Hi Geri,
Here is my take on your beautiful blue jay photo. I’ve taken the liberty of showing him snacking on holly berries. The painting, done with Cretacolor WC pencils, is 3-1/2” x 2-1/2” on Aquarello 140# hot-pressed paper.
Alex
Comments and critiques are welcomed and appreciated.
Alex, I love the Jay Portrait and the touch of berries makes for an interesting piece. Your colors are bright and vibrant. charming.
Sam: Thanks, I still have not started any pastels. I've done WC and wcpencil and cp and graphite and I am finding that Pastel and oil are the opposite of what I have been learning, my mind has to wrap around it. I want to try the Jay in pastel but truly do not know how to start. the ground thing and anything else. the pastels I have right now are the oil pastels and a new set of Pitt pastels and the new mungyo soft pastels are enroute and have not yet arrived (Merry Christmas to my self) . I ordered them because they are non toxic. Now I just need the knowhow to start and a little courage.... boost....
MARSHA
C & C Always Welcome
It takes courage to learn about oneself from one’s failures as well as from one’s successes.
Sam: do I apply it to any kind of paper?
Sam, a beautiful painting (nice to know the difference painting or drawing) of your baby girl, it must bring back memories. I don't know how you are able to get these results from coloured pencils. It is a wonderful painting.
Bonnie C & C most welcome / appreciated
Hello Sam,
This is a fantastic painting!
Love it!
Suzanne
Alex, I love you Bluejay, Well done!
Hi Alex, I like your interpretation of the Blue Jay, Love the holy berries. Lots of great colour.
Alex, what wonderful colors on the Blue Jay. I noted the pinks and purples in the reference photo and those colors didn't escape you either. The berries are a nice addition and you wisely make them different shades of red. The same with the holly leaves. My only suggestion would be to put a stronger white highlight in his eye. That dot of white will make his eye pop and give it life.
Sam/Sammy C & C Welcome
Visit my blog at www.artbysamh.blogspot.com
Marsha, you can find plenty of demos and tips at Wet Canvas. They have both a pastel and oil pastel forum. Also, do a Google search for pastel demos and oil pastel demos. I know you will come up with some good information. Start out with simple subjects on scrap paper.
Oh, Suzanne, it is so good to hear from you after all this time. I hope you are ready to come back and participate. We recently had the good fortunate to get Alex back. You would be a bonus.
Jen C & C's always welcome
Sam, thank you for the recommendation re the blue jat's eye. I'll do that first thing in the morning.
Thank you, too, for the info on preparing ground for oil pastels. I hadn't realized that there was a "plan B" when there was no pastel paper on hand.
Thank you, Marsha, Bonnie, Suzanne, and Jen for your kind comments on the blue jay!
Alex - Super job on the blue jay. I agree with Jen. The first one was also great!
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