I was an art therapist while raising my family. Now I devote all of my time to my work as an artist. It was such a time of exuberance and optimism. It varies considerably, I work every day and usually have a few pieces going at one time. Its a slow continuing process.
Some pieces flow easily and effortlessly, others are a struggle and take months to work out.
There are times I have put a piece away and found a solution a year later. Pastel is pure pigment compressed into a stick and has no liquid binder that can cause the surface to darken, fade, crack or blister. It is the most permanent of all mediums when properly framed. The color is stable and does not oxidize with time. Although I started with oils and do still use them, once I discovered pastel I was captivated by the spontaneous approach it allows me.