Cloud Shadows

I have started working on a series of paintings with the sky as the main subject.  This is the second painting in the series.  The light and contrast in the clouds versus the subdued field with it's saturated colors caught my attention.  This pastel painting started out with a watercolor under painting.  The hills started out in deep complimentary colors.  When I am doing an under painting, I am thinking in terms of what I will paint over it and the reaction between the two.  I am also trying to establish the darkest areas within each area of the painting.  Because pastels are so vibrant, using over the under painting creates a more dramatic and fresh feeling.