Coming to a close with my study of rocks and boulders, here’s #14. This particular scene attracted me because of the wall of rocks and what looks like a boulder doorway . . . thought this could be interesting for the upcoming Halloween holiday.
Secret Doorway, an oil pastel (5×7) was painted on black Mi-Teintes pastel paper on the rougher side for its deep texturing. Black paper was used on purpose so that the overall painting would take on a darker appearance – I think it worked, and the papers’ texture really comes through. Used mainly Senneliers and Neopastels, along with a painters’ knife, razor blade and clay shapers to move the paint around.
A pmp friend of mine, John Robinson, took the reference image while on a walk in the English countryside. I can only imagine how old the stone structure is . . . don’t you wonder what’s on the other side of the sealed-off doorway?
Only one more study to go ~
Secret Doorway, #14
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Oil Pastels by Mary 
Love the mystery in this as well as the painting itself. Thanks, as always for sharing your techniques and experiences.
Thanks very much for your feedback K.A. – appreciate it!
How I love a secret doorway…Wonderful, Mary!
Thanks Elena!
Love it, Mary! It’s like a fairy house. 🙂
Thanks Elizabeth!
It does look very mysterious! The colours are great, Mary. 🙂
Thank you Jo!
Having spent the weekend studying rocks for a project, I completely understand the depth you must have gone through in your study. Really beautiful painting, Mary; your studious activity paid off.
Thanks Jet for your nice comment – rocks have intimidated me for the longest time, could be because oil pastels are so clumsy and difficult to achieve fine details. But this series of studies has helped me tremendously. Appreciate your compliment.
! I love secret doorways
Thanks so much Mihrank!
Subtle, Mary, and with a sense of mystery. Very fine.
My best to you
john
Thanks John – mysteries are fun this time of year.
Oooh! I love secret doorways. Did you ever see the movie “The Secret Garden”? Your painting is awesome Mary.
Ha, Rhonda, yes – great reminder, I totally didn’t connect when I was painting this. So glad, last rock study coming up!
Have been loving all your rocks, Mary ! – but Cynthia has taken the words out of my mouth.
I just typed ‘moth’ … hmmmmmm … [grin]
Thanks M.R. – a different scene for sure, and what’s behind door #1!
Interestingly, I may be a bit out there on this one, but if doorway wasn’t mentioned, I would have thought of it … not that I didn’t see it, but I was picturing the arrangement of the rocks … and that’s it. Well done, Mary!
Thanks Frank – glad you got it on first try! I was interested in this scene only because of the large textured-variety of rock and vegetation, and that secret doorway!
Hmmm… maybe a witch’s coven? ( They could ignore the door and fly in on their brooms).
Rock on, Mary!
Hi Cynthia! Thanks very much and I’ll bet you are on the right track ~ one more to go!