Trick or Treat

Move over Glenda, here comes Carly. Fun night at the drawing class as we continue a Halloween week tradition of having a local witch drop by for a visit. I was glad I remembered my pastels tonight as the costume was colorful. This drawing is similar to the one I gave the model. I reproduced this one in the studio from my photos...25 minutes? Conte and pastel.

Mt Pleasant marsh

16x20 oil of a marsh on the property of Charles Pinckney National Park in Mt Pleasant, SC. This painting came from a recent trip there to research a larger painting of an historical event that I will be doing in the coming months.

Kids say the darndest things

I recently spoke to a group of 3rd graders about art. If you're ever given that chance, take it. After showing a civil war battle scene that I had painted, one girl raised her hand and asked, "Which side should we have been pulling for?" Wow...I went blank...sort of afraid to "go there". The teacher quickly changed the subject. Yesterday I got a package of "thank you" notes in the mail and thought I'd share a couple.

"Dear Mr. Pate,
Thank you for coming to Mrs. Terrels class and speaking to us. Sorry that I didn't get to see you but I know I missed a lot of great stuff. I hope I see you and your paintings soon."

Dear Mr. Pate,
Thank you for coming to Mrs. Terrell's class and speaking to us. I liked your artwork very much. I liked "The Battle of Monroe's Crossroads" very much. (I love paintings of war and weapons). Thank you again for teaching us so much about art.

Dear Mr. Pate,
Thank you for coming to Mrs. Terral's class. I really enjoyed seeing your art work it's amazing. I loved the painting of the genuine cats all thoe i'm more of a dog person. I also liked the Jim Dandy Dog food picture. I don't know how you got all the action into your painting(The Battle of Monroes Crossroads) it looks so real if you are going to do another painting. I can't wait to see it. You are nice I better get going.

Pirate Remix

Erin was so popular as a pirate last October we decided to have her back...this may have to be an October tradition. Someone asked me if I had pirate music and I said, of course I do...Jimmy Buffet! 10 minute drawing here...sitting in a chair. Conte and pastel.

Luuuucy!!!!

Bracey came in "I Love Lucy" attire tonight...navy blue polka dot dress, 50's apron, high heels and even a head of red hair. We played a little Sinatra to go along with the outfit. Good poses...good crowd. I like this 15 minute conte drawing..sitting on the edge of a short stool...I rarely draw the chair or stool. On quick 15-20 minutes studies, I'd rather give all the time to the figure. I forgot to bring my pastels so it's without color.

Plain James

Painter, James S, was our model tonight...we don't get too many male models 'round here. It was a packed house. Two 15 minute conte and pastel studies shown. Check out James' work at: www.plainjames.com