Dandelion Series - Stage 2

Dandelion Series: Stage 2

colored pencil on Ampersand pastel board

6 x 6"

This is the second of four in my dandelion series. And, yes, when I took this photograph, there was actually an ant on the flower.

For those of you who work with colored pencils and have never used it before, I encourage you to try the pastel board as a support. Here's some of what it offers:

1. Lots of layering.
2. Solvent use.
3. Dry brush burnishing.
4. No worrys of bending or tearing.
5. Acid-free and non-yellowing.
6. Great for mixed media techniques.
7. Framing without glass.

Here are some of my favorite artists who do wonderful work on pastel board:

Kathrine Tyrrell: http://makingamark.blogspot.com/2006/12/ampersand-pastelbord.html

Nicole Caulfield: http://www.nicolecaulfieldfineart.blogspot.com/

Ranjini: http://www.vividpencils.com/stilllife_page2.htm

Maggie Stiefvater: http://greywarenart.blogspot.com/search?q=pastel+board

"Where can I get these great Ampersand pastel boards?", you ask. Here's a link to the Ampersand web-site with the "where to buy" information: http://www.ampersandart.com/

If you do try it, I would love to hear your thoughts about it and see your work. Ooh, and if you find some new as-yet-untried technique, please share!