The main focus of pastels with advanced students was to achieve a background of approaches and to experiment with each in several ways. Many of the practise drawings were in themselves excellent compositions. It was exciting to see students combine 2 or more application methods in one work. Although "smooth blends" remained the most popular style form, all enjoyed the freedom and texturing of "gesture" and "broken" color rendering. The most advanced students found 1 directional a satisfying and expressive form.

Pastel drawing is a wonderful medium for quick experiences in color blends, drawing in layers--light to dark (no need for erasing), and achieving different effects of the same subject with diverse style and colored backgrounds. Loose, tight or in-between, pastel sticks and pencils offer many interpretive opportunities. If this is new to you, enjoy giving this medium a happy trial.