Today I decided to use Strathmore “pastel paper” that I’ve had sitting, just waiting for a painting to emerge. The problem is I have a supply build up of this paper, because when I began painting it was on sale and being a novice was excited to buy this for a very good price. Now it sits and waits for attention . . .
There are many artists who use this paper, because of the “little” checks that peek through giving lots of texture to a painting – personally it drive me nuts. Which is the primary reason this paper sits in a corner, undisturbed. Not to totally knock this paper, there are plenty of good uses for this surface that I can think of:
- If you want to break up the color, this is a great support the texture allows colors underneath to show through and the effect can be unique and beautiful.
- Snow scenes work well because of the texture. So if you are looking for old, crusty snow or messy pathways this would be a good paper to paint with.
- If you have a scene with a hazy atmosphere, again this texture would lend well for that.
As you can see there are some very good scenario’s that this textured paper lends itself too. Being frugal I don’t like to see things wasted, so today I decided to wake the stack of paper up and played around painting a snow scene. I’m happy that I was able to work with the paper, the texture was perfect for the snow.
This oil pastel is a 7×5 (Strathmore Pastel Paper, cream tinted) . . .
The painting was inspired by a photograph taken by Laura Montgomerie of pmp.
Oil Pastels by Mary 
Mary I work on a little snow scene for my christmas card.. thanks for remind me to move along and finished it up… :Like the colours combination work very well… you must use a great paper… happy thanksgiving.
Thank you Doron for your nice comment and best wishes for Thanksgiving, very appreciated!
Snow really has so many “colors”, your work is beautiful, Annie
Thank you Annie so much!
The paper is indeed perfect for the snow! I also love your color palette and composition. You are making me pine for snow Mary!
Thanks Elena! I’ve been experimenting with snow colors – need to still make a few adjustments, but getting closer to what I’m envisioning. After what I’m seeing on the east coast, I’ll stick to TX for now, lol!
I love your works paintings done of snow, they are so beautiful and have a lovely soft feel to them.
Thanks Leanne – snow is a fascinating subject to paint. I really enjoy doing small studies of it –
I love all your paintings, but the winter landscapes are so extra nice!! They remind me of my childhood 🙂
Calee you know exactly how to make my day – thank you for your beautiful comment.
Soft and beautiful, my dear Mary! 🙂
Thanks Marina for your nice comment! Hope you are having a wonderful day – going over to your blog to see what’s new.
A very enlightening post Mary – thank you.
Thanks Don!