Pastel Pulse, 2026

"I initially set out to paint a much simpler idea, but as these things usually go, a new idea found me first. The plan involved 1 larger, muted gradient of 8 “main” dark colors, which would be segmented by 8 vibrant pale colors around the circle. Each dark color passes through 8 vibrant pastel colors before resetting with the next step of the dark gradient. The larger gradient becomes visible through its passage into starkly different colors, where each ring away from the main color becomes more and more unique.

I always love the pairing of muted dark colors and vibrant pastels colors, which was the basis of this painting. I chose a slightly darker brown as the background to complement the warm outer edges, and a dark grey in the center. I struggled through the whole painting with what to do with the center. A stark contrast was chosen to maintain the pattern of contrast following the most vibrant pastels, but what color? I considered the background color, but ultimately chose the grey as it’s a natural continuation of the dark gradient, and therefore feels earned."