"Winter Willows" by Astrid Paustian

Pastel, 11" x 15", sold. Available as limited edition print, $75.-
One of my favorite winter paintings, done from a photo taken near Granby, Colorado.
I love this area of Colorado and the beautiful red Willow bushes along the creeks in the winter.
It was a lot of fun to paint the contrast between the red Willow bushes, the blue of the thawing creek and the many nuances of white in the snow. The pastel strokes were layered over a bright orange background, which still shows through the shrubs.
To view more of my paintings, please visit my web site.

"Fall is in the Air" by Astrid Paustian

Pastel, 11" x 14", sold. Available as limited edition giclee,
matted to 16" x 20", $75.-
Fall has certainly been in the air these past 2 days, and brought some welcome moisture to Colorado. The Aspen trees are starting to turn in the High Country and we are looking forward to hikes and plein air painting in the cool, crisp air.
Pictured here are cottonwood trees. They grow in the foothills and on the plains of Colorado, and grace many rivers and canyons with their beautiful foliage.
To view more of my paintings, please visit my web site.

"Stormclouds over the Sangre de Cristos" by Astrid Paustian

Oil on gessobord, 6" x 6", $125.-
I am currently working on some small studies for larger paintings. This is another version of a reference photo taken near Westcliffe, Colorado. I love this time of the year. Clear, crisp Autumn days with spectacular sunsets and cloudscapes in the afternoon and evening!
To view more of my paintings, please visit my web site.

"Storm Clouds over Westcliffe" by Astrid Paustian

Oil on board, 5" x 7 ', $85.-
News of the fire in Westcliffe and the rainy weather 2 days ago inspired this painting of the Sangre de Cristos near Westcliffe, Colorado.
So glad to hear that this fire in now 75% contained. What a beautiful area!
I am planning a larger painting of this scene in Pastel.
To view more of my paintings, please visit my web site or my painting blog.

"Bear Creek Path" by Astrid Paustian

Pastel, 11" x 15", sold.
Thinking of summer walks and plein air painting. Will bring out the colorful pastel sticks for some quick, loose sketches. It is always a lot of fun.
I enjoy switching back and forth between mediums. It changes the approach and adds a fresh new perspective.
To view more of my paintings, please visit my web site.

"Red Poppies" by Astrid Paustian

Oil on canvas panel, 11" x 14", sold.
Flowers are such a welcome sight after the long Winter months. Poppies won't be blooming for another 2 months, and, sadly, they don't last very long. So it's good to have some photographs and paintings on hand.
This painting has been sold, but many more Poppies, flower paintings, landscapes and bird paintings of mine are currently on display at the Art Center of Estes Park.
To see more of these paintings, you can also visit my web site.

"Aspen Tapestry #2" by Astrid Paustian

Oil on gallery wrapped canvas, 24" x 24", $ 625.-
Painting continues around the 2" deep edges.
This is another one of a series of abstracted Aspen Paintings that I am painting for an upcoming show. Inspired by Colorado's gorgeous Aspen trees, the wonderful patterns of their trunks and shimmering leaves, and the brilliant colors of Batik fabrics found at a local quilting store.
To view more of my paintings please visit my web site.

"Aspen Tapestry" by Astrid Paustian

Oil on gallery wrapped canvas, 24"x 24", $625.-
(painting continues around the edges)
This is one of a series of abstracted Aspen paintings for an upcoming show. I call them "Tapestries", because they were inspired by a visit to a fabric store in Lyons, "Quilting Hands". This store has the most beautiful selection of Batiks. Even though I do not sew, I bought some of the sample quarters. Before starting a painting, I lay out a few of these Batiks as inspiration for the color scheme. Also, I apply the paint in thick layers, while "weaving" the brush strokes across the canvas. It is a lot of fun!
To see more of my paintings please visit my web site.