by Bethany | December 18, 2017
I am so excited to introduce my friend and fellow pastel artist, Jude Tolar! (pronounced Judy). Jude has become a sweet friend of mine after several years of meeting at various exhibits around the country, talking over our shared passion of pastel painting, some glasses of wine, and a spectacular sunset evening spent in Albuquerque last year at IAPS on the rooftop of the Hotel Chaco.
Jude is an artist hailing from “near” me – in Oklahoma! Only those who live in the plains states think “oh it’s not that far, only one state over!” In my area of Texas, where everything is far away (except a Whataburger or DQ), Oklahoma is practically down the street.
I asked Jude to write a December blog for me and was so pleased and grateful when she said “yes!” Jude is a master at her “floral portraits” as she calls them. They are as vibrant as she is spunky and creative. I hope you enjoy!!
Please visit Jude at her website at judetolar.com and don’t forget to “like” her Facebook page as well! She has an upcoming workshop in 2018 listed on her page as well as shows and exhibits throughout the year.
Now without further ado, let’s hear from Jude!
Seasonal Color
by Jude Tolar, PSA
December is a particularly fun month for seasonal color and self-indulgence. I pull out red sweaters and look forward to the arrival of poinsettias. Their reds visually warm our house and excite my eye. I try to paint at least one poinsettia portrait each year.
Here’s a parade of poinsettia paintings from previous Decembers.
Poinsettia II 11×14” painted from life
Mostly Terry Ludwig pastels on aubergine ColourFix paper, private collection
Time out!!
And back to the poinsettia parade….
Fire and Ice (above) 12×9” painted from life.
Mostly Terry Ludwig pastels on aubergine ColourFix paper, available at Stillwater (OK) Center for the Arts
So, here was Crop #1. Better – but still not strong enough, design wise.
Here was Crop #2.
Thank you so much Jude! Your paintings are full of life and color, light and shadow. I especially love Jude’s use of space in her work and her almost “macro” focus. Her palette and colors are so vibrant! Which one is your favorite?
To read more about Jude, please visit her website here. Her Facebook page is here. You can also read her recent article regarding her plein air excursion to Provence this past Fall! It was published by Outdoorpainter.com Way to go Jude!!!
xoxo and Merry, Merry everyone!
Bethany
Oh, my gosh! You two are soul sisters from different mothers!
Besides being wonderful artists, you both are eleoquent writers. Jude’s phrase, “scarlet squeals of joy” almost gave me a case of synesthesia.