challenge CHATTER - 2013

Kim513 wrote

on 1 Feb 2013 9:02 PM

Jen - That's cool that they have that option. They can afford to donate more now that they don't have to buy a frame. :)

bernof wrote

on 2 Feb 2013 12:08 PM

Hi all A little more practise using pastel pencils 5x7 Bristol vellum paper 100#

Fred

A Gal Named Sam wrote

on 2 Feb 2013 1:33 PM

Keep at it, Fred, you are doing well with those pastels.  I love the old withered tree and the sky is very attractive.  Your grasses look good, too.  I looked for a Martian or a bear in the tree but didn't find any?  Nice work.

C. Brown wrote

on 2 Feb 2013 3:13 PM

I really like the tree Fred!

Kim513 wrote

on 2 Feb 2013 4:52 PM

JEN - looking fwd. to it!!

FRED - Agree, you've a knack for that tree. You managed some shading on some thinner branches - good job.

Alexandra Spencer wrote

on 2 Feb 2013 8:38 PM

Hi WitnessBlumpkin, is this a portrait of sisters? They resemble each other. It's a lovely piece, and you got very good feedback on it from other posters. I hope to see more of your work.

Jen, I love your 5" x 5" entry for the art group fundraiser, and am amazed that you did it in a day. The use of the complementary blue in the background is very pretty and I admire the way the flowers on the left meld into the background. The echo of the coppery pot in the sunflowers is wonderful as well. Sam's straightening of it was very helpful in seeing what it was like, as it was tilting away in the quick photo you grabbed. I would loved to have seen the display of small paintings at the event.

Alexandra Spencer wrote

on 2 Feb 2013 8:48 PM

Fred, there are several things that make this painting very appealing artistically: the twisted, gnarled tree; the excellent depiction of the asymmetrical branches; the sharp focus of the tree, branches, and grasses in the foreground and soft focus of the scenery that's further away; the fact that the painting is not centered - that the positions of its elements are balanced but not centered; and the beautiful sky. Love it!

Turps245 wrote

on 2 Feb 2013 9:06 PM

Fred, I love your gnarly old tree and sweeping sky! I think you are going to like pastel pencils they seem to suit your painting style.

Turps245 wrote

on 2 Feb 2013 9:14 PM

Well here are todays updates. I darkened the shadow on the pot but it does seem to be straight when looked at in place. Here are a couple of new shots showing the all around sides and also some of the other artists in our groups contributions.

Artist Jimmie Rice

Artist Paula Darr

Artist Susan ( can't spell her last name!)

Turps245 wrote

on 2 Feb 2013 9:17 PM

Then here is an update on Howard who was not happy I had put his photo online!

I still need to do some tweeking on his glasses and shirt and anything else you may see.

the general concensous at art is that it is like him.

Alexandra Spencer wrote

on 2 Feb 2013 9:28 PM

Jen, the darker shadow is an excellent addition and your painting is beautiful. So fascinating, too, to see the others.

As far as Howard goes, what a handsome, distinguished-looking man! He looks like a no-nonsense kind of guy, very smart, likes the facts. A great portrait.

A Gal Named Sam wrote

on 2 Feb 2013 9:56 PM

Jen, your sunflower painting is looking real good.  You should rake in thousands for it!    It was good to see some of the other entries.  The one with the geese makes me think of a painting by Earl Richard Thompson.  Yours will be a winner - the darker shadow helped it.

As for Howard, you have applied wonderful skin tones.  His eyes and glasses look good and I like the shadow of his glasses on this cheeks.  Great hair.  I like how you suggested the plaid of his shirt.  This one is a winner, too.