This pastel painting was done from a photograph I took at Hacklebarney State Park in NJ. Each October my husband, father, and other family members would hike down to the Black River and walk along its rocky edge. We then would head over to the Cider Mill for freshly made dounts, apple dumplings, and pumpkin pie. A perfect fall outing! If you are wondering what pastels are, read on. Pastel sticks are made from pure pigment with minimal binding. As a painting medium, it is dry, immediate, and vibrant. If properly handled and framed, they rarely lose their vibrancy.