Cris, wip

[Lacey Lewis]

Here it is! Now that it's on the computer I see that I need to soften the throat area. And, I may have ruined it with the signature, but it isn't moving because it is Wallis!

Critiques still accepted.

[Brenda Ellis]

Lacey,
This is very good! You handled the skin tones superbly.
Well done.
I would still consider drawing out the west shoulder just a tad more to give a bit of difference to the overall shape of the vignette.
Good work!

[Molly Sherrick Phifer]

This turned out wonderfully, Lacey. Aren't pastels fun? No waiting to dry, etc. Is this a commission, or portfolio piece?

By the way, you can get anything off Wallis paper. I think your signature looks fine, but if you want to remove or move it, you can lift it with a kneaded eraser and brush. You can even use water or some solvents. The paper can really take a beating. Some time, take a scrap of the Wallis and play with it. You can literally run it under a hose (but please don't do that with this piece!!!), and it's as good as new.

Wonderful work!

[Lacey Lewis]

Brenda,

I think you may be right about the shoulder. I guess I am a little chicken! (Bock, bock ) I can see in my mind how it would look if it was pulled off sucessfully, but I am afraid that I'd end up making it look like something is missing or leaving some want of the other shoulder. Again, bock bock bock!

Molly,

Unfortunately this wasn't a commission. (Still waiting to get some of those.) But, I am really glad to use this lady as a model! I saw her at the grocery store and couldn't resist, so I gave her my card and said to call if she was interested, then proceeded to run away. But she called and is even willing to sit for hours while I paint!

I will do as you suggested and experiment with the Wallis paper. This is my first time using it and I'm very happy with the results... boy does the stuff stick! I also bought 2 sticks of Sennelier just to try out on this one and was happy with the different feel from the Rembrandts, and can see now how I could use both differently.

I'm under the spell now! There goes my tiny bank account!

Here's an updated finished one (unless I get some guts on the shoulder). Just a couple finishing touches and the smoothing of the throat area.

[Lisa Ober]

Lacey, you have taken to pastels like a fishy to water. I think you have done a great job. You sure did capture an attitude. Have you tried Nu-pastels? If you like Rembrandt's you just mike like them too. PM me and I will send you some of the extras I have so you can try them and maybe add something to your collection. I am always happy to see people liking pastels.

[Lacey Lewis]

Thanks so much for the kind words!

I have not tried Nu-pastels and will be excitedly pm-ing you right away!

[Heidi Maiers]

Lacey,
At the rate you are going, you will be getting commissions in no time! The pastel work emerging from this forum is getting downright impressive. Nicely done.