Tracey in Blue
 

Here's the final product of the pastel I was working on being posted under "pastel critiques" I want to once again thank everyone for the encouragement as I worked on it.

The size is 13x31", on museum grade Wallis paper.

Jimmie - it is absolutely beautiful. I love the unique size/cropping. Linda said once she'd like to see a show with all your work hanging together. That would be something to see. I am very impressed. :thumbsup:

I love the way you have cropped her here, Jimmy - the length of this piece and the close cropping at the shoulders gives an interesting "strong modern woman" contrast to the rather retro arch behind her. I love the colors here as well. You have a great eye.

Bravo!!!
 

Jimmie,

This does NOT look like a piece that was struggled over. It looks like it was done by an old pastel pro, someone who really knows what they are doing.

OUTSTANDING!!! You inspire me.

This turned out so beautifully, Jimmie. What a seamless transition to color! :thumbsup:

Can't wait to see your next one.

Ditto!

Jimmie,

This is such a strong portrait. I love the cropping, weight, and composition. There's chromatic poetry! Her personality is compelling.... I would recognize her and know her in a flash, if we ever crossed paths on the street.

Garth

There she is! Done and done. Wonderful treatment of the background. (I see you adjusted the tat a bit, it works great.)

What can I say that I hadn't already said about this seminal work, except now that it's finished - with background treatment and all - it's even better than I had said!

Congratulations on a fantastic effort that will pay off for the rest of your artistic life.

A modern Botticelli
 

Jimmie,

I have decided after this to retire from my pastel advice column. You are getting too good.

I love seeing what is considered a medium for prissy kids portraits turned into something as stunning and contemporary as this.

A little green in RI.

Hey, thanks everyone.

I'm glad you guys liked the cropping. Thankfully we have the advantage of programs like Photoshop where you get to play around with cropping before making a commitment. The original layout was a bit wider, both arms fully visible, but the composition bothered me while I worked on it.

That's very funny you said that, because she came in the shop today to pick up her 8x10 print (my payment for having her pose) I did'nt recognize her immediately because I was so used to seeing my version of her dressed in blue, shorter hair, and mascara. Her hair is about 3-4" longer since I took the pictures, and she was'nt wearing any makeup. She loved the pic, btw, she was giving her friends my website to show it off.

I've toned it down even further since this pic. I'll eventually post the final(?) version on my site.

Thanks Sharon, but it still feels like a fluke so don't retire yet. I owe you a ton of thanks.

Thanks all.