"Pause for Reeds, study" 6x6

"Pause for Reeds" study, 6x6" Pastel on sanded paper

Working on the subject of water is always like coming back home from an exhausting trip. It's such a peaceful subject to work on, with all it's qualities calling out to be painted; calm, cool, and relaxing. This is another small study, only 6x6" that just takes an afternoon to work out. These little studies give me the satisfaction of finishing a piece as my family schedule demands. At the time, taking on pastel as my medium was almost dictated by my life with small children, but I'm telling you now that I'll probably die working in pastels. Pastels are so quick to work with, letting me rework without regret. Instantly you have color! And no wait! How could anyone not want to work in pastels? Yeah, I've heard that they are messy, but so is oil! And even more, no mixing either! But what has sold me on pastels was the brilliant color it holds. Dripping with saturated pigment, sometimes diluted with a shade lighter, but the color just makes me drool. I've said it once while discussing with other artists about a piece that makes me drool, "I could LICK it!" The looks I get from those who don't know me well enough..."Ahh," I say to you, "try them and you'll see!" Delicious color, ahhh!