Basic 102: Class 12---Pastel with Ponting

[bock]

After a very busy week, I finally got a chance to try this. Spent last night and all day today trying to catch up to everybody. Should have been cleaning my house but never mind this was more fun! Everyone's candies look scrumptious!:clap: Have been craving these from looking at them so long and will have to get out and find some! Dianna, I have sure learned alot about color doing this. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this for us!

Pat
Took this under flourescent lights so the colors are not true.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/45744-Img_1570.jpg500.jpg

[ponting]

Just excellent Pat. Reflections are great, licori are also :p You've paid good attention and your most welcome. :thumbsup:

Cheers, Dianna :cat:

[ponting]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/34523-53443-0_cheerleader.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/34523-53443-0_cheerleader.gif THE HOME STRETCHhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/34523-53443-0_cheerleader.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/34523-53443-0_cheerleader.gif

Well for those of you who only have the weekend to work, I thought I had better get this on if your to be left alone tomorrow so here we go......I will start my tablecloth tonight and finish it tomorrow after you for a change. :D

Things to note

If you have a General White Charcoal pencil use this to re-draw your fabric pattern after you have traced it onto the paper. This is one of those areas where the different qualities of this pencil shine. You don’t have to press overly hard to get this to work. You don’t want to groove the paper. Unlike an ordinary pastel pencil, when you lay your colour over this and blend it, the pattern will not disappear.---shouldn’t disappear (I make no guarantees here) :cool:

Use your ultramarines on their side to cover well but not saturate the paper. Be sure to blend the pastel right up to the edge of the plate. Blending over it is preferable to not getting close enough. It will be very difficult to add more once you get further down the line. Blend everything well and don’t worry about retaining the pattern as you can always do it again.

If you don’t have two shades of ultramarine then don’t worry about the darker area where the tablecloth is rippled. It isn’t important to include that but it does add interest.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/34523-Image-T1-Allsorts.jpg

Blend it well before moving on

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/34523-Image-T2-Allsorts.jpg

If the shadow isn't parallel, it will look odd and draw attention.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/34523-Image-T3-Allsorts.jpg

Now be really careful then you smooth the shadow edge. You really want to avoid having to erase at this point. You want that shadow lighter on the outside and getting darker as it goes under the plate. So don't overblend and lose that gradation.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/34523-Image-T4-Allsorts.jpg

[ponting]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/34523-Image-T6-Allsorts.jpg

Put more pressure on the pencil in the areas of light blue and less in the dark areas. If you wear your pencil down to the wood, you will score the paper so keep the pencil sharp.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/34523-Image-T7-Allsorts.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/34523-Image-T9-Allsorts.jpg

Again use varying pressures on the pencil to give the feel of stitching or weave.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/34523-Image-T11-Allsorts.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/34523-Image-T10-Allsorts.jpg

This will be the trickiest part of all. Getting the black down nice and straight error free. A paper mask can be used for the initial step of laying it down but it will still requre you to go in later and smooth the edge slightly or it will look too harsh. Good luck men.

And the checkered flag is in sight people http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif

Good night...see you later tomorrow. Cheers, Dianna http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/34523-9169-toast.gif

[Ruth Grinstead]

I dulled my reflections

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/38452-RCGallsorts6.jpg

and now I hate it as I seem to have the least shiny plate here. Made more obvious here by the fact that I can scroll up and see Dianna's luscious reflections. I have to go out today, but as soon as I can I shall put the reflections back and then move on with the rest.

Ruth

[ponting]

Oh Ruth http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/34523-hug.gif

Believe me they are better dull than too bright. If you have the appropriate color of pencils you could just touch them the lower portions not to brighten them but just to crisp up the edges ever so slightly and that might make you feel better. :o

I go to bed now.

