I’m a big-time smudger. Ever since I was a child who proudly wore her grubby cuffs ringed with graphite, I’ve avoided the crisp-edged side of reality, preferring my world pushed into impressionistic blur across a page.
I like to use my fingers, really get into the grain, smoothing out wrinkles on those foreheads of landscape and still life. And while my sketch pencils need to have sharp wits about them, the pastels should lay out soft as new love.
I favor big sheets of textured paper and a long enough ruler to start out straight before a rip tide of color takes me off to faraway lands, where petals move on a slight breeze and flesh glows with every shade other than the wax of its crayola namesake.
There is no better bliss than the suggestive tint from warm afternoon windows, tunes cranked up a little too loud, a wineglass full of ruby, and time stopping to take a look at what flows from under this dusty hand. Why do I always forget how good this feels once underway, counting back the years I’ve been stalled like some stubborn old man with too many regrets in his pocket to begin again.
None of those sinkholes from the past matter when it is just for you.
Suburban Satsangs 
I love smudging too, usually with creamy oil pastels, but whatever the medium it’s always good to get tactile when creating art.
Hi Mufidah! I have not tried oil pastels yet, but I admire the results. Hmm, another trip to the art store in my future. Thanks for stopping by.
I know they’re just for you but I’d love to see your artwork. I bet it’s as lovely as your writing.
I appreciate it, Adriene. Once I have something finished, I’ll put up some examples. Keeps me honest.:) Have a lovely weekend.
Words are my medium. I envy your smudged fingertips. I loved the softness of pastels and though I haven’t held one in decades this article brought to mind the feel of them smearing onto the paper and their unmistakable fragrance. I’m adding a box of pastels to my cupboard for my grandkids.
Yay Amy! Glad that this post brought back good memories. There’s something grand about getting your hands messy, for art’s sake. The grandkids will have fun.