"White Orchids on Blue" by Astrid Paustian

Oil on Gessobord, 12" x 12", $375.-
One more Orchid painting before turning my attention to other subjects.
Tomorrow I will begin work on a commissioned painting of a large Hibiscus flower.
What fun to paint tropical flowers in the middle of winter. It warms my heart!
To view more of my paintings, click here for my web site.

"Red Onion" by Astrid Paustian

Oil on Gessobord, 8" x 8", $ 150.-
Brushing up on some painting skills. I am taking still life painting classes with Colorado painter Jake Gaedtke since December, and it is a lot of fun. Jake is a gifted artist and teacher, who generously shares his knowledge and experience with his students. Painting from life is an invaluable learning experience. It is honest, direct, and requires close observation. I hope the experience gained painting these little objects will reflect in my larger works.
To view more of my paintings, please visit my web site or my painting blog.

"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.