“After a transcontinental flight to Tanzania, I rose early and made my way through tropical vegetation to the beach to see the sun rise out of the sea,” says Margaret Larlham. “Daybreak brought a cheerful flurry of activities from the staff at the beach resort where I was staying. I was treated to a pot of tea and fruits from the cafe, then I turned my back to the sea and painted the fully lit entrance to Kipepeo Beach.
“It was a challenge to distinguish the greens, shapes, and textures of the lush vegetation. And as is always the case when I’m traveling, I only had a limited selection of pastels with me.
“After drawing a small notan I followed my usual practice of applying a loose underpainting (pastel and alcohol wash) then drew lightly, looking for major shapes, color spots, and directional energy that would animate my composition. I also painted quickly as there was only an hour before breakfast!”
What It Meant to Win Best Plein Air Pastel
“The greatest gift of being an artist is having people really look at what you have painted, says Larlham. “You learn so much from the scrutiny of others.”
