Just Watching - WIP Pastel Velour

This is a wonderful shot from Gary Jones, at PMP, of a Sumatran tigeress called Kirana.  I wanted to do her because she was an excellent face close up and I wanted the challenge of her beautiful eyes and features because I am working on a new support surface and I figured why not give me a chance.   I wanted to do this larger than I normally would so that I have enough space for each feature to try to do some experimental things.   I changed this shot up a bit as I am going to bravely add some leaves over her finished face to give the feeling that she is in hiding and "Just Watching". 
As you know I am one of the most patient people I know - NOT.  So rather than do a lot of extensive reading and then swatch experimenting - well, I am going for it.  The paper color is a light tan/or golden beige. 
The velour surface takes the pastels (am using for the first layer primarily Nupastels (hard sticks) and some pencils, and will come back with softer pastels on top of it.  You can't really blend with traditional methods and I don't have enough pastel or skill to begin finger blending, so I am just trying to use harder pastels and smoosh, push and pull my way around getting the blended look I seem to so like. 
Of course I put her eyes in so she could talk to me while I do this piece.  It seems to me that this can take quite a few layers as long as you gradually/lightly put them on.  One thing you need to do when transfering the image to the paper, don't use a pencil or anything sharp, I actually used the very rounded end of a stipple brush, and that is why you see the line being so wide and not really very clear.  I used charcoal hoping that since it is pretty soft it would disapate and not leave any mud behind.  I did use a pencil where there is the beginning of her wiskers, hoping that it would indent the paper letting me know where they should originate from.  Won't know if that worked until I get to working in that area and right now am stumped on how I am going to get thin wiskers cause that ain't easy using pastel.
So, thanks much for stopping by and hope you are having a great weekend.  Do some painting!!!

Comments

hmuxo said…
You aced the challenge of painting her eyes, Nelvia.......Fantastic!!! I always paint the eyes first as well! This is going to be a beautiful painting...
November 23, 2014 at 8:26 AM
Log Cabin Studio said…
Those eyes are drawing me right into the painting already.
November 25, 2014 at 5:10 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Magnolia Blossom acrylic portrait magnolia flowers

Image
Magnolia Blossoms Acrylic 11"x14" “Talent is a pursued interest. Anything that you're willing to practice, you can do.”   - Bob Ross I thought this was a wonderful quote.  I don't know if it has happened to you, but people say, oh you are so talented.  Not true, couldn't be farther from the truth, although I am sure there are many artists who do possess that something extra, something special.  But for the most part for the rest of us, it is just a matter of studying,  learning your  tools and materials, practicing, and then start to trust your inner self.  I am on a journey to try to find my voice.  Not that I am a late bloomer, but I should have already found it, yes?  I guess what I am really looking for is the way I wish and want to paint.   Not necessarily how I have been doing it. I am pleased with this piece.  Many thanks to Sanne who put this wonderful reference piece up at PMP.  Personally I think Magno...
Read more

DAY 19 Noise

Image
Noise I have noticed, now that we live out of the hard core suburbia, how much we get quiet.  I mean actual quiet, no kids, no dogs, not cars, not motorcycles, no sirens, etc. etc.  How many waves, noise carrying waves, go through our bodies every day.   Phone, radio, tv, fiber optics, microwave, etc. etc.   Can that really be good for us? Anyway, I never know what I am going to get and this was a pretty quick one since I had a big time work day, for me.   But I got some really clean windows - am really ready for Fall, wish the temperature could understand how ready I really am for Fall!!. Thanks much for stopping by.
Read more

Nicolae's GF Laughing Giraffe mixed media portrait

Image
Nicolae's Giraffe Over the years we have decided the places we like to visit and have gone back multiple times.   In this day and age I think it is uncommon that in a hotel environment the workers would have been there 10-35 years.  So friendships develop.   Each of the people we have encountered have made our stays extra special in a variety of ways.   One of the ladies that works the check in desk had a baby last year.   Since we were unable to go in November we just saw her when we were in DC.   He is now 14 months, and in love with giraffes.  She has a yellow and gray nursery decor and I wanted to do a giraffe.   Wasn't sure if it should be the "kiddie" kind, but thought he might outgrow it.   So I decided to do one semi realistic so that he wouldn't outgrow it right away.  Aren't they just the strangest looking animal? I always wish I would keep my mouth shut, because it does worry me when I say I will paint something - it ...
Read more