Finished Brandon

[Patricia Joyce]

I couldn't put it off till the weekend so came home last night after niece's confirmation and worked on this until the wee hours of the morning. I'm pretty happy with this one and enjoyed working on the toned paper and white pastel. The actual color of the paper is a darkish green/gray which I like for the subject.

[David Draime]

Beautiful piece. Beautifully rendered.

[Matthew Severson]

I love this piece. What set of pencils did you use? Is that just white pastel that you use to bring out the highlights?

[Patricia Joyce]

Thank you David, your compliment is a thrill as I so admire your work!

Thank you Matthew, it is good feedback for me with the use of the white pastel as it is a new technique which I've only applied to a couple drawings. The pencils I use are Staedler Mars. They are the best I've found, especially when you get into the softer, higher Bs. the tone is richer and graphite sheen is less of a problem, than with other brands. The white is a white pastel and I will have to look back to see who makes it. It was specifically recommended by Anthony Ryder (if you haven't checked out his book yet, do so, he is a master at drawing!!!)

[Patricia Joyce]

Matthew, the white pastel I used is a Conte pastel. It is the only brand Tony Ryder recommends. I like it a lot better than my white charcoal pencils.

[Mike Dodson]

Nice drawing Pat! I really like the pose you have chosen. This drawing has an "Old Master" quality to it that I really like. When we look at the works of those, like yourself, whose works are taking dramatic steps improving, one can understand why by reading your initial comments of " working until the wee hours of the morning." It all starts with commitment, doesn't it? Of course working with the likes of Anthony Ryder doesn't hurt either.

Keep up the good work!

[Richard Huante]

Very nice, Pat. You have a good range of values here. Keep up the good work!

Sincerely,

[Kimberly Dow]

Patricia,

This is a great drawing; really good work! And I thought the reference photo was not the best - you did a terrific job.

[Patricia Joyce]

Mike, Richard and Kim,

Thank you for your kind words and your encouragement. You've made my day!!! It's amazing how the "wee hours" are my most productive. I think it is because the apartment is quiet, there are no interruptions and I can really concentrate.

I have learned so much from this forum, from all of you. There's no way to express my gratitude. Your kindness and generosity in taking time to honestly critique is invaluable to me. And reading that I am on the right track encourages me to keep on going!!

It's such a shame to have to collect a salary, pay the rent, put food on my table!!! While my friends hate getting older, I can't wait till I am retired and can do this full time!!

Thanks, again!

[Garth Herrick]

Amazing drawing Patricia! Kimberly Dow mentions a reference photo, but I don't see it. Is there one posted?

Garth