Pastel portrait, and my first post.

James McDowell · 09-05-2005, 09:02 AM

Thank you Alex. I will definately take your advice and suggest some of the arm and hand. I have always done portraits in graphite and I am very confident with that medium, so I understand what you mean about doing it upteen times.

Lisa, Thanks! I have a lot more experience with graphite so doing the portrait in black and white took a lot of pressure off. I am really excited to dive into color. I just need to find the perfect subject now.

-James

Jimmie Arroyo · 09-06-2005, 09:59 PM

Wow, first one? Great job, and the type of paper you used, did'nt think it would hold many layers.

I agree about the level of 'finish' on the shirt, it's always hard finding that point of 'completion'. Welcome to the forum, looking forward to more.

Kimberly Dow · 09-06-2005, 10:09 PM

Hey - another Texan!

Welcome to the forum James.

I like this, but I'd personally finish the bottom more as it seems too high to stop.

Lacey Lewis · 09-06-2005, 11:32 PM

I agree with what's been said above and wanted to add my welcome and kudos on this portrait.

I'm looking forward to seeing this finished!

James McDowell · 09-07-2005, 09:34 AM

Hi Jimmie, I was a little suprised about the paper also. I had never heard of anyone using it, but I remember reading an article about another pastel artist who used hot press watercolor paper so I thought I would give it a try.

Kimberly: Thanks for the welcome! Glad to know there is another Texan here. Most of the advice I have been given seems to be to finish the shirt more or finish it all together. Since, I am not sure where would be a good place to stop for the unfinished look I decided to finish it all.

Thanks, Lacey!

Here is a small update on what I have been working on when time permits. (I am a muralist, so I only get to work on my portraits on off days and evenings.) This is the second layer on the hand. I realize that the pointer finger is too tapered and I will fix it in the next layer.

-James

Kimberly Dow · 09-07-2005, 09:48 AM

That looks terrific James.

Are you working on any murals in SA right now? I get up there often and need to pick up a painting at the Greenhouse Gallery this week or next as a matter of fact. I keep wondering if I might have seen any of your work.

James McDowell · 09-07-2005, 09:58 AM

Hey Kimberly,
Right now I am working on a little girls bedroom, more decorative painting than a mural on this one, and all of my work has been interior murals, so unless you know someone I have painted for, you probably haven't seen them. I am teaching drawing classes at the Michael's on 410 at Ingram and they have one of my graphite/charcoal portraits on display.
I would love to meet you when you come to town!

-James