Super Cow Sequel by Robin Maria Pedrero

As a follow up to Robin Maria Pedrero's Super Cow from earlier this week, enjoy Max's next adventure in the Super Cow sequel.

Have concerns about buying an original pastel?

For those who might be hesitant to buy an original pastel painting

- Lots of pastels are still around done by the old masters – see Edgar Degas
- the pastel won’t fall off, (most artist use a sanded paper that holds the pastel very well).
- The colors won’t fade but don’t hang your painting in direct sunlight.
- A spacer should be used when framing a pastel (your framer should know but mention just in case)
o Spacer will be between painting and glass
- If a small painting, it won’t get lost if you put a mat around it – double mat looks the best
- Choose a frame that is medium in width – too small or too large doesn’t show off your painting

These art tips shared today by Carolyn Molder

Become acquainted with painter and pastel artist Robin Maria Pedrero

Cow Art and More featured pastel drawing artist and painter Robin Maria Pedrero in September 2009. Robin is a well-known central Florida artist that both paints and draws with pastels. She has been published in several magazines and has won numerous awards from art shows and art societies across the southeast. Robin is also an elected member of the Pastel Society of America, which is reflected by the PSA designation behind the signature on her work. Robin will participate in an exhibit in Berlin, Germany, in May 2011.

Why do you paint/draw?

There are various reasons as to why I paint and draw. I could say it is a compulsion where I am able to capture a fleeting experience or emotion, a visual form of homage to creation.

What is your technique?

I work in several mediums and the techniques vary for each. At times when I am immersed in the creative process I cover the studio with 7 – 20 pieces in progress strewn on tables, easels, the wall and floor. In pastel, I start at the farthest point in the distance and build layers towards what is closer and more detailed. In acrylics and mixed media I capture life and simple pleasures applying rhythmic patterns and geometrics in translucent layers. In all mediums, I personify nature through color and movement evoking moods of transition, strength, joy and serenity. I use a symbolic visual language exploring the visible and invisible creating a commentary on relationships and thoughts. As I work the images can be unexpected flowing from gathered memories. Within the placed pigment I enhance my perceptions of faces, animals, cities or fauna to share them with viewers. Then I let the work be and come back to it with fresh eyes and work some more until finished. Repeat

Where did you learn your technique?

My technique is a culmination of years of working, creating, building habits and trying new things. I have enjoyed a few workshops through the years and have a foundation of study with master artists.

How do you decide what to paint/draw?

I create what attracts me. The decision of specifics is part of the artistic judgments made throughout the creative process. Unless it is a commission and then the subject is usually their choice via my hand.

How long does it take you to get an average piece of art?

Sometimes I plan or see the piece in my head for days, weeks, even months. Other pieces form by just coming before a blank page and placing marks or color until the piece evolves. It varies with subject matter and medium. An average piece of art might take one hour, two hours perhaps three hours to even seventy two hours over a period of a few weeks or months. Oils can take longer. Part of the process is also having distance and coming back to work on the piece with a fresh perspective.

Do you ever have goof ups or work you don’t like?

Yes. One advantage of making art is that it is usually a solitary environment, so the less favorable pieces can go unseen, covered up, tossed or used as a teaching tool.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Influences and inspiration are daily occurrences, experienced through all of the senses. My visual journey encompasses my life; family, friends, travel, nature, meals, introspection, books, art, music and worship. The work begins internally and then is brought to the surface, literally.

What else do you do besides your art?

I travel. I spend time with my family and Shui tzu Max, we swim, walk, garden, and explore. I listen to music and dance while making art! I mentor and teach (just a little). I twitter, facebook and blog. I am an active member of several women's, business and art groups. I would be glad to share more on any of them with those who are interested. Presently I am reading "de Kooning". I go to art events...and hope you do too!

What advice to you have for aspiring painters?

There is a preciousness, unpredictability,and endurance to art so have integrity, balance, keep learning, follow positive examples, become a role mode, take courage, thicken your skin for reviews and critiques, and breathe. Don’t be too desperate for the sale. Protect your health, making art can be hazardous. It is a gift to make art, stay well so you can share it.

What would you like to do more of in the future?

I believe that my art makes a difference in people’s lives and I will continue to make art. In my future I want my work in more Museums, galleries, corporations, institutions and collected worldwide.

What else would you like people to know about your art that they may not know already?

My collectors are precious, they receive my new art news, postcards, gifts and special invites shows and my sacred studio space. They are part of a bigger picture as one of my collectors, they make a difference as I donate a percentage of proceeds to select charities, like the International Justice Mission, Make a Wish, The Golden Rule Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and more.

If you see PSA after my signature that signifies that I am an elected Signature member of the Pastel Society of America.

Painter, pastel artist and veterinarian John Plishka

Dr. John Plishka was the featured artist for October 2009 on Cow Art and More. Dr. Plishka's art has been featured on the cover of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. He enjoys both painting and drawing with pastels portraits of the animals he sees on a regular basis, whether they are patients or not.

