My painting, Making the Final Approach is featured in the October issue of Pastel Journal.

The article, “Pastel World 2017” covers an exhibition organized by the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS). Anne Hevener, editor of Pastel Journal, focuses on 12 “personal favorites” she selected from 184 exceptional paintings juried into the show. I am so honored to be included in such great company! You can view the article here: PastelWorld 2017

Making the Final Approach has a decidedly unusual point of view. Here’s how I described my process and approach in creating the painting:

“Several years ago, as I was landing at O’Hare Airport, I glanced out the window. We were descending over the outskirts of Chicago at dusk; the plane at a sharp angle to the highways filled with evening commuters below. I quickly grabbed my phone and got a couple of shots just before we hit the runway. When I went to paint from this reference, I wanted to keep the piece loose and abstract, adding just enough detail to allow the viewer to fill in the rest.”

Hevener comments: “The tilt in Sawyer’s unconventional composition adds to the impression of immense space. The painting captures well that odd feeling of detachment you can have in flight when you’re aware of not being earthbound.”

If you would like to see more of this series, I have 2 painting from this series in Pigments at South Shore Art Center, and one at Renaissance in Pastel, sponsored by CPS in Vernon CT. Dates and times listed in Upcoming Shows.

Making the Final Approach, 36×24