Shoreline

Shoreline, watercolor and pastel on watercolor paper, 

6x8 inches

As my research and exploration continues with pastel, I have discovered an interesting technique that seems to be not altogether uncommon among pastel artist, and that is applying an under painting of watercolor.  I went and bought some new watercolor paper and a few colors and brushes to explore this technique. I stated in the previous post that I  know little about pastels, but I absolutely know NOTHING about watercolor. Luckily, my mistakes won't show as the pastel becomes the top layer. Plus I hope to become looser and more abstract with practice.

Pastel over watercolor adds a beautiful, playful level of layers depending on your method of application (smear or not to smear, that is the question). So far, it has been a lot of fun to "play" with, and I feel it is working for me right now.  It allows me to be out of my cold, basement studio and upstairs at a table where I am quite comfortable.  I can "prep" a drawing by painting in the evenings when I am tired, and then continue working on them in the mornings before leaving for work at my 8-5, with the lively pastel when I am...not tired. 

Just for the record, my watercolor paper is acid-free, cold pressed (140 lb.).  I like the texture so far, but I am still a newbie. I will be working on pastel as long as the weather is cold, or I get bored, whichever comes first :-)  Contact me if you are interested in purchasing.