Yesterday, I spent the day experimenting with oil pastels that I bought recently to fill the time on a long train trip home from Washington, DC to Vermont. Unlike soft pastels, there is no need use a fixative so I was able to work without filling the air with nasty chemicals.
Back in my studio, I pulled them out again. I began drawing on paper, tried a canvas board, a small stretched canvas and then a piece of pine. The surface of the pine board was most pleasing. I created an under painting with shades of red, orange, and yellow before creating the landscape. With the drawing finished, I used brushes and Qtips to apply both linseed oil and walnut oil in order to further blend the colors. The oils give the finished piece the look of an oil paintings.
Inspired by the vibrant colors, I ordered a proper set of artist quality oil pastels. To be continued!
Since returning from the Vermont Studio Center, in my struggles with the issue of creativity, I have been experimenting with a variety of media. 
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