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Effervescence, pastel, 9 x 9" (23 x 23 cm)
I tried for a dynamic composition here.
It was risky to crop the arms and legs off so
abruptly, but it really is about those luminous
bubbles and warm lights/cool shadows.

sanded pastel paper using pastel pencils.
Accurate drawing is crucial when working
with the figure so I am careful to check
proportions. I begin with a light wash of oil
paint thinned with odorless turpenoid and
choose colors I think would be beautiful
showing through the pastel. (Not all pastel
papers can take a wet application. Check
before you wet!) I have no secret formula for
choosing underpainting colors. Sometimes it
is fun to work with complementary colors;
other times I paint in analogous or local
color. It is trial and error in finding out what
works best. My only rule for underpainting is
to try to achieve values that are similar to those
in the finished painting. In other words, colors
don’t matter as much as keeping darks, mid-
tones and lights accurate in the underpainting.
Once the oil wash is dry, I begin adding
light layers of pastel with broad, gestural
strokes. I have also started to use pastel pencils
in this stage to scribble and write words and
phrases that I am thinking about as I paint.
They are thoughts and words that relate
to the painting. Much of this graffiti will
eventually be covered up, but leaving some
of it adds an interesting, playful element
to the piece. I continue blocking in the big
shapes with swaths of pastel, avoiding detail
and striving for accurate value to create a
sense of light shining through the water and
onto the figures. As I work, I decide to alter
my palette from the original color study to
add more dramatic lighting and attention on
my focal point—the figure now in red.
I play up the color and value contrasts
around her. Skin tone underwater can range
from golden to turquoise blue. I find that

Opposite: Reminiscence, pastel, 24 x 18" (61 x 46 cm)
To me, the amazing circular reflections above the
figure bring to mind thoughts and experiences
of the past. I know it may not be immediately
Aura II, pastel, 12 x 12" (30 x 30 cm) obvious what the perspective is here. The
It was fun to try to capture the fantastic distortions of form and color while photographing myself up reflections that happen just below the surface of
through turbulent water. the water are stunningly beautiful and bizarre!

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Michele Mozzone_Demo.indd 108 6/29/16 12:46 PM