Pastel Demo part 02

Step 02

Now the fun begins!

I block in the local colours 

like greens for trees and blues for water

but I use  stronger values than I intend to see at the end

This gives me somewhere to go.

In other versions I might use complementary colours 

as the under layer for an added glow.

Step 03

Believe it or not. .. the only thing I've done here is to soften/blend the colours.

Step 03a

It may seem obvious but always blend 

keeping in mind the texture of the sky,trees, water,etc.

I am very careful in the transition area 

between sky and trees or water and shadow. 

I like to see some soft edges in the final piece

so here's an opportunity to create them.

e.g Distant trees along the skyline.  

I circled my focal point 

as I usually pick one area in which to begin.

This sets the tone (level of detail) for the whole.