| Letters to Brenda and Her Replies Questions ~ Technique ~ Complimentary ~ More |
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| Including unsolicited emails around the world from: South Africa, Brunei Darussalam (between Thailand and the Philippines) Vile Parle, Mumbai, Bombay, India Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada |
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Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11/21/04 Dear Brenda, I am so delighted that I ran across your website on a search for "pastel artists." Your pictures, comments, and step-by-step references are the best tutorials I have found online or in books. You have motivated me with your bright colors, simple subject matter, and enthusiastic comments. I was wondering if you would share how you obtain the interesting "marbled-looking" backgrounds in many of your works, particularly those that use both watercolors and pastels. Again, thank you for such a great website! I return to it again and again! Carol ~ "clair/carol" Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11/22/04 Dear Carol, Thank you for writing about my art and web site. I appreciate your thoughts and positive comments. In creating my own art, it is gratifying to think that someone else may benefit from my process and experimentation. I am genuinely glad that you find my site a useful resource. "I was wondering if you would share how you obtain the interesting "marbled-looking" backgrounds in many of your works, particularly those that use both watercolors and pastels." I'd be happy to. The marbled effect in some of the backgrounds is achieved with the watercolor. The Wallis sanded paper I use withstands the water process very well. As you can see with the painting Watery Nautilus, I lightly sketch in the composition of the painting first with pastel. I then loosely paint the watercolor background. I may sprinkle on some salt or just splatter some clean water into the wet watercolor paint and then sit back and let it work its magic. I don't say that facetiously . . . it truly is amazing the effects the paint will produce on its own as it dries. I try to manipulate the wet paint as little as possible, but occasionally tilt the painting surface to let the paint run into certain areas. I may layer more paint while it is still wet (careful not to remove what I've already put down) or wait until it is dry to add more. This whole process of combining watercolor with pastels is new to me as is the use of metallic powders in my pastel work. It is very exciting for me. Thank you for reinforcing that. Best, Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10/11/04 Dear Brenda, I had discovered your gift of art almost two years ago, as I was in search of fellow soft pastel artists. I am a self-taught artist living in an area that thinks soft pastel is a color palette. I was so enthralled by your work, that I immediately shared your site with my brother Dr. Mark Humphrey, a thousand miles away from me, as he had recently taken on an interest in the medium. I just popped back into your site today to see what has developed since then, and I am so completely inspired! The vibrancy and energy in your paintings leap off the screen at me. I get tingles looking at your fruit! I would hope that one day, I would have the pleasure of viewing your original art in person. You are a pleasure. Lucinda Humphrey Scharf Greenville, KY Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10/12/04 Dear Lucinda, Thank you for taking the time to visit my web site again and to write me. I remember corresponding with your brother back in the spring of 2003. I hope your art career has proved to be rewarding both personally and professionally. And if you'd like to view my art in person, you might consider a trip to Maine on December 4, 2004. I am hosting an Open House here at my studio home! Details to come soon on my web site. (Find out about it here.) Again, I thank you for your kind words of support and encouragement. Best, Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10/01/04 Dear Brenda, I enjoyed talking with you on the phone so much! What an inspiration! Can you tell me what brand those large boxes of "new tools" are? I use Rowney mainly (as well as even softer ones for last) and love them. I've wanted to try Girault but haven't yet. Are those Girault? Saw the Maine lady-slipper and almost cried . . . reminds me of home and how Mom used to go looking for them in the woods. Have never seen any down here in exile (Massachusetts). Yours, Dimitra Dwelley Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10/02/04 Dear Dimitra, How nice to hear from you again. Thank you for writing. Well, I had to visit my site to remember what the 'new tools' actually were. I've gotten many newer tools since then! I assume you're not referring to the almond M&Ms. Yes, the green pastels are Giraults and the iridescents are Senneliers. I like the Giraults because I find them to be in the middle range of my collection as far as hardness and the colors are a bit different from other sets. They are softer than Holbeins and Rembrandts but harder than Senneliers and Schminckes. I've never tried Daler-Rowney. How would you describe them in terms of hardness? I recently purchased a set of Mount Vision blues and like them very much. Vivid colors and nice and soft but not too buttery so I lose control of them. I'm glad the lady slipper struck a chord with you. They were my grandmother's favorite flowers and we used to walk the woods behind her home for a glimpse of them every year. I feel your heart is in Maine and hope that some day you return here. Best, Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9/29/04 Dear Brenda, It's an honor to get your reply so fast, and I thank you. Hope you have another minute to write me if to your knowledge there are also fluorescent pastels. If so do you know where to get them? Thank you in advance. Sincerely and all the best, Talma Gefen. Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9/29/04 Dear Talma Re: fluorescent pastels. I have not come across fluorescent soft pastels, however they may be available. I have found every supply I've ever needed at these companies. Art Supply Warehouse: www.aswexpress.com Jerry's Artorama: www.jerrysartarama.com Dakota Pastels: www.dakotapastels.com Dick Blick: www.dickblick.com Good luck with your search. Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9/26/04 Dear Brenda, I enjoyed your art online very much. It is also very inspirational. I noticed you have iridescent pastels and would like to ask you if you can tell me what brand you like and where you get it. I was unable to find them myself, perhaps you can help. I paint mostly watercolor, but I experiment in pastel too. Thank you very much and keep painting. Sincerely, Talma Gefen. Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9/27/04 Dear Talma, Thank you for writing. I got my iridescent pastels from Art Supply Warehouse. You can get them on line at www.aswexpress.com. Have fun shopping. Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9/22/04 Dear Brenda, My name is Karla. I am 14. I am a student at John Masefield High School in Ledbury, UK. I am doing a school course and I’m doing art. Our homework is to look at an artist. I have found your website and your paintings are fabulous. I wish I could have your skill. Thank you for reading this. Karla Davies Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9/22/04 Dear Karla, Thank you for taking the time to write about my art. I hope you found your homework enjoyable . . . that's one assignment I would LOVE to complete! I truly believe much of what some people call skill results from practice. And that's what I do every day when I work. Enjoy your art class. Best, Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9/22/04 Dear Brenda, My name is Cat. Since I was a child, I showed an interest and talent in art. I would dabble with it here and there just for fun, never really giving a serious thought to pursuing a career in art. I went on to attend college and just to get a few credits out of the way, I took an art course. One of the assignments was to create a piece using soft pastel. This was the first time I would use this medium -- AND I LOVED IT! My professor was stunned and gave me an incredible compliment (one rarely heard from him). We have limited connections and he continues to ask about me and whether or not I chose to pursue this field. Recently, we encountered each other and he strongly encouraged me to get back into art, telling me in a serious manner "You are GOOD . . . don't give up." My husband, family, and friends are also encouraging me to consider a return to art. The fact is, we have a family to be responsible for and I really do not know if I can afford to drop my current job in pursuit of another that may not bring in as much income. I'm torn. I REALLY WANT TO GET INVOLVED IN SOFT PASTEL ART AGAIN but I’m not sure if it's really worth risking a financial hardship. I was surfing around online when I bumped into your web site and I thought "WOW! We share a similar style!" May I ask you, has a career as an artist been rewarding as well as financially stable? Thank you so much. Your input is highly valued! Cat Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9/23/04 Dear Cat, Thank you for writing. There is so much to express to you, unfortunately none of it black and white, I hardly know where to begin. My first thought after reading your message was, "Wow . . . I know what she means!" First of all, of course, only you and your family know what you can and can't manage financially. It was very frightening to say the least, with a family of five, for me to resign from a perfectly good job to pursue another career that I had no training for or experience in. But after a very successful first show and with my husband's unconditional encouragement, we decided the time was right to try. I also remember something a very wise friend said to me when I told her I was scared about quitting my job and pursuing this. She told me, "Prepare to be scared . . . and then do what you're supposed to be doing." I did . . . and have not a moment's regret. In fact most days I can't wait for the night to be over so I can get back into my studio and do it all again! How fortunate I am to feel that way! You sound very passionate about creating art. I think if the urge is persistent enough, we find a way. I strongly encourage you to pursue it in any way you can whether it be on a full or part time basis. I began by remaining in my job and doing art work whenever I had a spare minute . . . at night, on weekends, vacations. I slowly produced enough work to hang my