First Pastel Attempt
 

Several months ago, I attended a pastel portrait workshop with an instructor whom I have admired since........ready? the 70's. This painting is the result of my first attempt at pastels from life. Suggestions are invited and appreciated

Dear Carol,

It's gorgeous. I know this model (excellent model keeps so still) and you have captured her in the best possible way. Lovely and fresh.

Carol, this is lovely! Pastel open studio work can be daunting because if you make a mistake you have to just forge ahead with it, unlike oils, where you can always wipe out a false start. You are gutsy and brave. No mistakes on your work here - I am very impressed with this one.

Carol, though I don't know the model, this looks great to me. I've alwats wanted to try pastel. It looks like so much fun.

Thanks, "guys"
 

Oh my gosh. Hearing from such fabulous artists as you three AND with such positive comments makes my week. Thank you Chris, Linda and Alexandra. I have played with pastels a very long time ago without instruction, but this was the first directed experience ever. Quite a different approach from my training in oils. Yes, Alex, and fun, too. But, then nearly everything in painting is an "AHA" experience because there always is something new to learn - no limits. As a career educator from the putlic schools, I can honestly say that in the field of art, I have never encountered a group of people who have more of an unquenchable thirst for knowledge than artists. So far, I haven't met anyone who "knows it all", only people of all levels of accomplishment who strive to be better with every painting. But, then, maybe I've just been lucky to meet the people I've met at Scottsdale Artists' School. Thanks, "guy"s.