I'm an artist from Fallbrook, California. I have spent many years teaching, painting, and writing. I especially love to teach children!

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Layered wet and dry pastel on gessoed watercolor paper

Why I love pastels:

Soft pastels are so versatile! I can use them dry, brush them with water, layer them over acrylic, or apply them to a collage. They are so easy to pack up and take wherever I go! They are bright and powerful, and great for quick painting sessions. Most of all, I love the feel of pressing the color directly to a surface-- the tactile experience of painting and smearing with sticks makes me feel directly connected to my art. Pastels layer nicely, and there's plenty of room to change direction if a painting isn't going the way I'd like. They're also affordable! Unlike paint that seems to run out constantly (for me, at least-- I can't get enough of texture!) pastels last a long time.

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Niki Hilsabeck

Artist from Fallbrook, California

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