Portrait of Rory

Jenni Nolen · 05-05-2005, 02:58 PM

This is my second attempt at using Ampersand Pastelboard.

Pastel, 12 x 16"

David Draime · 05-06-2005, 12:37 AM

Jenni,

Your rendering of this face is outstanding! It is very lifelike. And I also like the fact that you chose to portray this girl with a slight scowl - or pout (of course that's coming from one who habitually shies away from overt smiles), but it's a scowl that can quickly and easily be turned into the uncontrollable grin that lurks just beneath the surface. Superb.

Jimmie Arroyo · 05-06-2005, 09:22 AM

I agree with David about the handling of the skin and making it life-like. What surface were you working on before, and what do you like or don't like about the Pastelboard?

Jenni Nolen · 05-06-2005, 10:08 AM

David- Thank you so much. I also prefer to do portraits without a big smile. Rory didn't want to sit still for photos and wasn't happy that I had a camera constantly pointed at her.

Jimmie- Before, I was using Canson and just couldn't achieve the many layers I need to build up my surface (i'm rather heavy handed with pastels). I love the surface of the Pastelboard and with the grey I feel I'm more acurate with my values. However, it has been hard to get used to working on such a hard surface after working on paper. I just got some Wallis, which I've noticed you've been working on and can't wait to try it, however I have to learn how to mount it.

I so admire the work you both post and really appreciate your comments.

Jimmie Arroyo · 05-06-2005, 03:24 PM

I took a couple of sheets to a framing shop while I was getting a pastel piece framed. They mounted it for me onto gatorboard. I always work on a hard surface so it did'nt take getting used to.

What you will need to get used to, is the how grainy the Wallis is. You'll use up a stick if you're heavy handed. If you blend with your fingers, expect to lose some skin.

You can do a search for mounting techniques, I know I had seen something a while ago.

Good luck.

Terri Ficenec · 05-06-2005, 09:31 PM

Jenni--
This is a beautiful little portrait. I think you've done an especially nice job on the eyes and the contours of the skin around them. You've really captured her youth (it's so easy to unintentionally age kids if some of these little details are the tiniest bit off!) And the flesh tones are fresh and lifelike. Lovely!

Marcus Lim · 05-06-2005, 11:16 PM

I find this portrait captivating too - good work!
I'm just concerned about the sharp renderings throughout the portrait, especially the eyebags. I thought softening that part, and some areas around the cheeks might give more child-like life for the girl

Lisa Ober · 05-07-2005, 07:31 AM

Jenni, gosh this is so well done. I love the skin tones and the expression is so cute. You have done a wonderful job rendering that soft skin.

I am so happy to see someone else enjoying Pastelbord. Wallis eats too much chalk and my fingerprints disappear. I find the Pastelbord holds chalk incredibly well but they could still identify me at the police station. Right now I am working on a board I have made using Golden's pastel ground and so far I am thrilled with it. You might want to try it too. Sharon Knettell suggested it (thanks, Sharon) and it's great for making a texture exactly like you want.

Again, wonderful vignette.

Jenni Nolen · 05-07-2005, 09:10 AM

Terri, Marcus, Lisa--Thank you for your comments!

I blended this piece more than normal. I usually blend with pastels but my fingers keep gravitating towards the piece. I best keep my gloves on when working with the Wallis to avoid the temptation and the loss of my finger tips.