"California Color"

"California Color"
12" x 16" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub

There is something so joyful about big, bold color. Some days I just can't get enough. I'm often asked how I achieve these colors in pastel. The secret is in the materials. In order to achieve intensely luminous color, you must start with highly pigmented, pastel sticks. These "professional" grade pastels are available in a variety of shapes and degrees of softness. I have four different brands of pastels in my box, ranging from firm, to soft and creamy. It's really a very personal choice when it comes to the "feel" of the brand. I have found that I'm a bit heavy handed, and the super soft brands will crumble in my hands, so I prefer a mid-range feel. Paper is the other determining factor of results. I prefer "sanded" papers, which actually feel a bit like an emory board. They grip a nice thick layer of pastel, resulting in deep, rich color.

"California Color" is painted in soft pastel on sandpaper, offered framed in a dark brown wood, plein air style frame with UV/non-glare museum glass, ready to hang and enjoy. You may purchase here and have it shipped to your door, or purchase here and pick it up at my studio at Art on 30th, and I will refund the shipping. $375 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 8/14/16: Sold...at ArtWalk Liberty Station.

"Summer in Sonoma"

"Summer in Sonoma"
14" x 18" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub

Always a favorite trip of mine, the Sonoma wine country is an artists delight. The smell of sweet grapes on the vine and warm breezes of summer have me wanting to return again and again. I'm always reminded of my artist friends that paint en plein air (outdoors), and in places like this, it is an enviable pursuit. I rarely take to the outdoors with my work, in part because I never seem to be able to haul enough supplies to make it enjoyable. Lately, spending time painting in my beautiful new air conditioned studio, I'm finding it hard to go home at the end of the day! Big paintings are on the easels, and excitement is in the air :)

"Summer in Sonoma" is offered framed in a wide, brown plein air style frame with gold liner, and UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy. You can purchase here and have it shipped to your door, or purchase here and pick up at my Little Italy studio, and I'll refund the shipping cost. $525 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Thanks for stopping by! Updated 3/5/15: Sold!

"First Glimpse"

"First Glimpse"
14" x 18"
Framed pastel on sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

My first painting of the New Year is dedicated to experiencing all things with fresh eyes. I recently read a great inspirational article for artists that focuses attention on the most simple of things. On a recent walk through nature, I practiced this concept on views of the treetops. When back in the studio, it was easy to remember the smell of the air, the sounds of the birds, and the feeling of calm that surrounded me. Oh yes, and plunging my fingers into a new set of pastels just added to the Zen of the moment :)

"First Glimpse" is framed in wide dark brown, plein air style frame with gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass, ready to hang and enjoy. Buy it now price $525 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Happy New Year! Updated 3/5/15: Sold!

"Santa Ana Forecast"

"Santa Ana Forecast"
14" x 18" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

The first blustry days of fall are upon us here in San Diego. The forecast calls for high winds in our local mountains and a bit of rain inland where I live. The perfect day to cozy up in the studio, jazz on the radio, cinnamon latte in hand. For this scene I used one of my "on the fly" shots from the car window this past summer while traveling through the Paso Robles area of Central California.

"Santa Ana Forecast" is offered framed in a wide, dark brown, plein air style frame with antique gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy.  You may purchase here and have it shipped to your door, or purchase here and pick up at my Pt. Loma/Liberty Station studio and I will refund the shipping. $525 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 4/27/13: Sold!

First Painting of the New Year "Puddles"

"Puddles"
Soft pastel on sandpaper
8" x 10"

The end of December brought on a bit of much needed rain to Southern California. While rushing about with holiday errands, I spied these reflections on a rainsoaked sidewalk, as the glow of the winter sun again filled the sky.

Speaking of reflections, this is the time of year when I'm busily making plans for the year ahead, and also reflecting on the accomplishments of a year gone by. Have I told you lately how much I love to paint? Well, I love to paint so much that in 2011 I found the time to paint over 97 paintings! I would again like to thank all of my collectors for enjoying my work and welcoming original art into your homes. I'm looking forward to another exciting year in the studio, and welcome your visits whenever you are in town.

