Hi Terri, @robichon
I had to laugh; I completely relate to the “drawing with lipstick” comment! As a retired cosmetologist, that was my first thought the moment I tried oil pastels too. It’s such a strange sensation, and I’m not the biggest fan of that feeling either.
That said, I really admire your persistence and how you adapted your approach each time. The watercolor underpainting was a brilliant solution; it really mapped out the shapes beautifully and gave the piece structure. I think your final result came together so well, especially considering how tricky the medium can be. Thank you for sharing the process (and the product tip)! I always learn something from your posts.
Thanks so much for the kind words. The reason I participate in the Fine Arts competition at the local county fair is that it forces me to try things that I wouldn’t do otherwise. I have grown a lot as an artist because I have also become a “creative thinker/problem solver”.
I really admire your approach, it’s so inspiring! Setting a big creative goal like the county fair competition is such a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone. You’ve inspired me to explore what’s available in my area. I won’t be ready for the fair this year since it’s just around the corner, and one of the criteria is that the artwork must follow their given prompts in your chosen medium, which is fantastic, and it has to be completed in the same year as the fair. However, it’s now a goal for next year, and I’m anxiously waiting for the new prompts to be emailed once they’re available after this year’s fair. I love that it’s helped you grow not just technically, but also as a creative thinker and problem solver. It’s such a good reminder that artistic growth often comes from the challenges we take on. I’m really enjoying seeing your work and following your journey!
Our categories for the fair are pretty consistent from year to year, often with minimal or no changes. Talk to your fair secretary to see if that is the same where you live. Our fair booklet with new listings doesn’t come out until a month or so before the fair, so not enough time to start new projects then. Our entries must also be done since the last fair, so I am always working on this all year long. I participate in photography, scrapbooking and fine arts - which is a possible 80 entries.
The other thing that was helpful was to go to the upcoming fair, before you are ready to participate, to see what kinds of things others are entering, how they are framed, etc. Makes it easier to participate when you know what to expect. Also get the current exhibitor booklet because everyplace has their own very specific rules.
I will cheer you on when you get started in the future, so be sure to let us know.
Even though it sounds like you had some troubles Terri, I think you did a really good job, when I first saw it I thought it was watercolor. There is this book I got from the library called painting nature in pen and ink with watercolor by Claudia Nice, (I Assume She’s Nice, LoL). Lot of her work has that some sort of look.
My rendition of a photo reference by Cindy Hudson Parks from a facebook group of reference pictures’ July challenge. It’s on 8x10 pastelmat or pastelgrain paper. I did not label the piece of pre cut paper before saving. Used soft pastels sticks and pastel pencils. Kind of rushed but did what I could especially with the point of origin for perspective…
Thank you Terri @robichon!
There’s much more I can learn from you but I soft pastels are somehow easier for me to control.
Speaking of learning from you, I have some watercolors next in line. I really am trying to immerse myself into that medium, with the gouache live class coming up I should have my dry media put up and focus on wet stuff. I brought out my boat from a few live classes back and am working the hatching to get started with the background.
I’m more optimistic this time!
P.S I have a 24 winsor and newton cotman set, what watercolors do you use?
I think you did wonderful with the perspective, handling the slope or hill to the right and then the street view is nicely done, it doesn’t look too stiff or overly done.
Your love for pastels shows in your work! Well done.
This gorilla from The Secrets to Drawing, lesson 12: Drawing from Photos, intimidated me for over a year. I finally got him done. So glad I can move on to the next lesson.
Graphite pencil on A5 Mont Marte Visual Art Diary 110 gsm
I think it looks amazing. I haven’t dived too much into that medium myself, and when I do I usually use the water soluable pastels (Caran d’ache Neocolour II) as an underpainting and complete the work with watercolour pencils. It’s such a difficult medium. Will you be doing more?
Thank you for your reply. Very helpful as I’ve been looking at investment on professional watercolor paints. I believe that the better the materials, the better the outcomes with less frustration or disappointment. I might treat myself on my upcoming August birthday!
For this drawing I have mostly used Derwent Lightfast Pencils and a bit of Faber Castell Polychromos for the details. The solvent is OMS from Talens, and the paper is Derwent Lightfast Paper 9"x12", which is a 300 gsm (140lbs) hot pressed water colour paper 100% cotton.
