"Yellow Boat" 9x12, pastel

Besides the usual issues with plein air painting such as moving shadows and changing weather, the Canadian Maritimes present additional challenges for the outdoor painter. The Maritimes see some of the world's largest tides. Where Michael lives, the water level can drop 24 feet in 6 hours - that's 8 feet in 2 hours! In one painting session, this dramatically changes the profile of land and beach and the orientation of boats at dock. A painter has to work fast!

Michael's demonstration will consist of a short video presentation illustrating the challenges but also some of the delights - the stunning clear light, the variety of rocky cliffs and cobble beaches, plus quaint fishing villages. Following the presentation, he'll demonstrate how he paints the Maritimes when in the studio. Using photographic references, he'll show his technique of starting with a monochrome grisaille, an oil painting technique he's adapted for pastel.

For a preview of Maritime scenery, please visit this photo gallery. For more on the IAPS convention and to register for Michael's demonstration, please visit the www.pastelinternational.com.