The oil pastels aren't working how I thought they would.  They are crumbling and the colours have blended into one colour instead of something like a bubble-gum ice-cream.  It's all an experiment and an organic process so it doesn't really matter.
I got out some odourless solvent and started moving things around.

This is just the first layer...

For about four months I have had this big square board (a little over 1x1m) sitting in the shed.  It was lovingly primed it with four coats of gesso and I promised myself that this would be my warm up painting, my path back to my craft.  I had intentions of creating something that reflected the bush around where I live but I never go around to it.  Today I brought it inside and sat it in front of me while I did other things.

I had this container of oil pastels that all melted together from the heat the day we drove to Thredbo at Christmas time.  I have been waiting for an opportunity to use them.

This is the start of my process...

The beginning of a new year....

I started the year at a place called Three Mile Dam up in the Snowy Mountains with my fella Luke. We were blessed with beautiful weather during the day but it was freezing as soon as the sun disappeared. In the mornings the whole place was covered in an eerie fog that took all morning to dissipate. The dew held onto the wildflowers and grasses and the spiderwebs which were everywhere. We camped in our camper trailer which we always compare to the fancy new ones only to decide that we like ours better. Its ruff and rustic but you don't have to be precious with it and you can get it dirty.
While Luke went fly fishing in the Eucumbene River which is just down the road I paddled around in my Christmas present.  Three Mile Dam was the perfect place for me to use my kayak for the first time. The water is crystal clear and I could see fish from my little boat. Cruising around was so peaceful and relaxing and I really enjoyed the stillness of everything.