Dreamland, 

Alice Pike Barney made this pastel drawing, Dreamland, using soft, powdery pigments on textured paper. The loose, blended strokes give the piece an ethereal quality, fitting its dreamy subject. Pastels are interesting because they sit between drawing and painting. They demand a direct, tactile approach. You're literally touching the artwork as you make it. Notice the way Barney has layered blues and greens, creating depth and atmosphere. The strokes are visible, revealing the process. Pastels were particularly popular among women artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The medium allowed for a certain informality, and the relatively low cost of materials and equipment made it accessible. While traditionally associated with sketching, some artists like Barney elevated pastels to create finished works. Thinking about the materials, making, and social context helps us appreciate the complexity of Dreamland, moving beyond the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.