Oh, Jimmie--this is stunning.

Jimmie, this is unmistakenly your work. You've managed to create your own little niche and a style all your own. Congrats on a wonderful piece!

Jean

Jimmie, I understand from your posts how much you labored over this - but it was totally worth it! Look at this! I hope you see what everyone else is seeing here, because we're seeing gold, my friend.

Since this is in the critiques section, may I make a very, very minor suggestion? Everything is so amazing in this piece, so this little thing sort of caught my eye. The blue of her shirt (a great blue, by the way) looks to be the same blue of the moon tattoo. Since these things overlap, there is a bit of confusion at first glance. Perhaps the tat (since it's small) could be a slightly different temperature blue?

Like I said, a small thing. Even if you left it as is, I'd still call this fantastic, and your best to date.

Uhh, you're welcome? Now all I need to do is stress over making the next one better! and the next one, and the next one,.....

Sharon, thank you. I always go to the Degas rooms every time I visit the Met. IMO, it's the purest, most beautiful collection there.

Thanks, but that's EXACTLY what I'm always thinking when someone likes my work. Why do other people like it, and why don't I see it? I wonder if it's mainly technique, is it a connection to the model? I usually look at my work and wonder if I would like it if I did'nt do it. There are many pieces by other artist's that I like that I can't explain.

I chuckled when you said "a great blue" because, holy cow, I used so many different colors before finally coming up with the shirt. Burnt orange, few shades of ultramarine, cobalt, grays. Ughh.

Anyhoo, I was planning on graying the tattoo a bit, I agree about it running into the shirt.

I posted a couple of pics on my site under "current work" showing a pic from the near beginning till now, and it's a big difference.

Thanks all.

Jimmie my friend, this is such very good color work. Everything aspect of the work you've poured into this adventure has paid off big time. Coolest pastel portrait I've seen in a long time!

I have to tell you though, just for kicks and giggles I converted it into b&w just to see if it smacked of that typical "Jimmie" stroke in the value range. It DOES!

~Gear

Jimmie, I'm sure this stress will moderate, lessen, as you get used to the medium. I'm working on my first pastel and, man, parts of it are so frustrating - stressful!! (I now understand Jimmie, I feel your pain!) The stupid pastels aren't doing what I tell them to. They're not cooperating. (But I will make them behave. They will be tamed.)

Because you were generous enough to show us this piece in stages as it developed, we can all see how you've worked out a lot of problems on this one. You have a great eye. Medium, schmedium. It won't be long at all before you find your groove.

David

Jimmie, I am sending you some weights to put in your shoes, I am afraid you might float away after reading all this MUCH deserved praise!

See it works so great when you listen to all three!

I am very happy for you and all your hard work!


Bravo Sharon!

I want to start on the next one right away while I'm feelin' lucky. I don't mind if it does'nt come easy, as long as it comes. At least this time when I hit a problem area, I can try to recall how I solved something similar before. I won't find my groove for a while, I just don't get the time I need to put into them. I started a new drawing, and I'm taking it to work during free time, so I can continue the pastels at home.

Beth, you are too sweet!

I posted the finish under 'unveilings' There are no critiques there, but if something bugs anyone, feel free to mention it here or send me a PM.

Thanks again everyone!