Plein Air Demo During Sedona Plein Air Festival by Michael Chesley Johnson

Pastel Plein Air Demo by Artist
Michael Chesley Johnson
at the Sedona Arts Center.

I was absolutely fascinated and enthralled by watching artist, Michael Chelsey Johnson paint with pastels and complete a painting in two hours!

Drawing and filling spaces were the beginning strategies. Then, a spray of 70% rubbing alcohol to set the chalk pastel before continuing presented some lovely and exciting accidental drips.

He then proceeded to work on the painting as he narrated his painting process. I learned about not painting the horizontal striations in the Sedona mountains. He explained to, instead, focus on shape and line, shadows and highlights to create the essence of the mountain. Thanks for that tip! These mountains still have me cringing when I try to paint them.

Pastel Plein Air Demo by Artist 
Michael Chesley Johnson
at the Sedona Arts Center.

It was such a joy to watch his process and see all those beautiful colorful pastel sticks. This is something I might want to try. I've never considered myself much of a drawing artist, but he made it look easy as he confided a few tricks along the way.

I hope you enjoy the photos of his process.

Pastel Plein Air Demo by Artist 
Michael Chesley Johnson
at the Sedona Arts Center.
Sketching and filling in spaces.

Pastel Plein Air Demo by Artist 

Michael Chesley Johnson

at the Sedona Arts Center.

Pastel Plein Air Demo by Artist 

Michael Chesley Johnson

at the Sedona Arts Center.

Pastel Plein Air Demo by Artist 

Michael Chesley Johnson

at the Sedona Arts Center.

About the Author

Braylee Rush
aka Mary Gravelle

Braylee Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist, author, and creativity catalyst and consultant. She resides in Sedona, Arizona with her loving and efficient assistant, Sir Kitty. Her other websites and work are: Wisdom Painting for Self-Discovery, Igniting Your Intentions, Sedona Art Hikes.

Contact her today with painting commissions, requests for creative work, consultations, or one on one coaching sessions. She is happy to paint something just for you. Or she can help you delve into your creativity and come out with your own unique expression.

Inquiries

Inquiries about this en plein air acrylic landscape painting can be made through the contact page.

And, as always, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.

Sir Kitty

Until Next Week

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