I have always been drawn to color and texture. Soft pastels are the perfect medium for putting down bold colors, layer upon layer, resulting in various textures as well as contrast. Waiting to Breathe is a study of color done using Unison soft pastels and Kitty Wallis sanded paper. A base layer of a chosen color in its deepest value is applied to sanded paper and then washed with mineral spirits. This application provides an interesting first layer that will then inform the entire piece. As the layers build the composition is slowly discovered as well as the overall feel and direction of the painting.