Sunny & Bright"

Soft pastel on UArt 400 paper 8x8"

This is a Cape Cod sailboat but I must have my mind on Florida as it seems to have more of a light and bright feel to it. Just another 3 weeks and we will be heading south!

Old Harbor Lifesaving Station Race Point Pastel Painting

2019-09-04T05:51:00.002-07:00

"Old Harbor Lifesaving Station"

Soft pastel on Wallis Belgian Mist

9x12"

Here is an older plein air piece done out at Race Point of the Old Harbor Lifesaving Station. This is the latest one that I am selling at auction at Daily Paintworks. Auctions starting at only $50 so it's a good chance to collect some of my Cape Cod work. Thanks for looking!