12 x 9" Original Pastel © 2012 Trish Stevenson

This pastel painting went through a bit of a metamorphosis as it was developing. Originally I had planned a somber background like a subtle greyed-down yellow ochre-ish wall of some sort. Since this subject was mainly in shadow, my aim was to pop out highlights on the outer edges of the vest, shirt and saddle, etc. As things developed, I became disenchanted with that idea - the painting was speaking to me - "I need a hot, sunlit dusty background!!" - it was shouting to me - so I listened and agreed. The highlights ended up blending off with the background. I also had fun trying different color combinations within the shaded areas to enrich them.