thumbnail sketches

When I'm experimenting with colors and ideas, I find that if I do a full size picture I just end up taking a lot of time and ending up with something I didn't have in mind.  It seems like such a waste of my lovely pastels, too, which then blocks me from drawing anything.

So I've started making little thumbnail sketches to play around with different techniques, ideas and color schemes.  I can quickly see if a color combination works out, or if I like using a certain technique.  It also takes off the pressure of needing a 'great idea' for a composition.

oil pastel on paper, thumbnail sketches

I really enjoy this practice, and sometimes, I loosen up enough to create something I really like.  Here's a thumbnail sketch of Laramie Peak:

I like this sketch so much I think I'll develop this thumbnail sketch into a full sized picture.