Poplar…soft pastel on Fabriano Artistico paper. Started in the South completed in the North.

The six images below show the process for “Poplar”.

1. After several transparent washes of acrylic I defined the main elements with a water soluble pencil.
2. I then added water to this making a further wash in blue.
3. Further loose layers of acrylic paint.
4. I have gone back into the work again defining the main elements with a pastel pencil.
5. Using soft pastels I laid down the darkest areas.
6. The completed work with a focus on strong contrast.