Why do you paint and draw?

It's hard to describe but it's a really strong internal drive to express my ideas about what I find beautiful or interesting.It's also a great way to escape from the realities of the world-I can totally immerse myself in the painting and probably like most artists, once you're painting, all time seems to stand still.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I have limited time to work, so I try to take a lot of photos when I'm out, and try to work on my paintings later. My inspiration mostly comes from trying to see subjects which should be ordinary, in an extraordinary way. So, I try to find beauty in subjects that are often overlooked. Hence a lot of my paintings are of simple everyday things or situations.

How do you decide what to paint and draw?

I work from photographs mostly, so I try to take my camera almost everywhere. I try to find one or two photos from an experience, scene, or subject, that inspire me. I can often in my mind see the painting before it is on the paper. Often the beauty or power of my subjects is what ultimately drives me to start a painting.

What is your technique?

Now I work mostly in pastels. In the past I also painted in oils and acrylics. Pastels allow me to work quickly, and for me they are easier to correct mistakes than other media. In my paintings I use a lot of pastel pencils. This allows me to get the fine detail I need when depicting hair, feathers, etc.

Where did you learn your technique?

Since I haven't had much formal art training, I've learned mostly from reading, trial and error, and following some of my favorite artists. Over the last few years, I've taken some pastel classes which have helped immensely in elevating my art. However there is still so much to learn- I wish I had access to more class time!

How long does it take you to get an average piece of art?

Smaller pieces will take me about 2-4 hours, but larger pieces may take 10-15 hours. Considering I may only have 4-5 hours a week for my art means that a larger painting may take me 2-4 weeks to complete!

Do you ever have goof-ups or work you don't like?

Sure I have goof ups like everyone else. For myself, If a painting isn't working after about an hour, I usually scrap the whole thing. Sometimes I come back to it, sometimes not. After that though, I'm pretty stubborn and won't give up on a painting after I've invested alot of time and work into it. I'll see it through to the end. There is a point in most of my paintings that I doubt whether it will work or not, but after I get past that point, I know the final result will have been worth the effort.

What advice do you have for aspiring painters?

I still consider myself at this point to be an aspiring painter. I want to improve my art in many facets still, and am a firm believer in that you can never know too much about a subject. But if I had any advice to give to people it would be to try to learn as much as you can about your chosen art direction and dive right in. Have a thick skin about your work as art is so subjective that a lot of people will not care for your work while others love it! Try to get yourself noticed as much as you can, and have the belief in yourself that your art is good and is worth creating! Lastly, try to get to know a lot of artists with similar interests- they will help you in your work and give encouragement which is so important when you are starting out!

What else do you do besides your art?

My plate is pretty full! I'm a full time veterinarian in Antioch, Illinois. My wife and 2 children are the loves of my life and I try to spend as much time as I can with the kids now: especially while they're little. I love and play sports too, especially hockey, soccer and baseball. I play the drums and piano, and I dabble in banjo. Lastly, I enjoy fishing and the outdoors. At the end of the day is usually when I can get some art work done!

What would you like to do more of in the future?

I guess I would just like to get the opportunity to paint a lot more. Perhaps try different techniques. I'm interested in sculpting, so maybe one day I could try that. I would like to do more art shows and get myself out there more.

Meet painter and pastel artist Carolyn Molder

Pastel artist Carolyn Molder was the featured artist in July 2010 on Cow Art and More. Carolyn has been painting in pastels and watercolors for almost a decade. A move to the mountains of North Carolina was the perfect fit for her artistic talents, allowing her to completely immerse herself in the peaceful surroundings.

Why do you paint?

Painting feeds and restores the creativity in me. There are times I have to put that creativity on paper and that generates more creativity.

How do you decide what to paint?

In deciding what to paint, I’m usually enthusiastic about the scene or animals –sometimes it could be a breath-taking scene or expression of an animal. Something there just grabs my soul.

How did you get started?

Since I was a little girl I’ve drawn. I can remember as a child drawing animals – guess that’s why they are so special to me. Until about 10 years ago, life got in the way of my art but I found a week long watercolor class at the John C Campbell Folk School. I knew I had to take that class and I’ve been painting ever since.


What is your technique?

I am a representational painter using pencil, pastel and watercolor. I do like detail especially in the subject or focal area. When working in pastels with animals, I like to capture the expression first – the eyes are so expressive so that is my starting point.

Where did you learn your technique?

I’ve taken numerous workshops with really talented and well known instructors. I’m enriched by each learning experience sometimes only taking one little idea. I can always bring home a new technique or way of doing something.

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration with an animal, its usually the expression. With other subjects, the inspiration is seeing the uniqueness and conveying the beauty I see to the canvas or paper.

How long does it take you to get the average creation?

