CHAPTER TWO
composition and color

Acequia
17" × 21" (43cm × 53cm)

Now that you’ve become familiar with the types of surfaces and pastels available, it’s time to consider the composition of your painting. Don’t let that blank piece of paper intimidate you—if you approach your painting with a plan to experiment, learn and have fun, it will go much more smoothly. And if you do feel a bit intimidated, don’t worry—we all do. When I stand in front of my easel ready to begin a new painting, I take a deep breath and tell myself to remember that it’s just a piece of paper, and if the painting doesn’t work out, it’ll still be a learning experience.