to read up...

http://www.artshow.com/resources/pastels.html

Inspiration

http://www.ongkimseng.com/works/works.htm
Ong kim Seng Water colorist

Really liked what he had to say :

"I have to feel a place before I paint it. If I have good feelings
for a scene - just as I may have good feelings for someone
I meet - I know I'll have the will to paint it well. For me, and
for all painters, I believe, inspiration comes naturally when
there's a link between the artist and his subject."

His work i liked :

Another good site for Milind's works

http://www.milindmulick.com/gallery/figurative/