spring forward steps

A bright spot on our dog-walk is a Forsythia bush now in full bloom. I wanted to paint it as one of the first colorful signs of spring.

Step 1: I have several 7x5 inch Ampersand Pastelbord panels with abstract oil-wash foundations. Using my reference photo in grayscale as well as in color, I laid in a black acrylic map of the darkest area for a little pastel painting called "Spring Forward." 

Step 2: The image on the left has the addition of blue pastel in the sky and water.

Step3: All colors except the yellow of the Forsythia have been added to the image on right.

"Spring Forward"•

7x5 pastel