:cat:

[*Deirdre*]

Dianna...you really are enjoying that beer, aren't you?:thumbsup:
Here's the corrections on mine...I did realise...soon as I'd posted...but it was too late....I'm up now...and have toned the front one down...but is it enough?
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/33616-bertie4.jpg

[ponting]

Hi Deirdre...good morning for you. :p

Yes it looks just great. You're all set for the final sprint. :D

Cheers, and I really am going to bed now. I had realized that I forgot to frame a painting for tomorrow and I'm out of here at 8am so better to do it now and sleep well. Big sigh......

Nite all......Dianna

[ann.bun]

Better late than never! I could not resist trying this. Only problem is that I think it doesnt look as good on the pc as I thought it did in real life. Oh well.

[robynsin]

Hi All:wave: Dianna, I'm uncertain about all my reflections. I pulled back the reflection of No1, possibly too much. Am nervous about losing the freshness of the big reflection on the bottom LH side and can't get the beautiful smooth transition you and others have at the front of the plate. I have to rest this for a bit anyway as I need to get an Ult. Blue pencil. Maybe I just need a break and will know what to do after I have cleaned my house.:confused: Ciao
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/66219-allsorts6.jpg

[Farfallina]

I think I'm about to die now! :(

We've come to a point where the materials you suggest Dianna become really essential and I have none of them at all, apart from a very light ultramarine and the black pastels.

I shall be doing the round of all the local art shops first thing tomorrow morning but on my tiny island there is really no guarantee what you will find.... usually it's pot luck!

[robynsin]

Oh Rose, I know how you feel! There is never any guarantee I will find what I need locally, either.

[RooGal]

Roo, I found these candies after going to a few stores. I'm sure you'll find them as the pkg. stated made in Australia!

:eek: you're joking! :lol: I really have to get out more. Of course after I thought about it, I realized I'm doing this all from the computer and do not necessarily need the actual lollies for the props. Maybe for colour.

Okay, I actually have some paper, have printed out the drawing, still need a few pencils, so may pop into the lolly aisle and check out these allsorts anyway. Thanks Jackie, I'm getting excited about starting this piece.

I also thank you Diana for providing us with such a wonderful workshop. Everyone is doing such a beautiful job with theirs. Now enough rambling and onto some serious painting.

Ta! ~ Roo

[*Deirdre*]

Rose & Robin - I don't know whether these would do...but if you can get either one...it could almost solve your problem...
Prismacolour do a white charcoal...not as white as the General, as you can see...but it is charcoal.
Conté does a white one too - whiter than prismacolor...but I'm not sure what it is...because it's name is no longer there! Sorry - all it says is France 1355 no 13 It's probably their pastel pencil...but their pastel pencils are different from other pastel pencils...doesn't crumble so much...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/33616-pencils.jpg
Hope this helps!

[Dark_Shades]

Puff, Puff, Pant......... I havent breathed since yesterday trying to catch up with you guys :)

I can relax a bit now, and go back and correct....... cant quite seem to find the colour I want for pattern under the plate........

Dee thanks once again for the Pencils...... Youre a *

I have LOVED painting this...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/12116-Allsorts.jpg

[Artistammy]

I've got some more done. It takes awhile for all the small precise detail even at 9 x 13.
Dianne, do you see anything glaring, like a shape wrong? I had trouble getting the color of the putrid one right. Does it look OK?
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/3341-licorice4.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/3341-licorice8.jpg

[raye51]

Dianna,
I have been wanting to take a workshop with you, how great is this! I just discovered yesterday you were doing this class, so got a late start, I will finishing catching up today. Paper, Colorfix, pastels, Nupastels and Holbeins.
Raye (Oregon)

[TJLind]

I made the changes you suggested but looking at the pic I just down loaded I think I may need to darken the reflection a little more. No time right now, as I have to get ready for work.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/101939-cd4.jpg

[nvcricket]

Hi Dianna,

I have been plugging along trying to keep up. Staying up late, and dragging myself to work. Well worth it! I'm learning so much from you!. I wanted to know what you thought, I think there is a shadow I need to align and some other tweeks. It's cool now that all the candies are on the picture just pulls together. I really appreciate this opportunity to learn from you and to get your feedback....I'm using Colorfix, and assorted pastels and pastel pencils.
I couldn't post earlier, as my camera grew legs and ended up under my sons bed:eek: .
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/93276-HPIM0273.JPG
Thanks, Carol
PS...I feel robbed today, one less hour to work on this picture!!!

