Pastel Journal - USA (2020-04)

Pastel Voyages

(shoulders). As always, there are

exceptions. When sketching I’m

mindful of these details. The caribou

I saw, for example, were losing their

winter coats. My pencil marks indi-

cate the conformation and direction

that the fur flows. Of course, I’ll never

know all there is to know about these

animals, but I’ve gained a knowledge

of their spirit and presence.

Although Dillingham is 350 miles

from Katmai National Park, I found

a bush pilot who was willing to fly

people there, so I went. The Grizzly

bears were numerous and busy fishing

for the salmon that migrate up the

Brooks River. Considering the long

journey and determination of the

salmon is an experience. I watched,

sketched and photographed for five

hours. This is reference I look forward

to putting to use in future studio

paintings. Hopefully, I’ll be able to

capture one of the many “Did you see

that?” moments.

Because I want to incorporate the

movements and actions of the wildlife

I see, doing quick sketches can act as

reminders. I used Kimberly 6B pencils;

the carbon is soft, allowing for quick

The grazing caribou were aware of my presence, but posed no threat, and didn’t seem to mind being sketched.

Their antlers were still in the velvet, but by autumn, they’ll be fully grown and ready to impress the females.

This bear, which

I caught in a photo

and a sketch, was

so curious. I was at

a safe distance and

not in any danger.

Still, I imagined

the bear might be

thinking, “Fish?

Fowl? Or Penny?”

12 Pastel Journal APRIL 2020