There are many brands and varieties of pastels and painting surfaces out there. My preferences evolve with my changing needs in the studio and out in the field. I prefer to keep things simple by relying on the following principles:

• Archival Material Quality

  • Make paintings that will outlast me.

  • Acid-free materials to prevent discoloration.

  • Seal painting surfaces (front & back!) and seams in framing to better avoid warping and water damage.

• Mediums

  • Artist grade pastels. The brands I use most include Rembrandt, Richeson Handrolled, Sennelier, and Terry Ludwig pastels.

  • Sometimes other mediums are used as well like acrylic or watercolor for underpaintings, or perhaps charcoal and pastel pencils for detail work.

• Painting Surfaces

  • The texture and quality of a surface serve as the foundation for a pastel painting and can make all the difference. Pastels are essentially a fine powder with a little bit of grab almost like makeup. The surface pastels are used on need to have something for the pastel to grab onto- and the best surfaces can take layer after layer of pastel - especially with a light touch.

  • When going for a creamy, precise painting my go-to is an Ampersand Pastel Board.

  • To make custom sized work or just to save money- I also make my own panels with tempered hardboard panels available at home improvement stores. In America 4’x8’ panels are the backbone of the entire construction industry. Hardboard panels made of eucalyptus pulp and mush can serve as a very inexpensive painting surface. To prep it, it needs to be sealed on both sides and then a gesso with grit is applied to the front painting surface (sometimes with color tints).

A soft pastel is an art medium composed of pure powdered pigment and a minimal binder, typically gum arabic, which holds the pigment together in a stick form. Unlike chalks, which are made from lime and dye, soft pastels are practically pure pigment, resulting in a softer, more delicate texture and layering than I get with acrylics.

Pastels are known for their intense vibrancy, but they are also a versatile medium that can be as bold or subtle as desired. They come in a range of forms, including mechanically shaped sticks and hand-rolled pastels with natural variations.

Pastels are most commonly applied to textured surfaces that allow the dry pigment to build in layers. These surfaces have a limited “tooth,” and once filled, additional layers begin to blend together, requiring a more controlled, deliberate touch.

I try to hold my pastels lightly enough that, in a flow state, I’ll occasionally drop one—hopefully onto something soft, or they’ll shatter like confetti.

• Yes—I accept a limited number of commissions each year.

• The best results come when there’s strong alignment between your vision and my existing body of work, so reviewing past paintings is a great starting point.

• If a project isn’t the right fit for my style, I’m happy to recommend another artist who may better serve your vision.

• View my commissions page for details on the process, or reach out to start the conversation.

• I currently focus exclusively on original paintings.

• If you’re looking for a more accessible entry point, my Original Studies Collection offers smaller works at a lower price point.

• I’m exploring future print releases—both limited editions and open editions—and would love to know which pieces resonate most with you.

• Join my mailing list to get early access to new releases, future print offerings, and occasional giveaways.

All work is sold directly from my studio unless currently exhibited in a gallery or event.

New collections are released monthly on the first Friday. - email subscribers get notified first before public release.

If the piece is part of an exhibition, purchases are handled through the hosting gallery or organization.

For availability, commissions, or inquiries, feel free to reach out via my contact page.