"SanTan Late Afternoon"

Oil Pastel on Canvas

5" x 5"

(c)2009 NL Matus

Now that the heat has subsided, and we are in full Fall 'cooler' weather, it is really nice to be out and drawing / painting on site. I took a drive in the desert, out to the SanTan mountains area, and as the late afternoon sun was making everything golden, I decided this was a good subject for oil pastel. This is a small painting, maybe 5" x 5", and on canvas. The shadows were really deepening by the time I finished, so I had to work pretty quickly to catch what attracted me.

The drive home was leisurely, and I had a folio of sketches and quick color studies to show for my trip. I am so happy that the cooler weather has arrived, as I can now do more of these work trips.