initial show . . . and it all happened from there. You asked a two part question: has a career as an artist been rewarding as well as financially stable? To answer the first part, I say a resounding YES! It has not been without its worries and challenges, but I find it extremely exciting, rewarding, self-satisfying . . . joy filled! It is food for my soul. Now as far as food for my family . . . well, that's another story. I am only speaking from my brief experience (this is only my third year producing art full time), no, it is not financially stable . . . and that is the perfect word to use. Paintings aren't sold and commissions don't come in regularly, but rather in sporadic spurts. There is no semimonthly check, but we knew that before we went into this. It takes a good bit of courage, a sincere desire, and a lot of perseverance but it's very possible. Just create . . . simply put, that is the beginning of all you are pondering. I wish you all the best. Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9/19/04 Dear Brenda, Thanks for keeping me in the loop! I still want one of your paintings someday! My son, Ben (Pumpkins on a Window Sill) moved to Boston last September and we finally got him his painting delivered last month! He was so grateful to have it back! Did you and Bruce ever publish the book you were working on? Will check out your new stuff! Great to hear from you! Brenda E. Layman The Other Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9/9/04 Dear Brenda, I am writing from your web site. I'm a junior in high school in Manchester NH. I've begun painting as a coping skill with my depression and anxiety, and am currently working with Oil Pastels. I hear you taught yourself as well, and was wondering if you have any tips on how to get started. I have some talent, but proportion is a weak point of mine. Sally Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9/9/04 Dear Sally, Thank you for taking the time to write. Regarding getting started in art, it sounds like you already have. I did the same. I just did it...and now I find I can't not paint. I read a LOT about art...not just pastels, but I read about art in general, artists, methods, materials, etc. The best suggestion I can make as far as improving in your work is practice...and then practice some more. You may find answers to some of your more specific questions on the Letters and Replies page on my web site. I am glad you have discovered art as a healing means. I know that at the end of the day, I always feel better having done something creative, whether it be painting, baking bread, making soap, knitting. It is a satisfying feeling to have created something with your hands...something unique. I wish you soul healing and joy in creating. "There are only three colors, ten digits, and seven notes; it's what we do with them that's important." (Ruth Ross) Best, Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7/27/04 Hi Brenda, I have just read the article regarding your art in American Artist magazine and appreciate your talent. I work with colored pencils but am trying pastels. Any advice? Your article was inspirational. If you decide to do a teaching video or a book, please let me know. It appears that where you live in Maine is just as beautiful as where I live in a small city in the mountains of southwest Virginia. Our home is on a ridge and from our deck we see huge oak trees, the New River, and mountains. The purpose of this correspondence is to order postcards. I have an aunt who is 90 years old and while her body is giving out her mind is very sharp. She is home bound, she loves to receive cards which she displays in her home. I live a couple of hours away and do not see her as often as I would like, so send cards every week. When I read the article about your art, I had to order cards to send her. I am sure she will enjoy them. Best wishes to you with your art. Cordially, Pat Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8/1/04 Dear Pat, Thank you for your nice note and postcard order. I will put your postcards in tomorrow's morning mail. Thank you for sharing the story of your aunt. I like hearing the personal connections to my art. You had asked for advice for working with pastels. You may find the "Letters and Replies" page of my web site helpful. On it I have responded to many specific questions I have received from people all over the world. There is also a Pastel Fun page which shows step by step rollovers of how I created several of my paintings. In regard to doing an instructional book or video I have no immediate plans for that, but try to leave all possibilities open. I do however have a children's book, My First Art Gallery, currently being considered by publishers that I've done with noted children's author Bruce McMillan (www.brucemcmillan.com). I hope you will continue to visit my web site as it is updated weekly with new work, letters, etc. I wish you joy in creating! Best! Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7/31/04 Hi Brenda, I am Brenda Macdonald. I read the article about you in the American Artist magazine. That's awesome that you learned on your own to be a successful artist! I learned on my own too; but then I continued with some adult ed. classes, and drawing 2 at Middlesex. Where did you find the Rembrandt oil pastels? I've tried looking at Pearl Art in Cambridge Mass. and some art catalogs that get sent to me. They only had the regular ones. Or, did you only find the regular ones also? Have you ever been to the Sunrise Cafe in St. Albans Me.? It's on Rt. 43 w/ Rts. 152 & 23. I love the place so much, I painted a slate for them as a gift! Because of the name, I painted a sunrise. They've made a space for it; and it's hanging in the right hand corner as you face the dinning area! I'm so happy they like it! I too have sold works of art; but not as many as you, at this time. Keep up the good work! Enjoy the art! My husband and I own land in St. Albans on Woodmere Rd. That's why we know about the Sunrise Cafe. May your art continue to be beautiful! Brenda Macdonald Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7/31/04 Dear Brenda, Thank you for your enthusiastic endorsement and for taking the time to write. You asked: "Where did you find the Rembrandt oil pastels? I've tried looking at Pearl Art in Cambridge MA and some art catalogs that get sent to me. They only had the regular ones. Or, did you only find the regular ones also?" I'm not sure what you mean by 'regular' pastels. Do you mean soft pastels? I only use soft pastels...not oil pastels. I get my materials from many places, but most come from Art Supply Warehouse. They have a large selection of the leading brands for the best prices I've found and I have been very satisfied with their service. You can find them on line at www.aswexpress.com. No, I am not familiar with the Sunrise Cafe. but they must have great 'taste' if they hang original art there! I wish you continued joy in creating! Best, The Other Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7/27/04 Dear Brenda, Your paintings are beautiful. I am a fellow woman artist. I am a stay-at-home mom of 3 kids currently and try to squeeze painting in when I can. I love oils though I have done some of my best work in pastel. It is strange, I have a few paintings very similar to yours. I am currently taking figure classes. I am frustrated because I feel like I do not have time for my art. My youngest is 4. Any advice for making time? How do you deal with the constant demands of life, school, family, etc. You do inspire me to perhaps go back to pastel full time and have something I can work on even if it is only an hour or 2. I am lucky to have a bedroom as my studio. All the people who come to our home ask if I sell my art and I don't currently - how did you start? Thank you ahead if you reply - I don't know too many women with children who are artists and it would be nice to compare notes! Ann Baker Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7/27/04 Dear Ann, Thank you for taking the time to write. (Where are you writing from, Ann?) Since you took the time to do that and to ask about finding time for art, I know it means something to you and is something I have a feeling you are passionate about. I struggled with the same issues of balancing family responsibilities, working full time, and trying to create among it all. I never was very successful until I made the decision 2 years ago to resign from my teaching position and embark on a career in art. Now that is my job and I do it daily. My children are now 8, 11, and 14 and have become amazingly self-sufficient out of necessity. You are very fortunate to have a space for your studio. That is a great start...a place to call your own, where you can close the door for a couple of hours and create without being interrupted. Sometimes that takes a bit of training, but it's possible. I do encourage you to get out the pastels again. Even a half hour to yourself can be very productive with that medium and that feeling of gratification may hopefully lead you to find more and more time to devote to your art. You asked how I began...at my husband's encouragement, I applied to exhibit at the Bangor Public Library. It's free as opposed to galleries and it's a beautiful and well frequented venue with exhibitions changing every month. I managed to continue working full time and on weekends and in the evenings paint enough to hang about 45 paintings. I am thrilled to say I sold 34 of them during that month's time. Opportunities have arisen from there. I have also read every book I can find about marketing and getting one's art seen. There are some unique ways of doing things and you can do it too. I know I am a much happier, peaceful, exhilarated person when I create...whether it be baking bread, making homemade soap or paper, knitting or painting. And that contentment spreads to the people around me. I like this quote..."Trust the process of the subtle push toward art and creative expression from inside you-it is the gentle call of your heart and renewed search for soul." (Donald Matthews) I wish you success in finding the time for your art and joy in creating. Best! Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7/04/04 Dear Brenda, Your paintings are great. I was wondering if it is possible for me to try and paint one of your paintings. I'm learning how to do watercolor and I really like this one: Doug's Sunflowers. The color is beautiful. Thanks. Nick Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7/05/04 Dear Nick, Thank you for taking the time to write and for your kind words about Doug's Sunflowers. For personal use you can always paint from my art or anyone's for that matter. You don't need any legal permission, though it's always nice to ask, as you did. You are welcome to "copy" from my pastels for practice. However, I strongly encourage you to shoot your own reference photos to work from. If you like the results, that original painting is all yours and can be sold or used for whatever purpose you like without any fears of being accused of plagiarism. It is personally rewarding to have the work be yours alone from start to finish. I wish you joy and satisfaction in creating. Best! Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7/05/04 Thanks Brenda, I have a digital camera and I will begin taking pictures to paint. I'm sure they won't look anything like yours but I'll work at it. Thanks again. Nick Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7/05/04 Dear Nick, My digital camera was one of the most valuable purchases I've made in contributing to my art. I'm able to take literally hundreds of shots of a subject . . . and am lucky to find the one or two that inspire me to paint! My paintings begin way back with the subject/composition/lighting of the photos. Have fun looking for what inspires you. Best, Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7/01/04 Dear Brenda, My name is Greg Conley, artist and webmaster of www.watercolorpainting.com. I came across your webpage about the Bangor Art Society's 2004 Juried Art Show and thought my readers would find interest in your feature about it. Using resources from your page I have created an article with a graphic by Rebecca Rivers (w/copyright notice) and information on your upcoming American Artist article and your personal website. The article is available online for review and approval (before publishing). If it meets your (and the Society's) approval it will appear as is on the main page of watercolorpainting.com at least through July 2004. Thank you for your time and congratulations on your success, Greg Conley artist & webmaster, www.watercolorpainting.com Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7/01/04 Dear Greg, You've got me smiling out loud this morning. Thank you for being in touch. I am honored to be included in the article you have created and your fine web site. I am not a member of the Bangor Art Society so if you feel you need their approval for the on line article, you may want to contact John LeBlanc, the Society's president. Phone 207-884-8670 or email at legetch@adelphia.net. Your own work is luminous! Your choice and use of color perfect to capture the shadows and light. I was interested to see the painting on your home page, The Path Chosen, but was unable to view the image. It caught my attention since I did a pastel painting with a very similar title The Road Taken. Again, thank you for your professionalism in contacting me. I wish you joy in all your creative endeavors! Best, Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7/01/04 Brenda, Thank you for your permission and again congrats on your recent successes. I dropped a line to John LeBlanc for his approval but have yet to hear from him. The page should be up within a few days as the main index.htm for the site. Thanks for pointing out the missing graphic on my site (The Path Chosen), I did a bit of indiscriminate housekeeping online the other day and accidentally deleted it. I re-linked it. Thanks again, I'll be sure to pick up a copy of the July 2004 American Artist. I've been a little out of touch with the print media as of late. Greg Conley Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6/17/04 Hi, Brenda. I'm sure you have been inundated with congratulations, but let me add my own. You must be thrilled with the article in American Artist. I just finished reading it. It is interesting, informative, and inspirational! And your paintings look wonderful. Bruce did a great job photographing them. It must be reaffirming as an artist to receive national recognition. Go, girl! Congratulations! Angeli Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6/10/04 Dear Brenda, Wow, your website is terrific -- but your paintings -- they are even more terrific! I too have read the American Artist article and I am inspired by your work. I live in rural Maryland and not very close to anywhere to take art lessons -- so I too am self-teaching myself. I buy books and read but need the visual aspects to show me how to progress through a pastel painting. I have printed off the Calla Lily from your website that shows the 7 stages from beginning to end. But your other works -- I'd like to try to practice with them as well. However, I cannot figure out how to print out the various stages of completions -- is there an easy way I can do that? Many thanks -- your work is fantastic! Barbara Motter Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6/27/04 Dear Barbara, Thank you for taking the time to write. I appreciate your kind words. I keep up daily with my messages, but am just now returning from a family vacation, thus my delay in responding. Of course my way of painting is only one way and the way that works best for me . . . so far. But I am glad you have found the step by step explanations and photos helpful. You ask: "However, I cannot figure out how to print out the various stages of completions -- is there an easy way I can do that?" Are you referring to the changing rollovers of some of the works? Though I cannot answer your