Art Spectrum Pastel Paper/Unveiling

Chris Saper · 03-14-2002, 08:05 PM

I finally picked up a piece of Art Spectrum pastel paper, having read and heard about it for some time, and thought I'd post my initial experience.

I prefer a toned surface for pastels, and the Spectrum sheet is available is a mid-value grayed-down green, which I consider an ideal foil for skin tones. Its tooth is sort of large and irregular, although shallow; as I tend to have a somewhat heavy hand, I found that I filled it up too quickly, and that the under layers were more difficult for me to cover with subsequent layers.

As a result, I had the sensation that if I were to sneeze, the entire surface would just blow away. The upside to this is that mistakes lift beautifully with a kneaded eraser..in fact probably more completely than any other surface I've worked on. For pastellists who like to blend and smooth the surface, it is quite amazing as the texture of the surface looks JUST LIKE HUMAN SKIN. (Although I tried to get a close up of the surface, I was unsuccessful)

I plan to find out about whether the surface can be underpainted with a wash of some type and will give it another try.(At this late stage of the game, I doubt that I can change my touch, and actually probably wouldn't want to.)

Here's the tale behind this piece, BTW. This is a repaint of "My Cat Cotton", starring my daughter and our funny little cat. Normally I would be loathe to paint the same piece twice, but unfortunately version number one was stolen several years ago...it was a painting that she dearly loved.

I wasn't sure whether to post it here or in the unveiling section, but I was so interested in this new paper, I thought you might be, too.

Chris

Chris Saper · 03-14-2002, 08:09 PM

Her's a detail. I use Kodak Gold film, but I find that it really "grabs" the reds, and overstates them in the print...any suggestions for film that won't do this?

Rebecca Willoughby · 03-15-2002, 02:35 PM

Chris,

Once again I am in awe of your talent. I was very interested in your comments on the paper stock. I have been experimenting with pastel pencils and I plan on trying it out. I have a light hand and would probably love the shallowness. Where do you purchase your papers from? I have a couple of suppliers but I am constantly looking to expand my list of material sources.

After fighting off a case of pneumonia for the last few weeks I am just now getting back in the studio.

By the way your daughter is beautiful!

Thanks for the inspiration,
Rebecca

Virginia Branch · 03-17-2002, 05:48 PM

Chris,

I am finding several posts of yours today and am delighted to see your work. This one of your daughter I recognized (is the original in your book?) It is beautifully done. Your daughter is a pretty girl and a great model to have around the house!

What a shame the original was stolen? Where did this happen?

Chris Saper · 03-17-2002, 05:55 PM

Dear Virginia,

Thank you! Yes, version one is in my book, although it is one of the very few in there without a good color match. Unfortunately I never had a really good negative of this piece. And it was stolen right here in Phoenix (if you ever see one that looks a LOT like this post, let me know!)

It was taken from the home of someone who was getting ready to display it...and was the impetus for me finally getting the Inland marine-type insurance Peggy Baumgaertner wrote about on the forum some time ago.

See you soon, Chris

Patt Legg · 03-17-2002, 10:44 PM

Chris, this post of your daughter is simply elegant fresh, wonderful work of art. I will certainly check out the stock you were mentioning. I do not work in pastels but recently began to experiment with them. I love to blend and maybe this is something that I would like to try.

Again, I really enjoyed your work and ditto to Virginas post. Your daughter is lovely. Thanks for sharing this.

Tom Edgerton · 03-20-2002, 09:35 AM

Chris,

This is a beautiful portrait.

In regard to film, Kodak Gold films accentuate red, as you've found. Try some Kodak professional films for copy work. I use Kodak Portra 100 NC(Natural Color) for shooting copy work in daylight. I use Ektachrome EPT 160T for shooting copy work under incandescent (tungsten) light. (Make sure that you are matching film type--daylight or tungsten--to the proper light source.) Professional films need to be kept in the refrigerator and brought out shortly before shooting. Also, when buying, watch that the expiration date is not too close, as color balance shifts once film expires.

Best,
Tom Edgerton

Chris Saper · 03-20-2002, 12:14 PM

Dear Tom and Patt,

Thank you both for your comments.

Tom, I'll try the Portra film...I also use the Tungsten slide film, with excellent predictable results.

Tom, although this may not be the proper spot, congratulations on your PSA entry, it is a beautifully executed piece and a well-deserved recognition. Good luck!

Chris

Chris Saper · 06-12-2002, 09:41 PM

The image with this post has gone off to cyberspace, but I am going to repost it - but this time with the Porta T film on the left, and the Kodak Gold film on the right.

Although some of the background color has dropped out in the left image, the skin tones are much truer to the original.

Elizabeth Schott · 10-01-2002, 10:32 PM

I can't believe somebody stole this, it is one of my favorites! So you shoot slides of all your work? Do you keep two cameras one with ektachrome and the other with print film?