A Quiet Corner

I am finding that going into my studio and painting has been a welcome distraction since the unexpected death of my son just before Thanksgiving.  It helps to have my mind focused on something else, though of course he is never far from my thoughts.

This painting is the result of watching a video by one of my favorite pastellists, Richard McKinley. He was demonstrating the use of a watercolor underpainting when working with pastels.  I frequently use underpaintings but normally employ the use of pastels with a wash of alcohol over the top.  I enjoyed this method, though I will never be able to get the results he does.
Pastel 11" x 14"