Illustration Friday - Stir

As she reflected on her future, hope began to stir within her. 
 Pastel drawing, 7 x 10 in.

It is curious to me. I lived without painting for 42 years of my life and never missed it. Now, if I go for one week without painting something, I have serious withdrawal.

So, just now, I took 15 minutes and did this little sketch - only with pencil at first, but I had a craving for color. A serious craving! But because I need to keep the guest room tidy (more friends coming to visit tomorrow), I took out my pastels instead of my paints.

Oh, how I love them! I had forgotten how satisfying this somewhat messy medium can be. At the end, I loved the sketch as much as the pastel dust covering my hands, and I felt ready to tackle the rest of my busy day!!

Wishing you a great Monday!!

Playing with Pastel Ground

I am still playing with the Altered Surfaces book, this time painting a quick little (4 x 6 inches) pastel portrait on acrylic paper covered with Golden Pastel Ground. It is great!! It allows you to make any surface suitable for working with pastels. You could also apply it to part of a painting and combine pastels with other media. I think I'm going to give that a try...