The setting of this pastel is autumn in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. I found the landscape there very appealing, and I placed the cougars below timberline, among the rocks and snow, with a background of ponderosa pines. The contrast of the warm colors in the rocks with the cool colors of the snow caught my eye.

Cougars are quite engaging animals; they seemed the most appropriate choice of subject for this setting as this area falls within their range. I chose young cougars for this painting because they have a look of freshness and accessibility; the more mature members of the species are more reserved, "wilder" perhaps, and less likely to be interested in an observer.

Pastels are an infrequently used medium. Many people incorrectly believe that pastels fade quickly; in fact, the colors of pastels remain true longer than those of many other mediums. Pastels are quite thick. Working with them leaves thousands of particles of powder, which imparts a soft, fluffy effect - a bloom of color. I usually use pastels on colored paper, which serves as a ground, or a tone, for the final work. In "Rocky Mountain Cougars", I have used a tan paper that permeates the work with a warm tone.

- Dino Paravano