So the hardest part about this was the paper just felt too small. I am used to doing landscapes with oils and having a pretty big canvas to work with. It was a good challenge, I’m still loving the colors of the soft pastels.
grey paper?
Ok so this was a bit of an experiment on two fronts. First it was the first time I have touched the darker paper in my pastelmat set . I’m very used to white paper from watercolor, and the grey does show through some . Second was I was trying to find a balance between keeping my strokes loose and blending which eliminates your stroke. (definitely got too tight on the front flower),
trying to loosen up a little
Sometimes I draw something and it doesn’t even look likes its mine. For example the color choices here? Not my usual tones. I was trying to push myself tot loosen up and enjoy the soft pastels. Not a total failure?
Breaking out the oils
Not sure I’m done with this guy, but taking a breather! The largest project I have done in a long time (3 ft x3 ft). After the the vibrant colors of the pastels it was time to get out some oils ^_^
Puppy Monty
Our third pup Monty is still under a year of age. I decided to to go ahead and do this portrait as a little puppy (about 10 weeks). You think drawing a grey dog could be that hard, but that is the sneaky thing about Weimaraner coats, they reflect light, so there are tone of colors that sneak in!
I’m not sure I love the end product. I still am learning a lot about pasted and pastel pencils. However I’m happy to be finished with the series ^_^
Nala Girl
Nala is our oldest girl. I found her as a stray on the side of the interstate back when I was in vet school. Her breed analysis came back a Rottweiler -cocker spaniel cross 🙂 She likes to be a part of everything her humans do, including keeping an eye on her portrait
Finally getting the hang of this?
Vacation ends tomorrow, and back to the office. I’m finally feeling satisfied with how these pastel drawing are turning out. This is our puppy George ^_^ its not perfect but I’m loving the colors!
ok, paper does make all the difference
So I gave in and order pastel mat from Clairefontaine, and what a difference. The colors were so much easier to mix and layer on the paper. It was relatively pricey, but I don’t think I’m ever going back.
Done from a photo of plumeria in Hawaii from our trip this fall.
experimenting with soft pastels
Ok after watching youtube videos about pastel pencils, I decided to just order a set of soft pastels. These are not fancy (Arteza) but the same company that makes the watercolor markers I use. Starting with a still life to figure out how to use these things! Mainly I made a huge chalky mess ^_^
Back to my comfort zone
After feeling down right frustrated with pastel pencils it was time or a breather. This little Mandarin fish lives in a fish tank at winery down in Sonoita Arizona.
Done in watercolor brush pens.