It was only a matter of time before I would get the nerve to try this.  I've been watching the beautiful pastels and wondering if I could switch gears from oil.  Then seeing and hearing about colored pencil, well...I figured I would give it a try. 

So for my birthday, I bought myself a tin of 36 colored pencils and took a few days off to re-juice with some creative projects.  

12x9, Prismacolor, 98 lb pastel paper by Canson (Mi-Teintes)  It didn't occur to me that the tin didn't contain any grays, so I improvised with indigo and violet. 

I would REALLY like to hear your comments.  Overall, I'm pleased with this first attempt.  (I'm not sure that I even mind the pod that looks like an expired jellyfish!)   My observation is that the paper may be slightly too textured for blending.  But maybe that's a process that takes time. Also, does anyone use the Verithin pencil and do they help a lot?  And the Prismacolor blender?

Hi Kim, I agree with Brian. The composition could have focused on the garlic, making them a little larger. Also, the horizon line that you have almost cuts the work exactly in half. You should try to offset this the next time. As far as the paper, it is very rough because it's basically for pastels but it depends on the effect you're going for. Some people like smoother and others like a rougher texture, that's up to you. I have only used Verithins once or twice. They don't have the softness and blending qualities that the Prismacolors have so I rarely use them. Keep at it and show us more when you get some.

gbritnell