Here's a piece that is oil pastel on gessoed paper.  Title: "Cuzco Blue"

Feedback, comments, suggestions welcome.

Hi Jim,

I'm focusing on the shapes - you have 4 square/rectangular shapes each a different size and value essentially meeting.  This is complimented by the triangle like shadow(far right) that leads you back into the picture.  There is really no diect message or hidden meaning I'm placing into the piece.  I leave the viewer alone to think and feel what they may at my work.  "Cuzco Blue" is referenced from a photo I took in Cuzco, Peru the ancient Inca capital.  Sorry I haven't responded earlier - I didnt check the "notify when someone replies" option.    Thanks for your questions.  I hope my explanation offers some insight.

Jim - thanks for putting into words exactly what I was thinking!!    I don't "get" a lot of abstract art - I always want to know what I am supposed to see in it but when I ask I am told you see whatever you want to see in it!!   That doesn't mean much to me either - I actually like things to look like something!   Perhaps I am a little old-fashioned!   I like the colours in Cuzco Blue - but only because blue is my favourite colour!

Elvira (from the UK - website:  www.florapaint.co.uk )

In response, [ Did you get it from the gesso? ], yes I lay on the gesso thick with large paint brushes - the type that interior painters use and the bristles tend to leave marks that will be easily picked up when the oil pastel is applied later in the process.  What books have you been reading about abstract art?  I find reading and painting go hand in hand - forces your mind to think in different ways and prevents burnout.  

Thanks agian for the compliments, as I do feel this is one of my better pieces.