The Aftermath

I took this reference photo at the end of last year and looked forward to turning it into a pastel once I had finished with my current projects. When the wildfires happened it seemed like the right time to pay homage to those affected. I chose to incorporate both cool and warm colors into the smoke which billow up in front of the shadowed figure. I used a lot of blending and layering to get the affect that I wanted in the smoke. I kept the figure ambiguous to draw the viewer in and create more of an emotion. In the smoke the viewer may notice a mirrored shadow of the man. This can symbolize the past and his loss or hope for the future.

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Pastel Brand(s) Used

Pastel Paper Used