Sonora Bridge Vista

Finally, my first published artwork after waaaaay too long! At our campsite the day before, I had time to sit and paint an image of our view. There were a few things I didn't like about it, so it is now called a "study", and today, using that reference, I repainted it to share with you here. My favorite parts of the picture are the colorful sage bushes in the forground. The southwest certainly has wonderful shades of green that look beautiful against the reddish colored rocks and soil!

Sonora Bridge Vista 8 x 10 pastel on gray Canson paper

Sarah wondered if using pastels is called drawing or painting, and the best answer would be "both". Pastels can be used for drawing, and many people use them that way, but when the entire support (paper) is covered with color, it is called a painting. Drawing is generally done with lines, whereas the way most pastel artists use the medium is by applying it with broad strokes and blending on the paper....sort of like painting with your fingertips. That's the way I work, and so I refer to my finished pieces as paintings. Good question!