I had fun with this first effort of a portrait
of a young woman. There were moments of doubt as well
as I tried to work with values in the skin tones
trying to get the correct value for a particular area. There was a LOT of comparing values of one area against another.
I found it's difficult for me to go deep with values in the shady parts of the face.
When you lay out a swipe of brownish pastel stick
which according to the gray scale is the right value,
and see how DARK it looks, you begin
to wonder.
Nevertheless, for a beginning effort, I was pleased with some aspects and realized it'll
be a long road to success. That's okay. I know that
however much or little I learn it will be certainly more than I know now.
I found a good resource for guidance in the book, "Capturing Personality in Pastel,"
by Dennis Frost.
of a young woman. There were moments of doubt as well
as I tried to work with values in the skin tones
trying to get the correct value for a particular area. There was a LOT of comparing values of one area against another.
I found it's difficult for me to go deep with values in the shady parts of the face.
When you lay out a swipe of brownish pastel stick
which according to the gray scale is the right value,
and see how DARK it looks, you begin
to wonder.
Nevertheless, for a beginning effort, I was pleased with some aspects and realized it'll
be a long road to success. That's okay. I know that
however much or little I learn it will be certainly more than I know now.
I found a good resource for guidance in the book, "Capturing Personality in Pastel,"
by Dennis Frost.
Mr. Frost was an English artist who lived from 1925–1982.
He was a professional portrait painter who painted many commissioned pieces,
but loved to select his own, what he called his "character" pieces -
those displaying an intriguing personality. Emotions, features, expressions and
posture traits all helped him decide who showed a unique individuality he wished to express in pastel.
He was a professional portrait painter who painted many commissioned pieces,
but loved to select his own, what he called his "character" pieces -
those displaying an intriguing personality. Emotions, features, expressions and
posture traits all helped him decide who showed a unique individuality he wished to express in pastel.
Dear Carol - this is an amazing first portrait. I think you did a super job capturing the different values and colors in this lovely painting. Portraits are something I have not really tried. Seems like pastels are often used for this type of subject. Maybe I will dust mine off and give it a try. You have inspired me. Have a wonderful day. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI think pastels are wonderful for portraits, Debbie, as they blend when you want that effect or you can show individual strokes. Lots of pretty flesh-tone colors, too. I hope you will break out your pastels and try a portrait. It's fun and challenging all at the same time. Thank you for commenting!
DeleteYou did a great job with those skin tones.
ReplyDeleteI can see you noticed each change of planes giving your painting a solid structure. Hard to do so the congrats are truthful.
I am familiar with Frost's work from when I lived in England. I had no idea he had a book out so this was good to know. Ramon Kelley has a similar loose style in pastel and he has a good book too. We are lucky to have access to their knowledge for sure.
Looking forward to seeing your next one.
Yes, I agree! What would we do without the artists who mentor others through books and other means of sharing! This book was in the galley stage at the publishers when Mr. Frost passed away. He had been determined to finish it! It has lots of good demos and samples. Thank you for the compliments. Lots of practice needed on my part!
DeleteWow! a first portrait, I'm impressed and with the head at such a difficult angle, so well done Carol. Do paint more!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the comments, Diana! I enjoyed the whole process even though wringing my hands at times. You have painted so many precious paintings of children at the beach. Every one is a treasure!
DeleteHi Carol, absolutely fabulous portrait. I've tried pastels and I know how difficult they can be to use, difficult enough to make me give up on them. I admire anyone who can work with them like you are doing. I have never heard of Dennis Frost and will have to check out his work. Have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that you no longer paint with them, Carol, but I can understand being frustrated at times. I like them because they are so accessible and immediate although I seem to get a fair share of pastel dust on myself. Frost's book was published in the 50's, but he has such a great way of explaining his process. Thank you for writing!
DeleteIt's a great portrait Carol, you are an absolute natural with pastels. The skin looks so real it feels like you can touch it. I tried pastels some time ago...not for me, too difficult and messy, so I didn't insist LOL .
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice comment, Jane. A very generous thing to say! You, my dear, are one I look to for portraits. Love how you do skin tones and features! Also, I like the way your paintings tell a story by what the subject wears or where she is or the look on the face! You've been an inspiration!
DeleteCarol this is great. You identified the planes.
ReplyDeleteDon't be afraid to darken the darks. It will work. Fun to be working on the same thing!I have been looking at lots of artists so that I can improve my "eye" work. You did great, gentle eyes. So nice Carol.
You're correct, Helen. Using those darks does work out in the end, but it is interesting how "shocking" it is to isolate a brown pastel stick, for example, and realize this is truly what the portrait needs. Lots of surprises in learning, right? Your comments are so appreciated, my friend!
DeleteFor fun check out Ray Turner"s population series. So interesting.
ReplyDeleteI am SO glad you referenced Ray Turner's Population Series. I love them! Can't wait to try the oils with portraits. I just love looking at his brushwork and colors! Talk about inspiration! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
DeleteYou are so welcome. They do make one want to paint, don't they?
DeleteThis portrait is AMAZING Carol. You have to do more...it is probably one of my favorites of your paintings! At first I thought it was painted with oils... Seeing this makes me want to paint... Maybe in a few weeks I'll be able to lift my arm more than 4 inches!!! Lol
ReplyDeleteTherapy is coming along slowly but nicely!
Such a nice comment, Hilda, and I thank you! I'm LOVING painting faces. See, I told you you inspire me! Your work is so beautifully done!
DeleteI'm glad to hear that PT is helping. I know sometimes it seems like a long, long road, but the body can really benefit from such targeted therapy. I so look forward to you getting back to your art!! Take care.