Don Coons

Media Information: I use soft pastels, which are sticks of compressed pigment held together by a small amount of binder, gum or kaolin clay. I work on black, heavy, acid-free, cotton paper. Pastel is a very permanent media which allows my artwork to remain vivid and beautiful for hundreds of years.

Creation Process: I shoot and collect photos of rural scenes and gardens. I take various images and make a compilation sketch. I transfer that to my paper and make a larger drawing. I add my own dramatic light source. Pastel is applied and blended with my fingers. The finished pastel is then given to my wife Kathy, who adds her artistic flair with a custom mat and frame.

Artistic intention: Without sunlight, all life on earth would cease. This simple law of nature causes us to be tied physically and emotionally to light. Its importance creates connections to our feelings. I want to encourage a spiritual response from my audience. I hope that the use of light of my paintings, engages the viewer in an experience that is a reminder of how vital nature is to us.

Reproductions: Limited edition signed and numbered 4 color offset lithographs are available, as are digital giclees. Both are available framed or unframed on my website, http://members.cox.net/dcoons.