Carried Away, 10x10, pastel/graphite on paper
I've been feeling my pastels lately, I love creating the smooth transitions of sky and playing with all the different shades and varieties of blue that I can find. That subtle shift right at the horizon where it can be green or pink, grey or even white. When I work on my paintings I stand tall (well, as tall as my five foot two inches can go!) and paint with constant action and energy. My drawings are more intimate, I sit at my drawing desk, close, hunched over the paper, a lamp hanging precariously over my head. The pastel gets everywhere and I'm constantly wiping my fingers on my shirt or pants and blowing the dust from the surface. I make a total mess, surprisingly moreso than when I'm painting I think.
Storm on the Mesa, 4x6, pastel/graphite on paper
I think my favorite part is when I finish the color and I start my outline with the pencil, all the forms take a bold shape and pop off the paper. Drawings feed my paintings, paintings feed my drawings, when I'm doing one I'm excited to return to the other. I have these pieces put under a mat and wrapped so clients can frame them as they choose.
Teach Me to Know, 6x5x8, pastel/graphite on paper