[ponting]

The White Charcoal Pencil

Hi there...just a couple of minutes here before I run away so I'll explain a llittle about the this particular charcoal pencil and than Deirdre for supplying some substitutes. :thumbsup: By the way this is often sold inpacks with various black General pencils and an eraser so your not necessarily looking for it right in among a few loose pastel pencils. Besides being super white where it matches a lot of super white pastels sitcks....helpful just as it is for the black to match my aforementioned black sticks, the real grabber for me has to do with it's different consistancy than pastel.

It's this special quality that I love the best, the fact that it sticks and doesn't come off so I can use it like this under a coat where by the time I'm finished blending over it I have only a faint line left. If I had to transfer again, or draw over top of my blend on this rough a paper, I would end up with more chalk on the surface than I really want. Loose chalk...chalk that's going to end up getting in my way of doing a good job. It also covers large areas superbly and blends into the paper well. I have done whole doilies with it but it's this stick-to-ative-ness that has won me over. Use whatever you have at hand in whatever method makes it work I just happen to love this pencil. :lol:

Note: Your all realize I hope that whenever I have ever used the term "CHALK" I am referring to a pastel stick. I have not blackboard chalk in my toolbox.

So...hello Ann...good to see you again :wave: You're off to a good start here so just run with it.

Robyn - leave it be it looks just fine but tone down the right side of the back licorice and leave the dust bunnies be.

I did say that ultramarine blue pencil was a CarbOthello #430. Pitt Pastel has one similar # 140 and Derwent also has once but I cant seem to find mine to check the number. If someone has both perhaps they could check it out for me and post the number here.

Go Roo...we'll see you later. :D

As I was tossing about in bed I recalled a couple of questions that I missed responding to:
Do my hands dry out. Wel yes but not overly so unless the weather is unco-operative also. It's expected for the amount of times I was my hands. I keep a hand towel draped on a hook on my easel where one end of the towel is wet ant the other dry and use this as often as possible just to wipe rather than wash. I save the soap and water for when it's really necessary and I use hand creams at night. You can try Liquid Glove as some people swear by it.

Now I have forgotten the other so will look it up later unless whoever posted it can ask again here.

Gotta run....have a great day!!

Dianna :cat:

PS...sorry a few of you posted a sec before me so I will be back to you later today. I will leave everyone else in charge here so feel free to give advice to those waiting patiently. :D

[robynsin]

Deirdre - Many thanks for the pencil tips. I have the Derwent Chinese White which came with a set of their Charcoal pencils. I also have a Conte just called White. They are both quite good. Couldn't get the General white charcoal (How can charcoal be white?!). I've been disappointed to find I can't get Prismacolours here either. My problem is I don't have any pastel pencils and I can't do the detail under the plate without an Ult. Blue one. I'm probably going to have to buy a whole set to get it. Sob! ;)

[*Marina*]

Dianna, this a great thread. Thanks a lot for everything. Am enjoying every minute of it. I was not going to join in, but could not resist even though a bit short on time at the moment. Here are my efforts so far of today. Still struggling to get the values right when working on individual bits and not as a whole. It is a great exercise though.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/60850-engelsedrop.jpg

[robynsin]

Dianne - Many thanks - we cross posted. Go and have a great day!

