Angel 

Vicente Romero's 'Angel' emerges from the canvas through the delicate application of pastels. The artist coaxes a dance of light and shadow, as the model stands on a rock, the waves gently caressing her feet. The loose strokes of pastel, seemingly applied with a light touch, build up layers of color that evoke the feeling of a misty oceanside. The translucent fabric that envelops the figure appears weightless. Pastels, in contrast to oil paints, offer a directness of application; the artist's hand is intimately connected to the emerging image, each stroke a deliberate act of sculpting light and form. The immediacy of the pastel medium allows for a fluid and spontaneous translation of vision onto the canvas. By emphasizing the materiality and process of creation, we can recognize the labor and skill involved in producing the work. Ultimately, by embracing the rich tapestry of materials, making, and social context, we deepen our appreciation for art.