Usually it can take a week to get a watercolor painting where I want it but the pastel is much faster and I can sometimes complete in a day.

Do you ever have work you don't like?

Not every painting is a winner or a keeper. Oh yes, sometimes those animals just won’t cooperate! *smile* I just can’t get those eyes quite right. Over the years, I've had a stack of paintings that just didn’t turn out.

What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

I think if someone really wants to paint, they need to seek a mentor and paint every day. If possible, it’s important to paint en plein aire (outdoors) to train your eye – I just can’t express how valuable that training is.

What else may people like to know about you?

I live in rural western North Carolina with lots of old barn buildings which I love to photograph and paint. Whenever traveling, my husband always knows to slow down when I pick up my camera to get that special shot of the barn along side the road.

What else do you do besides your art?

I have shown my golden retrievers in dog shows, agility, obedience trials and field events. This has helped me greatly in animal anatomy which has in turn helped with my art. I also teach dog obedience to pet owners.

What would you like to do more of in the future?

I would like to do more farm scenes and animal paintings.

Pastel artist wins award

Cow Art and More artist John Plishka won the 3rd place award for excellence at "The Farm:Images from the Heartland" juried show. The show was open to artists from Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. John won for his work "Counting People." The exhibit is at the Lake County Discovery Museum in Wauconda, Illinois.

Picture credit: "Counting People", pastel on paper

Click here to learn more about this sheep art painting

Q & A with Carolyn Molder: Part 12

What else do you do besides your art?

I have shown my golden retrievers in dog shows, agility, obedience trials and field events. This has helped me greatly in animal anatomy which has in turn helped with my art. I also teach dog obedience to pet owners.

Picture credit: "Clumber Spaniel Puppy", pastel on Wallis paper

Original picture and giclee prints are available. Contact Cow Art and More to purchase this piece.

Q & A with Carolyn Molder: Part 11

What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

I think if someone really wants to paint, they need to seek a mentor and paint every day. If possible, it’s important to paint en plein aire (outdoors) to train your eye – I just can’t express how valuable that training is.

Picture credit: Carolyn painting at her easel

Artist wins award

Pastel and oil painter, John Plishka, won an Honarable Mention Award at the New Jersey Equine Artists Association National juried exhibition. The award was won on his painting, "Valor in the Charge".


Picture credit: "Valor in Charge"


Contact Cow Art and More about purchasing this horse pastel drawing

Q & A with Carolyn Molder: Part 7

How did you get interested in creating art of farm animals?

Although I never lived on a farm, I love to paint barns and farm land – the barns have so much character, and with each one something catches my eye that I have to put on paper. The scene is enhanced with farm animals. There is an 84 yr old farmer in our area that I love to talk to – I find him very interesting – he cuts and puts up a large amount of hay for himself and his families cows. His grandsons help him in the fields with the hay and he is always willing to leave a bale out so I can paint it.

Picture credit: "The Farm"

Click here to learn more about this farm landscape pastel drawing

Q & A with Carolyn Molder: Part 5

Why do you paint?

Painting feeds and restores the creativity in me. There are times I have to put that creativity on paper and that generates more creativity.

Picture credit: "Billy Goat"


Click here to learn more about this Nubian goat pastel drawing

Q & A with Carolyn Molder: Part 4

Where did you learn your technique?

I’ve taken numerous workshops with really talented and well known instructors. I’m enriched by each learning experience sometimes only taking one little idea. I can always bring home a new technique or way of doing something.

Picture credit: "Myers Cow"

Click here to learn more about this cow pastel drawing

Q & A with Carolyn Molder: Part 2

What is your technique?

I am a representational painter using pencil, pastel and watercolor. I do like detail especially in the subject or focal area. When working in pastels with animals, I like to capture the expression first – the eyes are so expressive so that is my starting point.

Picture credit: "Barn in the Field"

Click here to learn more about this barn pastel drawing

Q & A with Carolyn Molder: Part 1

How did you get started?

Since I was a little girl I’ve drawn. I can remember as a child drawing animals – guess that’s why they are so special to me. Until about 10 years ago, life got in the way of my art but I found a week long watercolor class at the John C Campbell Folk School. I knew I had to take that class and I’ve been painting ever since.

Picture credit: "Afternoon Shadows", pastel on paper

Click here to learn more about this barn pastel drawing

Pastel artist featured for July

Pastel artist Carolyn Molder is the featured this month on Cow Art and More. Carolyn has been painting in pastels and watercolors for almost a decade. A move to the mountains of North Carolina was the perfect fit for her artistic talents, allowing her to completely immerse herself in the peaceful surroundings. Most recently, Carolyn's painting, "Azalea Light", was selected to hang in the office of the newly elected Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives.

Enjoy learning more about Carolyn and her art this month. She will answer a series of questions describing her inspiration and processes. Purchase any of Carolyn's art this month and receive free shipping.