Color Study Series #1

"Birdwatching on the Marsh"  Pastel  8 x 10 © Donna Gross

I have decided to begin a color study and exploration to further my knowledge of the color wheel and creating color harmony.  Today's piece was accomplished with a split complimentary scheme using hues of blue, red-orange, and yellow- orange. I found using a prepared canvas board challenging.  I have used these canvas boards before and each time I feel like they eat up my pastels!! Mounds of dust.

I prefer sanded paper grit 400-600 which feels like a fine emory board when I brush it with the pad of my finger.  

The irony of me using pastels as my medium of choice is that I persevere despite the enormous amount of dust that it generates.  For those who know me best...dust is my enemy!

But colorful pastel dust....not so....