[Julie Deane]

Thanks, Alan and Garth -

I had to rush to have something for an example to send to a charity auction. I knew this portrait was far from perfect, but went ahead and sent it in. When I get it back, I will make corrections. Isn't it funny how we can miss something that becomes obvious when someone else points it out?

I was really dubious about trying pastels due to my past inability with the medium. I borrowed a video demonstration from the Portrait Society of Atlanta's collection, and all of a sudden it clicked. It was an "aha" moment - it's the same progression from dark to light as there is in oils - I guess I am treating it somewhat like an oil.

But - with oils you don't get dust all over the computer keyboard!