Friday, July 20, 2012

"Shadow Patterns" 6" X 8" Pastel SOLD


I just love, love, love Wallis paper. It is a hardy, resilient, forgiving and creative surface for pastel. The characteristic with which I have the most fun is the texture. It's fairly rough and accepts a great amount of pastel which means you can have just about as many layers as you want to try. But, because of the gritty surface you can create many different "looks" or textures. Rubbing in the pastel can give things a smooth look. Scumbling the pastel over the top (my personal favorite) gives a mottled look which I think makes things look like they have more form. It also gives you a chance to drag over the top of a beautiful color ANOTHER beautiful color giving it a rich look. In the painting above I did a lot of scumbling. You can see the deep green/blue underpainting showing through the pastel as well as the textured, multi-colored apple skin. If you like a loose, impressionistic look in your work I think you'd like working with Wallis.
                                                                                 

19 comments:

  1. WOW! I love this piece. The bright red really catch your eye, especially in the reflection/ light bouncing between the apple and the surface. You have such a unique and beautiful way of handling pastel.

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    1. Vanessa, thank you so much for your comments. Pastel is an enjoyable medium. It's quite versatile, and companies are always coming out with new products which are fun to explore.

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    2. This is a beautiful piece, Carol.! I have Wallis paper at home and you have inspired me to use it. Since I've been painting portraits lately I needed to use the smooth paper. (Although I have a friend who used Wallis paper for a pastel portrait which came out amazing) The apple came out amazing and love the different colors on the surface! BRAVO!!!

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    3. I hope you will try it and discover you like it. It really is receptive to almost anything! They also make a "Wallisboard" which is Wallis paper adhered to a harder surface like Gatorfoam. I haven't tried it, but hope to soon. Thank you Hilda for your kind comment!

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  2. This one is fantastic! The paper must be a joy to work on but really, all of the effect is entirely your doing! I love that shadow pattern for starters. You also took a subject that could have just been a couple of apples and managed to add so much interest with the colors, texture, and pattern. Great work!

    Since it is pastel, is it difficult to package and ship? I saw that you had it for sale on the DPW site. What do you end up doing?

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    1. Thanks so much, Libby! Wallis really is my favorite surface for the kind of art I do. Someone who does more realistic work might like a smoother surface. Aren't we fortunate to have a wide selection available today?

      I used to worry about shipping pastel work, Libby, but I don't anymore. I wrap the pastel with glassine paper to protect the surface and place it between two pieces of cardboard for sturdiness. Depending on the piece and its size I will ship via a box or padded envelope. I wrap the cardboard "sandwich" in bubble wrap and box it up or put it inside the padded envelope with an invoice. So far, everything has arrived safely and soundly. I always accept returns as well with full refunds in the rare instance something does happen. So far the USPS and I have done well.

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  3. Love this Carol. The colors,pattern and texture make for a gorgeous piece.

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    1. I appreciate your kind words, Carol! I now have new respect for Venetian blinds!

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  4. Pam, thank you so much. It was a joy to do! I appreciate your time in commenting.

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  5. This is stunning in its simplicity and sparkles with many warm and cool accents. Really effective - it glows. What a treat for the eyes!

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    1. Lovely words, Julie, and I thank you. The playground of color was such fun in this one!

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  6. This is gorgeous, Carol!!!!!!! You've taken a simple subject and made it so rich and complex and infinitely interesting. I love it! Also really like the birds' nest, the color and complexity in how you've woven it all together. Beautiful work!

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    1. Your kind words mean a lot to me, Lorraine. I enjoy your work immensely and am constantly inspired by it. You always impress me with your explorations and give me impetus to try my own.

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  7. Carol, that is a beautiful painting! I love the shadows across the apple, it is just stunning!

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    1. Hi Karen,
      Thank you very much. I really did have a lot of fun with this one.

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  8. Wow, Carol, this is dynamite, what a great idea and the wonderful light of the stripes of the apple, how could you not love the design, color and composition of this piece. I sure couldn't not love it .

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    1. Your comments are so appreciated, Jean. Don't you think it would be fun to try Venetian blind shadows on another subject? I'll just have to find a set somewhere!

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