[*Deirdre*]

Just to clear up a point...you can get online Art store to send overseas....That's how I got my general' white charcoal....cost for 24 approx $32 including shipping, which works out at 68pence (UK money)each, I got mine from Dick Blick....I do use them a lot, and was originally ordering 12, but then I realised I could double the order and not increase the shipping!:wink2: To me, it was worth it...I use pastels a lot...:wink2:
Dianna...that Derwent Ultramarine number is 29B...all the ultramarines start 29, B, D, F
And your favourite is available as openstock.... (http://www.dickblick.com/zz200/09a/):smug:
Dick Blick ships world wide...and no...I don't own shares or work for them!:evil:

[bock]

My problem is I don't have the dark lavender. Have faked it so far by adding blue to the lighter one I have (unison BV 16). But, think it will be harder to blend smoothly trying this on the shadow area. Any ideas anyone?? Maybe I should go shopping also before attempting the cloth.

Pat

[NothingButPencils]

I have also been 'faking' the dark lavender-- but not happy with the results. Interested to hear other options (that don't require waiting 10 days for a dark lav pastel via mail order ;-).
-RB

[raye51]

What fun I am having! Slowly catching up, on the home stetch now. I also had no dark lavender, used holbein dark purple with indigo... then if I needed lighten it up a bit with a lighter blue... hope that helps.

[vhere]

Just to clear up a point...you can get online Art store to send overseas....That's how I got my general' white charcoal....cost for 24 approx $32 including shipping, which works out at 68pence (UK money)each, I got mine from Dick Blick....I do use them a lot, and was originally ordering 12, but then I realised I could double the order and not increase the shipping!:wink2: To me, it was worth it...I use pastels a lot...:wink2:
Dianna...that Derwent Ultramarine number is 29B...all the ultramarines start 29, B, D, F
And your favourite is available as openstock.... (http://www.dickblick.com/zz200/09a/):smug:
Dick Blick ships world wide...and no...I don't own shares or work for them!:evil:d

that's worth knowing - thank you


I'm following and admiring from afar :) you are all doing so well

[palettetalk]

Hi Everyone,
First of all, Dianna, THANK YOU so much for your generosity of time and talent to give this workshop:angel: . I can't follow along right now as we are painting the inside of our house...not the kind of painting I'm wanting to do :envy: but so necessary! I'm reading along as often as I can and I have saved every segment of this tutorial to do another day.
To all the Wet Canvas artists working along with Dianna at present...you are all doing very well and I am enjoying watching your progress.:thumbsup:
Cheers to all and good luck with your paintings.
Cheers,
Susan
PS:As an aside Dianna - I am so looking forward to seeing you in person when May 2 & 3!:clap:

[Farfallina]

Dick Blick ships world wide...and no...I don't own shares or work for them!:evil:

Thank you Deirdre. :) As a matter of fact I did place a pretty large order with DickBlick only last week.. before I started this class! :rolleyes: For me the shipping adds another 30% of the cost of the goods to the bill, but that's OK since otherwise I wouldn't be able to get the stuff I need at all.

The problem with DickBlick is that for overseas shipping they take 3 days to contact you with the shipping costs for your approval and then even if they ship immediately after that it still takes about 10 days for the delivery.

On a different note - the pastels (which I had never used before) are giving eczema on the palm of my right hand. I think I may have found a solution though. I cut the tips off a surgical glove and am wearing that. :wink2:

[nvcricket]

Dianna,
You were so right, I was just chomping at the bit to get the black on the plate!!!. It really is coming together. I read through all your suggestions to my compatriots and made corrections where I thought were needed (ie:darkened the shadows). So this is where I am stopping until tomorrow night (unless anyone cares to make a suggestion or two where correction may be needed) I need to get over to Michaels and buy a white charcoal. I can see depressions in my candies, and want the tablecloth to look just right. I have been using a faber castel, a rembrant, and Conte for my ultramarines. I have better color choice for ultramarines in my few G.A.'s(Great Americans) didn't want to use them in the detail work. I have been winging it with color choices. I have been working on it mostly in evenings, and in very poor light-frustrating me when trying to make color matches.
Enough rambling....let me have it with double barrells everyone, any suggestions????:)
Thanks, Carolhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/93276-ponting2.jpg

[NothingButPencils]

Well, after some time toning down the licorice and reflections-- I'm not sure the photo reveals much of a change at all. :( I do think in person they are quite a bit improved though so I'm going to leave them alone for now. Tomorrow the lace!
-RB

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/87022-AllsortsWIP8.jpg

Hello! Brain police! Posting I just realized I filled in the lower yellow candy with white!?! You'd be amazed what making that one simple correction did for the painting!

