The Medha Journal

I have used flowers as a subject for my art for many years. These pastel drawings represent a means for me to sharpen my skill in recording precisely what I observe, similar to a scientist recording observations in a laboratory notebook. The subject is ideally suited to this purpose since the flowers remain in the same position for hours or days without moving, and I can choose from an endless array of colors and forms. These are not meant to be photographic images of the flowers (otherwise I would simply use a camera), but rather a representation of the essence of the subject. The process involves applying layers of pastel colors one on top of the other, starting with hard pastels, then medium pastels, and finishing with buttery-soft pastels. The soft pastels are almost pure pigment, with little binder in them to obscure color. During application of the layers of color, some color from layers below is still visible, while the final layer of soft pastel sits on the surface. Up close, one can observe multiple layers of colors, but as one steps back the layers merge into one smooth surface that looks like a three-dimensional object. I am always a bit surprised as I step back and look at the finished piece since the process of creating it is very intuitive and I cannot recall exactly how it was done.