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Discover why I choose pastel pencils as my primary medium for creating realistic, emotionally rich Western art — from wildlife to horses, and everything in between. Pastel pencils offer the perfect balance of precision and softness for capturing the spirit of the American West.
“Inspiration for my Western pastel art starts with a lifetime of memories—from swimming horses in the river with friends to riding into town for ice cream cones. In this post, I share how those unforgettable ranch life experiences continue to shape my creative process and guide the stories I bring to life in pastel.”
In Part 3 of my Creative Process Series, I’m diving into how I use reference photos—not just as a guide, but as a storytelling tool. I’ll share how I select my sources, the importance of composition and lighting, and how I build a scene that feels authentic and emotionally resonant. Featuring my painting Horse Prairie Roundup, this post takes you behind the scenes from inspiration to finished work.
Discover how I build a pastel painting from the ground up—starting with light graphite guidelines and working in careful layers of color. In Part 4 of my Creative Process Series, I walk you through my step-by-step pastel layering process, including how I develop fine details and work around backgrounds.
Discover how I finish a pastel painting with final details, shadows, and highlights before applying fixative. Part 5 of my Creative Process Series.
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