[Piper Ballou]

I am going to post my table cloth before I dare finish the plate.....not sure I got all the tones correct...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/8539-candyscan8.jpg

[*Deirdre*]

Piper...it's looking good to me! I've also got my cloth done, and the plate:eek: but I thought I wait until daylight rather than make you suffer it twice!:evil:

[JayD]

Hi Dianna, now I am planting, planting, planting Roses Roses Roses and lots of Lavender. I also discovered that I have a work space problem for my drawings but am working on it. NOT out for the count yet!

But let me say that ALL of the students who are following your tutelage in this class are really excelling--its amazing!

[Goewyn]

Piper, that tablecloth looks great!

I'm waay behind here, but I may get some more candies done later tonight. :)

-- Linda

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/10940-allsorts031107a.jpg

[Susan Borgas]

Just popped in to see how you are all going and so envious of what I see. :clap:

For those that are suffering with dry hands you may like to try and do what I do. I have a clean damp cloth each day I am working with pastels. Massage some Vitamin E cream into the damp cloth so that it permeates the material and it will leave your hands feeling lovely and soft after each wipe. :thumbsup:

[Gail V]

Hi Dianna - I am so thankful that I happened to see this class in progress!! This colors looked so amazing, so I RACED out to borrow some pastels from my parents and am working hard to catch up. You are a huge inspiration!!! I have never worked in pastels before and after working on this project, I find that they are AWESOME!! I have two questions: 1. Do you ever use black pastels, or do you only use the charcoal pencil/stick for black?; and 2. I am now seriously thinking about investing in some pastels, but can't decide between the Unison and Rembrandt. Is the extra $$ for the Unison worth it over Rembrandt? They are so expensive!!! (in your opinion, is there a down side to Rembrandt?) Here is my picture so far - I look forward to receiving your advice!! I love this class and hope there are more on this website that you have already done--or there will be more in the future. Thank you for taking the time to teach!!! (This is also my first time signing into any discussion.:-)
Thanks, Gail (I typically work in watercolor and graphite/charcoal.)
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/100582-PastelClass.jpg

[Judi1957]

Lovely All!:clap: :clap: :clap: Dianna-that is a tribute to your teaching and the wonderful talent in the group!!!!
And that painting in your profile!
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/37258-gif_crowd_clapping.gif

I just ordered a set of 96 NuPastels from Blick for $56.62! I thought that was a great deal. That was way lower than Jerry's or Misterarts. In fact I don't think Jerry's had the larger set.
My mouth is just watering looking at all those colors.

[Piper Ballou]

thanks Deirdre and Linda....I think the table cloth was a lot harder then the candies (don't tell Dianna I said that)

Welcome Gail-I use mostly NuPastels...I think Dianna gave a list of pastels and her thoughts somewhere at the beginning of this thread, and if that is the first you have ever done with pastels, it is dazzling...
piper

[Crispycritter]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2007/53636-100_0962.JPG
here is my latest update
Dianna. do you think I need to highlight it in places more?
I will try and get my transitions better as you suggest

[Goewyn]

Phew, the candy is done!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/10940-allsorts0311071a.jpg

P.S. I did my obligatory "art research" and bought a bag of allsorts. These things are dangerous! I HATE licorice and I keep reaching for the bag. Bad Dianna, getting us hooked on things like this!! :lol:

-- Linda

[*Deirdre*]

Cloth & Dish....

