This painting (right) shows the softness that can be achieved with pastels that is somewhat different from the effects that watercolors produce. The petals of these blossoms have an abstract quality which adds interest to the over-all composition. Pastels are fun to use outdoors, since drawing/painting with them creates a lot of chalky dust.

The next floral painting on the right is done with watercolors but has the same two magnolia blossoms sitting on the table. The daffodils were done very loosely for a soft effect.

This will give you an idea of the differences between pastels and watercolors. They each have their own unique qualities and advantages and disadvantages.

You can click on the photos to see a larger version of the paintings.

This basket of pansies was painted at Boyert's Greenhouse in Medina while painting with our Tuesday group of painters. The pansies were actually in a white plastic basket, but I improvised with a traditional woven basket.

The dark shadowy background helps to highlight the lighter colored flowers. Negative painting was used to give a three-dimensional look to the pansies.