Did some more work on the pastel painting last night. I use very rough, sanded paper because I add lots and lots of layers that are smudged and rubbed together. I need to use a surface with a lot of bite in order to hold these layers. I'm developing callouses on my finger pads as a result of this - really.

All that remains to be done is to lay in the flowers (darks then lights) and this piece should be finished. Shawn told me she sees a gothic quality about my paintings. I have to say I agree with her....a kind of gothic, primitive feeling...perhaps due, in part, to the dark saturated colors I use. I'd love to hear comments regarding this.