"Puddles" is offered framed in wide, dark wood with UV/non-glare museum glass, ready to hang and enjoy. $175 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 4/28/12: Sold at ArtWalk!

Daily Painters "Golden Sunrise"

It's official...Fall is here! Now we look forward to beautiful sunrises with colorful clouds and fields of deep, long shadows. I haven't spied my first pumpkin yet, but I'm sure it's just around the corner.

This piece is painted in soft pastel on sandpaper and measures 12" x 12." Framed in wide dark wood with thin gold liner, ready to hang and enjoy with a cup of spiced cider :) Buy it now price $295 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 5/27/12: Sold...and on its way to Wichita, Kansas!

Daily Painters "Torrey Pine Moon"

Hiking along the cliff trails at Torrey Pines State Preserve will always get the creative juices flowing. I've painted this, one of my favorite scenes, in a few different ways. Since this scene of the moon glowing over the ocean would probably occur here in California somewhere around 4 a.m., and long after this party animal has hit the sheets, creative license plays an important role.
Painted in soft pastel on sandpaper, this piece measures 12" x 9" and is framed in wide dark wood with UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy. Buy it now price $260 + $30 to ship anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. Updated 12/3/11: Sold!

Daily Painters "Five O'Clock Shadow"

With Fall in full swing, and the rains temporarily behind us, it's a great time for hiking in San Diego County. One of my favorite spots is Mission Trails Regional Park. Long shadows and the smell of wild Buckwheat and Sage, along with native Oak trees make these late afternoon hikes a feast for the senses.

Painted in soft pastel on sanded board, this piece measures 12" x 16" and is framed in wide, dark wood with UV/non-glare museum glass. A colorful touch of the back country, ready to hang and enjoy. Buy it now price: $350 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. or Canada. Updated 12/4/10: Sold...to a new collector in Gig Harbor, Washington.
Copyright 2010 Monique Straub. All rights reserved.

Daily Painters "Spring Mountain"

A recent hike in the local San Diego back country inspired this interpretation of the Mission Trails Regional Park. The smell of warm sagebrush and the sound of the hawks soaring overhead round out the perfect day.

Painted in soft pastel on sanded paper, this painting measures 12" x 9" and is offered in a coordinating wood frame ready to hang and enjoy. Buy it now price: $250 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. Thanks for looking. Updated 7/29/10: Sold!

Painting a Day "Morning Shadows #4"

Palm and weeping willow trees seem like an odd combo to me, but this is how they appear in the park, along with some fiery red bushes in the background. It all makes for some interesting shadow play.

Painted on sanded pastel paper, this piece measures 9" x 12". It is offered here fully framed in a coordinating wood frame, ready to hang and enjoy. Buy it Now price: $225 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. Thanks for looking. Updated 6/26/11: Sold!

Painting a Day "A Walk in the Park"

Tree paintings are always a great way for this artist to relax. After my morning walk in the park, I found myself in an unusually "scrappy" mood. Funny how that extra energy can find it's way into my painting. This interesting group of tree shapes can be found along side the old gymnasium building in Balboa Park. This piece is painted on pastel board and measures 11" x 14". It is offered here fully framed in a coordinating dark wood frame, ready to hang and enjoy. Buy it Now price: $295 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. Thanks for looking.

Painting a Day "Colors of the Desert"

This piece was painted on location in the Sonoran Desert outside of Scottsdale, Arizona. Measuring 9" x 12" and painted on sanded pastel board, it is offered in a coordinating wood frame, ready to hang and enjoy. Buy it now price: $175 + $40 to ship anywhere in the U.S.

Painting a Day "Mission Trails Panorama" Update

Last week I shared the beginning stages of this commission piece. Here is a "mid point" progress shot. This painting is twelve square feet! That's a lot of pastel sticks and hand wipes disappearing in a hurry. Completion is anticipated some time late next week, with framing taking place over the Memorial Day weekend. My next post of this piece will be on the wall framed.
To see more of my work go to www.moniquestraub.com.