question, my site administrator would be able to. He is currently doing an Artist in Residency in Iceland for the summer. However if you are in no rush, I will email and ask him if he has a moment some time to respond to your question I will get back to you about this. In the meantime . . . I wish you joy in creating! Best, Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6/28/04 Good Morning Brenda: Many thanks for your email -- I have figured out a way to print the various stages of completions -- I just want to thank you again for sharing so much of your work on your website -- it is a great learning tool for me, as I try to "play" with pastels and indeed feel the JOY of creating. Thanks again, Barbara Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6/10/04 Dear Brenda, I was wondering if you use alcohol on all of your paintings to get the dark effect like in your painting Dogwood Festival. I have just started to try pastels and I talk to people that know your work often but another question is your fine points like the stems on your picture Warm Pears. How do you achieve that? I am finding it hard to get that thin line to do fine details in any painting. Keep up the good work and hopefully I will see your work in person at some point. Congratulations on your recent article in American Artist. Thank you. Michelle Gallant Back to the topp ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6/10/04 Dear Michelle, Thank you for writing and for sending your current email address. I have added it to my mailing list. You asked "if you use alcohol on all of your paintings to get the dark effect like in your painting Dogwood Festival." No, I don't use alcohol on all of my paintings. I reserve that method for larger areas that I want very dark. I also use it carefully as the alcohol can sometimes take the grain off the sanded paper if I go over an area too much. Just brush once lightly and move on to the next area. "Another question is your fine points like the stems on your picture Warm Pears. How do you achieve that? I am finding it hard to get that thin line to do fine details in any painting." I too have struggled with this, but have come to the inevitable conclusion that I must break a lot of pastels to get the fine lines and sharp edges I sometimes want. The broken pieces provide a sharp edge allowing me to get strong fine lines. Best of luck with your own pastel painting. Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 05/27/04 Dear Brenda, I am writing from your web site. I came across your site while looking for sites related to Rumford. I also graduated from Rumford High (Class of 1974). I'm hoping to make the reunion in July and visit the area I miss so much. Your art captures the feeling of Maine for me. Maine has a way of making the simple things in live so clear and bold. I'll be sure to take my camera with me to capture some new material. I'm just starting out with pencils and charcoal and have made rewarding progress. I had not thought about soft pastels but after seeing your inspiring work, I just might see where it could lead. Yours truly Mark Turnbull Charleston, SC Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 05/28/04 Dear Mark, Thank you for writing about my art work. I'm glad you found me while looking for Rumford! You would have graduated in my sister's class, Cheryl Gallant. I graduated with Karen Turnbull . . . any relation to you? I hope you do consider pastels. It's a rewarding medium. I wish you success with your artistic pursuits. Best, Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 04/28/04 Dear Brenda Great to hear from you. Karen is my cousin. Her brothers are Jeff and Michael. We had some great times at Worthley Pond where both of our families had camps. My brother George lives in Bath and my sister still lives in Rumford. As I stated in my earlier email, I'm hoping to attend our thirtieth year reunion. I'm not sure if I'll recognize many of the people. I left Rumford about twenty-nine years ago but it's still a big part of who I am. Of course I remember your sister Cheryl. We were in the Interact Club together. I very much enjoyed looking at your pastel art. My fist impression was -- this is the essence of Maine. Your art allows you to feel the subject, not just see it. I very much appreciate how you describe the techniques and materials. Thanks for including the reference material. The web site does a very fine job of communicating your artistry. My complements to the webmaster. My day job is engineering so enjoying a few short hours with pencil and paper are a nice balance. My other hobby is soccer and I have been playing at a competitive level for many years. I actually started into drawing with pencil after buying Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain and a few other good books. I went from "embarrassingly poor" to "I can't believe I drew that" in just a few weeks. I'm now exploring new materials and subjects. There so much I want to draw and learn. I was hoping to move into color in the near future but was unsure of the media. Soft pastels just might be right for me. By the way, I live in Charleston, South Carolina. It's a beautiful city and a great place to enjoy the arts. We always enjoy the Spoleto Art Festival here. It starts this weekend and runs through mid June. I'll be on the lookout for work in soft pastels. Thanks