Aloe Vera in the Gardens

Aren’t gardens amazing? The variety of plants and colors are great fodder for an artist. Aloe vera comes in many varieties and sizes. This particular specimen was large and imposing-the vibrant colors of the spears contrasted with the plump leaves lit by the sun but disappearing into shadow. An added bonus is the blue-violet flowers in the back.
I like to experiment, so for this one I used black Stonehenge paper[not a pastel paper], and added tooth with Liquitex Clear Gesso. I used mostly soft pastels.