Lodestone

This pastel painting is based on a river I often visit in Jasper National Park. I was really drawn to the rocks and their contrasting feel with the water and snow. They seemed magnetic to me, so I named it Lodestone. My process starts with an underdrawing in vine charcoal and then gradually adding colour, aiming to stop before it is overdone, I often leave some paper showing through. I have also used a little isopropyl alcohol to deepen some darks and add interesting texture.