Tears, Fears & Smears

[Val]

Perhaps you can give me a hint here.... the bottom petal should be curling back (away). I've tried a few things but it just never looks right. Any ideas? 

[MaryAnne Long]

Hmmm, Val.  I think that the far edges would have to be darkest, then a lighter strip where the curl is , then get slightly darker as the color moves to center.

Mind you - I am no expert in this.  Just seems to make sense.

aloha

mea

[dennis]

Mea is correct. The top of the curl reflects the most light, therefore both the inner section of the petal and the tip of the petal will be the darkest of the colour. The center of the petal will be the lightest. Look at anything round, such as a pencil, and the lightest part is at the top of the rounding. Hope this helps.

[Gita]

Don't quit your day job just yet.

aloha

mea

 

Val, your journey with the pastels since 2014 is a success! The Frangipani looks great already! 

[Val]

Thank you EmmaLee, I'm still experimenting with these Pan Pastels. They work quite well on coloured backgrounds as long as the paper colour is close to the subject colour like the orangey colour I used for the tiger, and the grey/blue paper I used on the surfer and cat.

I think for most paintings it will have to be white and paint in the dark background around the subject. I think I'll be looking into the soft stick pastels, there seems to be a lot less issue with those. The sticks may be a bit messier, but when I tried some in an art shop I found they were easier to use. The pans may create less dust, but it is extremely fine like talc. Just the slightest hint of air movement gets it in the air. Even with my glasses I find my eyes feel very dry and gritty. Going on the hunt for some safety glasses that will fit over my specs. 

[Val]

Mea, that's pretty much the formula I've been trying. Maybe it's just me but just didn't look right. The one good thing about the pans is..... they rub out easily! 

[Val]

Thank you Dennis, between you and Nolan that's pretty well drummed in my head...       

Perhaps it is just me not seeing it properly. Next time I give it a go I'll leave it and see what you all think before I get out the rubber again!

[Val]

  Ta much Gita, I'm hoping it will be a successful venture. It has become a bit of a toss up between w/c and pastel. Love them both... as much as my pencils... and my ink bottle... oh, and my scratchboards... my short dabble with acrylics was fun........            

[lynn p.]

Oh I love that you are venturing into pastels Val! I've seen the pans mostly used for backgrounds, skies and some landscapes. It's fun then to finish off with strokes of sticks. Look at eBay for those if you can have them shipped

[Val]

Thanks Lynn. Sadly shipping costs to here are prohibitive.  Often more than the item being sent.

The only way to ensure a package arrives is by courier. We had to have a new bank card sent down... cost Cdn$185.00!!!  Art supplies are a moot issue.  I just have to go with whatever I can find. The one thing in my favour is.... I can be very resourceful when inspired!       

[lynn p.]

Understood Val.  Here is a combination of pans and pastel pencils, if you have any.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1424957

[Annie.]

I can now have a clear image of you going thru security after you had re-stock art supply during one of your visits up North 

[Val]

Thanks for that Lynn. I have been keeping an eye on an Aussie pastel artist, Janet Thatcher. Amazing wildlife!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTcnms2e9Ws

Also a few others for technique ideas. Not pans, have only found a few of those so far. If I can get hold of some good quality sticks I'll use the pans more for background. Also need to find more pastel pencils!     

[Val]

  Oh indeed Annie! When I get to go north I really load up.... there are quite a number of people down here that may not have closets....but they do have lovely luggage!       

[Annie.]