Diana

David Draime · 05-03-2005, 01:13 AM

Haven't been able to draw or paint much lately but I've finally finished this one. It's of one of my students - when I first saw those big, fantastic Picasso eyes, I knew I just had to do her portrait.

I've stared at this one way too long. There are a lot of little things that bug me about it, but it's only my second one, so I'm ok with it.

Pastel on Art Spectrum paper, approx. 18" X 23".

Cynthia Daniel · 05-03-2005, 01:31 AM

Wow, I feel as if I could reach out and touch her. Beautiful!

Garth Parker · 05-03-2005, 01:31 AM

Very nice David. I like the eyes as well.
Jerome

Garth Herrick · 05-03-2005, 02:05 AM

Wow David! I love the simple graceful presence you have imparted in her. She is captivating and wonderful.

Gosh, I should be meeting you in a week and a half! I look forward to that.

Garth

Jimmie Arroyo · 05-03-2005, 02:13 AM

Yet another wow! You are a natural. Please tell me, (even if you have to lie) that you are struggling badly and not pulling these off as easy as Lisa. I'm so jealous, it's not even funny.

I've never felt a sense of hate and respect for someone before.

Seriously, it's incredible, I wish you worked more often!

Carolyn Bannister · 05-03-2005, 03:58 AM

Really , really lovely, there is such a feeling of tranquility about her, and a lovely glow to her skin.

Mike McCarty · 05-03-2005, 08:40 AM

Very beautiful David. Those transitions are velvety smooth.

David Draime · 05-03-2005, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmie Arroyo

Please tell me, (even if you have to lie) that you are struggling badly and not pulling these off as easy as Lisa.

Well Jimmie, I don't know if Lisa struggles with hers or if they are easy, but I do know that I don't finish mine in two hours (!!! - I wish I did!). Getting it down, all the bits rendered is not too difficult. I do make a lot of missteps because I'm still learning this medium, but I don't wig out. I know if I see a problem, I can correct it. The last stage of refinement on this one was tricky because I sensed something was (is) not quite right with it, but I didn't (don't) quite know what - I'm pretty sure my skin tones (color, chroma?) is off. So yeah, that's frustrating and has been a struggle. But I just have to do a lot more of these and figure out what I'm doing color-wise. I'm still quite a novice when it comes to color - skin tones in particular.

And if these few pastels that I've done are worth anything it's because you keep raising the daggone bar!! (you see I have this tiny little competitive streak in me!

).

David Draime · 05-03-2005, 12:23 PM

Carolyn, thank you so much. I'm glad you used the word "tranquillity." My sister saw this one and "Yulia" and the words she used were "melancholy" and "depressing." I just told her that it's my niche, that I think there is a market out there for depressing portraits, since not everyone is happy. She suggested I put my brochures in psychiatrist's offices, halfway houses, homeless shelters....

What would I do without you guys!

Chris Saper · 05-03-2005, 10:56 AM

Lovely, David. See you next week.