![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUjNBr3h2Y8Hj0paYovlkywgkhvSFPGOgX-3DwsT-RKnynaKVVZA1DtO1f_38BC2IZtizMxZR7b6GB_Dn-lZpk8obAcMwBdcAI66Up6zhuLymfZwTuAx3vFQ3bkeQ7fplRDwQxxBr58g/s400/c1135.jpg)
I started out using oil pastels on watercolor paper. This was my first time doing a face with pastels and I was completely clueless about the properties I'd be working with. I wasn't very far into things when I realized that outlining the sketch in black pastel was a BIG mistake. Every time I tried to fill in, the black smeared and distorted the color. I only had 12 pastel sticks to work with so I was relying entirely on blending to achieve the angelic coloration of the women's face. Oil pastels seem to be limited in their blending capacity. After a while the waxiness started to clump and I found I had very little control over the distribution. In the end, I decided to shade in the background with pencils rather than pastels for fear that the colors would smear into one another. It was a great learning experience but the picture isn't a very good replica. The poor woman looks like she has the plague.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlnaFxh_ZIWWdFkhToxUIJD5UfNFSgMPPpGIDBPlREl-X1UyXh-0fPfeVLBJsnjXvHnRsGBwqhU-1Btzo-eEmfUvubFLBeF_IdnfF6CPap8CJwk5vJ0wogf2l1gE26mrD9yMWXPUcroQ/s400/c1136.jpg)
I went light on the shading at first not knowing what to expect. When I brushed over with water the result was sort of sudsy and erratic. But when I pressed hard on the pencils, then added water, the result was much better. I got rich colors and a thick consistency. The lighter shades were more challenging because it was difficult to keep the tones even, but I imagine I will get the hang of it with practice. I wasn't thrilled with the end result on this project either (see up top)- this time she looks like she is retaining water. I am, however, excited about working with the watercolor pencils -I can't wait until I have time to play again.
Oh, Jilliene! Love love love!!! (And geez, thanks for introducing me to yet another artist I LOVE and will surely spend money on!) :) Keep the artwork coming, I love it! :)
ReplyDelete