Don
 

I might be jumping the gun here as I have just posted this in the WIP section for a final analysis but...........

This is a pastel portrait of a gentleman who worked for the BBC as a cameraman. The camera is very important to him, I think he would have prefered a portrait of the camera not himself but daughter and wife had other ideas ;) I employed quite a bit of artistic license to tone down the impact of the camera without loosing it's mechanical integrity.

Unison pastels, sennelier pastel card, approx 50 x 50 cms.

This photo is just a tad dark but the best I can do at the moment.

Carolyn,

This is very successfull, you managed to incorporate his mechanical pet ;) in a way that shows that he is passionate about the camera and also efficient and alert. I am sure that he will love it.
I think that the balance of attention is good, one notice the man at first and then the camera. I especially like the dark you added behind his head and the small highlights on his arm and hand, they work fine with his head.

Carolyn,

What an interesting portrait of an elderly man. I like that he is portrayed in action rather than in the usual seated position. Nice!

Very successful. I'm glad to see the increased contrast around the head and the reduction in contrast around the tripod. Those subtle alterations transformed the piece. Any member here would be ecstatic to have created it. The subject's personality comes through so well, which is the alchemy that moves this from painting to portrait.

You've noted by cross-reference the inclusion of your work-in-progress elsewhere on the Forum, and I want to thank you for that, on behalf of all who will profit from it. It is SO very instructive to see even a few in-progress stages, to read the observations and recommendations, and to see how an excellent piece is pushed to its natural best, not necessarily by taking all advices, but by considering how all may or may not work in some way toward the desired end.

Congratulations. This piece makes me want to be there as an observer when it is presented.

Allan, Enzie, Steven, thank you for the lovely comments. I'm so pleased that some of Don's lively and enthusiastic personality has managed to shine through.

'This piece makes me want to be there as an observer when it is presented.'

Steven what a compliment, but I know exactly what you mean, I will be sure to let you have a blow by blow account ;)

I also like that he's doing something, that he's represented in a way that show's who he is, what his interests are. Nice job.

Thank you for looking and taking the time to comment Michele, it means alot.

Really strong piece, Carolyn. A real pleasure to look at.

Thomasin, I'm glad you like it, thankyou for looking, it means a great deal coming from someone whose work work I admire alot.

It's a wonderful portrait Carolyn! It'll be a touching moment when presented.

Christy