Diana

[Kimberly Dow]

Just another 'wow!' What more is there to be said?

[Michele Rushworth]

David, this is jaw dropping. I love the soft contemplative feel (not depressing at all) and the color is very delicate and real.

See you in D.C.

[Lisa Ober]

Originally Posted by Jimmie Arroyo

Lisa, I hope you did'nt take it the wrong way about you only taking two hours. Just the opposite, bless you for only taking two hours, but making it look like it took you much longer. I simply enjoy taking my time, I'm in a business of rushing; I can tattoo a portrait in less than two hours. I just love creating, so I feel like I'm cheating myself doing something quick. Keep doing what you're doing, your speed must contribute to the freshness of the pieces.

Like David mentioned about the inexperience, it's the extra thinking I can do without. Struggling with color ends up taking so much of my time. I can't speak for David, but I would guess that half of the time I take on a pastel is stress.

Jimmie, not at all. You were very kind. It's just that when I see what you and David have done it inspires me to think about spending more time on my work. Perhaps I need some agony to get as good as I intend to get. I am always disappointing myself. Going really fast is actually a curse that is born of my impatience. If I had to spend days and days on anything I would never finish. It would get old too fast. No Jimmie, you are too sweet and generous. I need to think more about what I do.

As for struggling, first it doesn't show in your work. Secondly, even if you feel you are struggling please keep in mind how many color pieces you have done. Color will become second nature for you in no time at all. Then the stress will be gone and so will the challenge. I suspect at that point of mastery you will move on to some other medium so the excitement will return...but maybe that's just me, thinking like an artist again. I think I'm right though. I see it in you.

Originally Posted by David Draime

Lisa, first of all, thank you so much for your comments - coming from a great pastellist like you, it means a lot! Jimmie is right. If you can do work - like "Lots 'o' Locks" - of that caliber - in two hours!!... don't knock it. What a gift! I still don't believe it (you are either lying, or exaggerating, or you are a freak of nature). So, really, speed is your friend. Or maybe, what you are really saying is that you are "on" speed when you do these pieces....hmmm....ok., now I'm starting to get it.

David, you are SO welcome. Seeing your work has been a kick in the pants. It is "jaw-dropping" as Michelle said. I don't think that if I spent forever on a portrait I could do that. Not only is your technique top knotch but your colors have mood and harmony I only see in my dreams.

I'm too old to be "on" anything but calcium pills but I might agree with the freak of nature part for a variety of reasons, mainly the unfortunate lack of patience I mentioned above.

To Jimmie and David: Remember how long you have both been doing pastels and then look in the mirror and kiss it.

You both have incredible and unique strengths and I am so glad to be part of this forum so I can watch those develop.

[Allan Rahbek]

Beautiful, quiet and sculptural. I love it

Allan

[Claudemir Bonfim]

Originally Posted by Jean Kelly

David, I can't wait to see what you can do when you get more comfortable with this medium. She is lovely, and you have captured her "Picasso" eyes. Personally I see nothing wrong with your controlled, detailed style. You have an uncanny ability to capture the mood also, not photographic in the least. I like just looking at them.

Jean

I agree with every single word!

Very beautiful work.

[John Reidy]

David,

Inspiring!

There's not a false stroke to be found.

I was planning on posting one here but think I'll wait out of respect for this true work of art.

Hope to meet you next week.

[Linda Brandon]

David, this work is incredibly impressive. The skin modelling is especially fine and touchable, I have to go back and keep looking at it.

I am running across so many wonderful artists on this site that give me a lump in my throat. I'm really looking forward to meeting you next week.

[Janel Maples]

add my WOW!

[Scott Bartner]

David,

Waking up to see this portrait of yours, I couldn't bring myself to believe it was created, and with colored chalks none-the-less. The color, the texture, the mood and the overall purity of it, not a false note to be found, and beautiful even from close up--it is a gem. Congratulations.

Scott

[Rob Sullivan]

Good gravy. Pastel #2, and it looks like this. I think I know how Jimmie feels, a bit. If I saw someone's second oil painting on this level of quality, I'd have the wakizashi poised at my abdomen. Or, at least, I'd have a big, art-themed garage sale.

I can't see what could be "off", as you say, with your flesh palette. The temperatures, chroma and hue shifts are subtle and seem just right in this piece. What a soft and pleasing portrait. Fine work, indeed!