Sandra
 

This is a work in progress. In the final version there will be a butterfly sitting on her arm. I'm thankful for comments.

Hanna

WOW! This is really great. I can't critique such a fine portrait. Excellence needs no criticism.

Henry

Yes, I agree, this is very pleasing. I wonder if you could tell me what kind of support, or paper, this is done on? I am considering some new papers, of late.

Wonderful!

L

Thank you all for your kind words. The paper I have used is Canson MiTientes, on the smoother side. That is the only paper I have tried specially made for pastel, but I think it behaves very well. I mostly use Rembrandt soft pastels. I can post the finished image when it is ready.

Very striking work, please post more! You've handled a complex gesture beautifully.

Finished Sandra
 

Now it is as good as ready. What do you think about the background and the placing and color of the butterflies etc.? I will be having my first exibition in December and than I will display this image. But I have to make some more too!

Hanna

Delightful!
 

I love the way you floated the background around her also the way you did your foreshorted fingers and arm.

Tammy

Hello,

Beautiful portrait! Pastels I haven't used yet myself, but after seeing your work and the work of others, I am truly considering pastels.

Can you tell me, what tips can you give in blending pastels?

Mark Branscum

Hi Mark,

Try searching Forum messages for "pastel", or you might start here, as there have been a number of very helpful posts made.http://forum.portraitartist.com/show...=5235#post5235

Best wishes,