again for the reply. Mark Charleston, SC Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 05/27/04 Dear Brenda, I am writing from your web site. I am located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and was wondering what method of shipping you would/could use if I were to purchase one of your pieces? Thanks, very much. You do beautiful work. Jeff Stockhausen Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 05/27/04 Dear Mr. Stockhausen, Thank you for your kind words and for inquiring about my art. Pastel is a rather fragile medium and I do not use fixative spray making the paintings even more fragile. For smaller paintings I have had success packing them myself and shipping them through the US mail. For paintings larger than 11X13, I use UPS Air to package and ship. This can be done as Two-day Air which is a bit less expensive, but means the painting sits in a warehouse overnight, or Overnight Air which is guaranteed overnight delivery. I leave the choice of these two options to my clients since I feel comfortable with either method. I do not use UPS Ground because of the fragility of the medium and possible damage to the painting in transit. If there is a particular painting you have in mind at this point, let me know and I can weigh/measure it and give you a more accurate estimate for the total cost including painting price, tax, insurance, and packing/shipping costs. What a beautiful island you live on. My family and I go wilderness camping on family land near St. Esprit on Cape Breton Island . We've gone for many years and continue going each summer. I hope I have answered your question and look forward to hearing from you. Thank you, Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 05/28/04 Thanks for the info, Brenda. I am not ready to buy immediately, but my interest is in "Chinese Wisteria". An estimate on shipping costs would be great, though. I am glad that you have such nice things to say about Nova Scotia. I love it here, although this Spring has been an unusually cold and wet one. I, too, expect to be in Cape Breton a few times this summer. I'll be up there next weekend for a Cabot Trail drive and then a couple more times later on for cycling trips. Cheers, Jeff Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 05/28/04 Dear Jeff, Thank you for your prompt response. Unfortunately Chinese Wisteria is already SOLD. It will indicate that on my web site if you mouse over each painting thumbnail or go to the price page. Oh, I hope the weather is beautiful for your Cabot Trail drive, but if not the views will be breathtaking anyway! Perhaps you'll see another painting you're drawn to in the future and we may be in touch again. I invite you to check back to my site occasionally as new paintings are added frequently...unless I'm working on a large commission. Thanks for your interest. Be well, Brenda PS This is a pastel of where we camp on Cape Breton. It's just lovely there. Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 05/28/04 Thanks, Brenda. Did it sell recently? I was certain that within that last few days it did not say sold beside it on the Prices pages. My mistake. Oh, well. It was specifically a painting of wisteria that I was looking for and very much liked the painting of yours. I will keep watch on your site, though, as there is a lot of great work. Thanks for your help and the weather wishes. Cheers, Jeff Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 05/27/04 Dear Brenda, I am writing from your web site about a school visit. Great website! Our whole family enjoyed the visit. Thank You! (Editor comment: Click 'the vist' to see what their family saw.) Roger Southwick (Nicholas's father). Dixmont, ME Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 05/27/04 Dear Mr. Southwick, Thank you for visiting my site and for taking the time to write. If you check back in a couple of days, we will have included some of the kid's thank you art and messages. It was a fun visit! Best, Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 05/25/04 Dear Brenda, I just finished reading the article about you and your beautiful work in American Artist. I read it twice. Your work is so wonderful. I have been playing here and there in the past ten years with acrylics and oils. I so love pastels but don't know where to begin...a lesson would be good. But when I read how you quit your full time job and every morning go to your studio I just about melted away. I work part time and can't find the time. I know you have to MAKE time . . . but how do you do it? How do you schedule yourself . . . children, house chores, and the numerous other errands and responsibilities? Please help me find time. I feel the clock is ticking away. My children are grown, but I have my elderly mom whom I help. My passion is to be "ART-FULL". You are such an inspiration after seeing your work and reading your story. Please, if you have some wonderful advice on time and where to start in pastels, books, etc. Thank you so much and continue your journey. Sincerely, Charlotte Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 05/26/04 Dear Charlotte, Thank you for your enthusiastic praise and for taking the time to write me about the American Artist article and my work. I haven't received my subscription copy in the mail yet, so you've seen the article and images even before I have seen