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/33616-bertie6.jpg

[ann.bun]

Dianna, this a fantastic lesson. After I did your course I was away for a while and so did not practice what you told us. This lesson was great in reinforcing your ideas. Only problem is that my efforts are a bit messy, but following your instructions so carefully given and seeing your comments on other people's work has been amazing. I have learnt so much more about pastels. Thank you!
This is as far as I have got, as I was a late starter.

[marilyn h]

I am so appreciative of all the work that was put into this class. Thank you so very much.

Cheap Joe's.com has "nupastels" on sale right now.

Diedre I agree with you on the cloth. I don't think mine will ever get done.

Marilyn

[Ruth Grinstead]

Piper and Deidre your cloths are looking great :clap:

I think I have done as much as I can on mine. I did not have a very good drawing of the cloth as I was working a different size. Also have black pencil and hand issues today. I am at best ham-fisted at the mo and I had a very short black pencil which I have dropped dozens of times this morning, so I can't sharpen it to a point as there are too many breaks in it.

If my reflections look too much again I think it is partly that I am scanning rather than photographing.

Anyway those are my excuses :lol:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/38452-RCGallsorts8.jpg



I did not put enough blue down before the black on the NW edge :eek: I also faded the pattern 'cos I hadn't drawn it and to create some depth :wink2:

But I have thoroughly enjoyed painting with all of you. Thank you so much Dianna for your clear explanations and your patience.

Ruth

[*Deirdre*]

I don't think you need any of your excuses Ruth!!:p It looks fine to me!!:D

[Ruth Grinstead]

:D Thanks Deidre :wave: Have you got a nice day in Suffolk - it is glorious up the road here in Norfolk, warm and sunny. I am going to have a cuppa in the garden :)

[vhere]

Gail, Diana can tell you more expertly, but I don't like Rembrandt - some of the colours are scratchy and they break very easily.

Unison are sexier! very velvety and they don't break

[Artistammy]

I've got some more done but now I don't have as much time to paint during the week. I can see I need to work more on highlights on the round pink one. I'm not happy with my licorice yet.
Dianne, what should I do to my reflection? It looks too bright but I want it to still look shiny.
Thanks so much for doing this workshop. It's great!
Tammy
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/3341-licorice7.jpg

[Farfallina]

The completed patintings are looking just wonderful :thumbsup:... and I'm so jealouse now. :D But I believe in providence and I'm sure I'll find a way to get my stuff and complete it as well.

[Gail V]

How does everyone know what colors to use for the tablecloth? Did I miss a lesson? Or is everyone else more familiar with pastels? :-)
________
Gail

[TJLind]

Here is my latest update. I need to do some more work on my reflections so they blend in better and finish smoothing out the black. I think the shadow on the last pink candy needs to be darker, but I'm not sure on that.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/101939-cd5.jpg

[*Deirdre*]

How does everyone know what colors to use for the tablecloth? Did I miss a lesson? Or is everyone else more familiar with pastels? :-)
________
Gail
It's in post number 253....
Use your ultramarines on their side to cover well but not saturate the paper. Be sure to blend the pastel right up to the edge of the plate. Blending over it is preferable to not getting close enough. It will be very difficult to add more once you get further down the line. Blend everything well and don’t worry about retaining the pattern as you can always do it again.

If you don’t have two shades of ultramarine then don’t worry about the darker area where the tablecloth is rippled. It isn’t important to include that but it does add interest.

[frieda L]

hah! that was so much fun!
Did not have any pastel pencils or white charcoal pencil, they're on my list, but there was no way I could put this aside so I went for broke.
Now I will probably be fiddling with this for weeks to come...
Thank you, Dianna, for holding our hands through this painting.
frieda
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/22676-licorice_007.jpg

[robynsin]

Okay guys - here's my update. I have a CLEAN HOUSE, I don't have an Ult. Blue pastel pencil yet! You have all done such beautiful, exceptional, work - congratulations! I feel like I'm missing graduation - along with poor Rose, who shares my problems. We'll be brave until the end. ;)

[ponting]

Hi everyone

I’m sorry people but my computer crashed and it’s stressing me out more than a little especially since I have a rather lackadaisical attitude toward backing things up. (sympathy needed here) :(

I’m on my laptop now and will begin anew and if my favourite self-confessed computer geek can repair it tomorrow I will be back in business. Meanwhile if I appear a little distracted you’ll know why.

