What About the Wash?

Last month I posted my exploration about the pros and cons of using a wash technique with pastel, and  a viewer's comment reminded me to add an update about what I found. The top image below was made with a wash underpainting (pastel liquified with mineral spirits), and the bottom was created without this step (just dry pastel). The images were taken in different light, and are not directly comparable, but hopefully will nevertheless show some of the different qualities related to technique. I'd be interested in hearing about what viewers see and if there are differences in 'feel' or mood between the two images. I'll post my own perceptions tomorrow. Please let me know what you see!