Blue Tablecloth

5"x7"
Pastel on sanded paper

Today, was experimentation day.
Always a fun time. This little study was
painted with acrylic paints and then
layers of hard and soft pastels. Just
trying to keep it loose.

Ruby Red Cherry

5x5" pastel on archival sanded paper

During my trip last week, one of my stops was the
Newport beach pier. At the end of this long pier
is a burger joint called Ruby's, that has been in business
for the past 25 years.
I ordered a cherry coke, which was one of the best.
In my drink was a maraschino cherry that just looked
like it wanted its picture taken. So, I took
it from my drink and placed it on the table. The light
was pure sunshine coming in through the window, casting
great shadows from the window and red reflective light from the cherry.
A perfect subject for a painting.

Cherries

6x6"
pastel on archival sanded paper

Today's painting was about capturing

the shadows. Have you ever noticed that

any cast shadow will have a hard edge?

See the shadow cast down from the bowl.

Have you ever noticed that any form shadow

will have a soft edge? Look at the shadow

that forms the bowl.

Next time you're out, study some shadows.

Ok, enough of the art lesson, check out my recipe

for cherry pie.

INGREDIENTS
1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie

(I use the Crisco shortening recipe)
4 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup white sugar
4 cups pitted cherries
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 tablespoons butter

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).

Place bottom crust in piepan.

Cover the top crust and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl combine tapioca, salt,

sugar, cherries and extracts.

Let stand 15 minutes.

Pour fruit mixture onto the bottom crust and dot with butter.

Cover with top crust, flute edges and cut vents in top.

Place pie on a foil lined cookie sheet --- in case of drips!
Bake for 50 minutes, until golden brown.