Karen Vanderpool Explorations in Color and Composition

Winter's Water Garden

2012-02-02T13:01:00.000-06:00

5x5 inches pastel on paper
This is Nature's version of the perfect water garden. I saw several of these little spots at Lost Maples Park in Vanderpool, TX . (Of course, I would love it down there!) I always love going elsewhere for inspiration but then I am so grateful to come home again, my favorite place of all.
"It may be that the satisfaction I need depends on my going away, so that when I've gone and come back, I'll find it at home. " -Rumi

Hill Country View

2012-02-01T09:46:00.000-06:00

"If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced." -Vincent Van Gogh

Well, sometimes that voice is silenced! Sometimes, one just has to keep pushing through and keep painting. Usually that voice is eventually silenced. It sometimes helps to visit an inspiring place. There was so much inspiration in the Hill Country! This is a little spot off of Hwy 39 where the river crosses the road. We stopped for a little break to take in the beauty and a few photos. I knew I wanted to put this scene on paper as soon as I got back to my studio.

pastel on paper 7x7 inches

Enchanted

2012-01-27T16:45:00.000-06:00

The Texas Hill Country in the Winter is a wonderful adventure. The once barely green grasses turn a golden brown to compliment the red and golden dirt and pink granite of the landscape. I spotted this little oasis on the walk up to Enchanted Rock. This was a little reminder to not overlook the journey along the way as it is just as rewarding and the final destination. Sometimes the beauty of the depths of winter can be as rewarding as the glory of spring.
8x8 pastel on paper.

Happy Fall

2011-10-04T11:48:00.001-05:00

8 x 8 inches pastel on paper
"There is no blue without yellow and without orange." - Vincent Van Gogh
This little orange acorn squash just screamed "Happy Fall". I love the stem and hand carried it from the market to make sure it remained intact. I think the checker thought I was a little crazy! Orange and this blue are made for each other, the colors of fall with crisp blue skies and the ripening of fruit and changing of leaves. Change is in the air.

Lemons and Limes

2011-09-09T12:08:00.000-05:00

pastel on toned archival paper. The framed image is 24x36
This was created as a commission. . I'm really excited how it turned out and how great it looks in the clients house!

Lemon in Blue

2011-08-08T16:42:00.000-05:00

"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together. "
-Vincent Van Gogh
Just a color play to make me feel cooler. Dallas is hot this summer - really hot, not the normal Dallas August hot - abnormally hot. Painting lemons and limes makes it seem a little cooler. I'm working on a larger image with lemons and limes but I love this color combination and the simplicity of one lemon.
5 x 5 pastel on paper

Sea Turtle Obsession

2011-07-21T12:48:00.001-05:00

"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water...Its substance reaches everywhere, it touches the past and prepares the future; it moves under the poles and wanders thinly in the heights of the air." 
-Loren Eiseley

This is an excerpt from a journal I keep where I explore ideas, thoughts and feelings. I have been obsessed with sea turtles, the ocean and environment lately. I am venturing from my pastels looking for something between my usual pastels and my scientific illustrations. This page was created with a variety of techniques and watercolor. I may explore this further for a painting. It helps to explore other media and techniques to "escape the box".

Down the Road

2011-06-09T15:37:00.001-05:00

6x6 inch pastel on paper
This is up the hill and around the bend just a short distance from town and the ferry. I love this little street with all of the Victorian era homes that have withstood the test of time. I am envious of the little gardens of sea roses and various other beautiful plants that absolutely will not grow in Texas. This is such a happy and proud street, a place where strong and courageous people have lived for centuries raising their families and spending time with their friends. Many of the people of Vinalhaven now support themselves as lobster fishermen and women. They brave the sea day in and day out even when the weather is not as beautiful as this summer Vinalhaven day.

Scattered

2011-05-20T14:35:00.000-05:00

10 x 10 pastel on paper
I preferred this "aerial view" of the fruit to fill the space. I plan to use this as a starting point for a larger image. This is definitely a cool and refreshing image in preparation for the hot summer ahead. Limeade anyone?

Wind and Waves

2011-05-17T13:24:00.000-05:00

24 x 36 inches pastel on Wallis paper
This was inspired by a day at the beach in Galveston. I guess all of the colors are in my head. The light bouncing off of the ocean, fish jumping through the waves and the cool breeze deceptively cooling the skin. What a great day! I always feel invigorated after time on the beach, listening to the waves rejuvenating my soul.

Cottage by the Sea

2011-05-10T11:54:00.000-05:00

5x5 pastel on paper
This is a sketch of a little "house" in Vinalhaven, Maine. I love these little buildings with a view to the sea. Imagine the stories this cottage could tell. Life is harsh here but so incredibly beautiful. The cottage has earned it's place here.

I've got ...personality

2011-05-03T14:44:00.000-05:00

It isn't eggplant season yet but I thought I would get started practicing. I can't wait for eggplants to be in the local farmers market. I think this little guy has some personality! The photo is a little overexposed so the green is somewhat washed out. This is pastel on paper about 6 x 8 inches. Eggplant parmesan anyone?

In the Distance

2011-04-13T10:33:00.000-05:00

pastel on paper 5 x 5
This is from somewhere around Abiqui, New Mexico - Georgia Okeefe territory. I love it out there. The colors are so subtle yet amazing. This day, I could see forever.

Orange Blaze

2011-04-11T09:44:00.000-05:00

Feeling minimal...
pastel on paper 5 x 5

A Clear Day

2011-04-07T12:05:00.001-05:00

5x5 pastel on paper
Inspiration from a beautiful day at White Rock Lake this winter. These bright green cattails stood out against the golds and browns on a crisp clear Dallas winter day. It's time to head back to White Rock for spring inspiration. There is always something new to discover, a new perspective.

Catching up

2011-04-06T09:37:00.002-05:00

My current images may not be posted on the days they were created. I am adding images from the past year that I previously had on my website.

Five for a Dollar

2011-04-06T09:36:00.001-05:00

pastel on paper aprox 5 x 5 unframed
I found these limes at the market, five for a dollar, and couldn't resist. They seemed so cool and refreshing on a hot summer day.

Persimmons

2011-04-06T09:29:00.000-05:00

5 x5 pastel
This is and excerpt from my neighbor's persimmon tree that I walk past each day. These remind me of visiting my grandparents' house in East Texas as a child. My mother always wanted mistletoe to decorate for Christmas so we would drive the country roads in search of mistletoe. The persimmons always stood out in the bare trees as natures apology for a bleak winters day.