them. I completely understand your dilemma regarding time. Life is so full and busy. I too, found that when I worked full time, took care of three school aged children, and tried to maintain a home and family, there was little time or energy left to create. Resigning from a job I enjoyed and had trained extensively for to attempt a career in art, something I have no formal training in, was at best terrifying. But the time was right, the passion was there, and with my husband's unconditional support, I took the leap. It was a wonderful decision for me and one I don't have a moment's regret about. I am doing the work of my dreams. It can be difficult to find the time to create, but I think of this as my job now, all aspects of it, from the business and correspondence to the promoting and creating of art. It is now what I do each day. Pastels are certainly a perfect medium for those in need of something quick to pick up for short periods of time if necessary. No prep time, no clean up, no worry about wasted supplies. I have addressed several of your questions regarding instructional/inspirational books on the Letters and Replies page of my web site. I think you may find that information helpful. I read this once and apply it to my days. "Do creative work before your habitual chores. While you do your necessary work you will enjoy it because you will have first satisfied yourself. Create first . . . then clean up." And remember, "Expressing your creativity is done more by the way you are living than by any other gesture." (Douglas Pagels) I think once you do begin carving out the time to create here and there when you can, you will get such joy and satisfaction from it, you won't be able to not create. I wish you art-full days! Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back to the top 05/24/04 Dear Brenda, Upon surfing the net I happed upon your art and had to write because not only do we have very similar style but also subject matter. I love drawing and painting moon snails and shells. Also I have a brother who lived in Dixmont for a couple of years, my nieces are still there. I am also a self taught artist living on Cape Cod. I lived in Truro for most of my life and just moved two towns away to Eastham. Anyway your collection is just gorgeous, and I wanted to tell you that! Kim Deane Eastham, MA Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 04/28/04 Dear Brenda, I am writing from your web site. What a beautiful site! Thank you for the beautiful screen saver. I just sit here and look and look, love it! I would like to set one of your paintings of a robin's nest, To Be or Not To Be, as my background, but was unable to do so. Is there any way you can help me do this? You are a true artist, your work is a gift from God. Sherry Rainey Horton, MI Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 04/29/04 Dear Sherry, Thank you for writing and for your thoughts about the screen saver. I'm glad you have installed and are enjoying it. I can help you set a painting as your desktop. In order to keep the download time reasonable for so many graphics on my web site, the paintings are kept rather small. Unfortunately there will be too much distortion if you try to 'stretch' a painting to fit your entire desktop. However you can center the painting and surround it with a coordinating color if you'd like. Here's how: Double click on the painting of your choice. Once the new larger window has opened, right click on "Set as background." Now you should see the painting on your desktop...but distorted. So right click anywhere on your desktop and go to "Properties." Go to "Desktop", "Position", "Center". Go down to "Color" and choose a coordinating one. Click "Apply", then "OK". You should have the painting centered on your desktop. Good luck. I hope this helped. Brenda, Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 04/23/04 Dear Beatrice, |
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| Eternal Truths for Every Artist by Harley Brown  amazon.com barnes & noble.com |
Confessions of a Starving Artist by Harley Brown  amazon.com barnes & noble.com |
Express Yourself with Pastel by Carole Katchen  amazon.com barnes & noble.com |
| For the Pastel Journal Click  on me. |
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| Both artists, Harley and Carole, have a wonderful sense of fun and their joy in creating is obvious. I would also suggest you consider a subscription to The Pastel Journal. This is a professionally done journal providing a wealth of information and endless inspiration. Enjoy yourself. Brenda Back to the top ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 03/13/04 Brenda, here is my email and address: tsmorgan@bellsouth.net Your sight, your artwork and your children are GLORIOUS!!! Thank you so much for sharing and inspiring!!! Hope your site is wildly successful $$$. |
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| The Pastel Journal is full of information and has a page of pastel-related links -> |
For the Pastel Journal Click on me. |
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| I have found every supply I've ever needed at these companies. Art Supply Warehouse: www.aswexpress.com Jerry's Artorama: www.jerrysartarama.com Dakota Pastels: www.dakotapastels.com Dick Blick: www.dickblick.com |
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