So where are we now….I’ll back up to those who snuck in under the radar whilst I was writing my last post.

Dawn- I might take off that wee corner on the front yellow candy as well as tone down the dark line that separates this candy from the yellow one above it. Its tending to look a little outlined. Your tablecloth is looking great. I’d love to see a larger post next time.

Tammy O – everything looks good especially your putrid one.

Raye – hi…you’re doing a great job of catching up. If you can, you may wish to darken the shadow sides of #1 and the chocolate candies. Terrific start.

Tammy L – you have some gorgeous looking licorice twists there!! You also might like to darken the same sides as Raye above as well as the bottom of the front yellow one where it rolls under onto the plate. You’re right about toning down the reflection especially at the top.

Carol – Here are a few spots you might like to check out. I took the corner off the pink round and whitened the sunny edge, shadowed the bottom of the yellow one as well as blacken the licorice beside it where it heads into the shadow. I also added colour to create an additional side to #3 the white one. You’ve certainly got the coconut texture down well.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/34523-carol.jpg

I will return in a hour or so …..MUST HAVE FOOD!!

Cheers, Dianna

[NothingButPencils]

An update. Now can begin *serious* revising. (Plate shadow needs a lot of work in particular-- not to mention the rest of the tablecloth.)
-RB

-RBhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/87022-AllsortsWIP9.jpg

[ponting]

Thanks so much Deirdre for all the contact information…

Marina….great job!

Pat and Rich – if you don’t have it all you can do is mix as you have been. As long as what you end up with leans toward the blue/red side then it will match the ultras you have been using. Rich, you’ve come this far….you can do it!!

Raye it looks like your mix of dark purple lighted with ultra worked just fine.

Thank you Susan P…looking forward to my Kelowna class. I love that area.

Carol – I’m going to suggest you try this on your licorice. I have defined the edge a little more on the twist and the upright one on it’s left and I’ve indicated the cast a shadow on the right hand one. If you have implemented the other suggestions the you have indeed been give it with both barrels.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/34523-carol.jpg

Rich you could also see what I have written to Carol above regarding those pesky little black guys.
After second post…. Rich – your tablecloth is looking great, Your plate black does need some filling in but things are coming together here.

Piper – table cloth is looking great and YES you want it All finished before you put in the black.

Life sounds full Jay….we’ll be here when you get back.

Linda……beautifully done! You might darken that front yellow as it rolls under toward the plate.

Susan thanks so much for the Vitamin E tip….anything that works!!

Hello Gail and welcome. Yes Unison is much better than Rembrandt especially if the price is that close. Though here is no down side to Rem, I much prefer the Unisons.
I don’t know what you have borrowed here (great parents you have) but if you have the colours you may want to add a few darks as well as whites. Excellent job and although this looks like a lot of changes it really is only a dot here and there.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/34523-gail.jpg

I use Koss, Mungio or SMI black sticks for the larger dark areas after the outlining has been done by my Pitt pencil

Judi, judi. Judi….you have made my day. Thank you so very much!! And good price on those NP….were they on sale or regular price? :lol:

Dave - good, that’s all you need work on here is a softer transition.

Hi Ann – there are some suggestions in the visuals in my last two posts that you could apply to areas in your piece so check them out. (darkening shadow sides of #1 and choc piece, front yellow -fading to black and the licorice close up) You will want to darken the area between the other candies where the top yellow one touches the yellow one below it. Keep it coming….doing great.

Yay Deirdre - Now my beady little eyes can see some black areas that need to be cleaned up around your licorice/yellow round area. I can see the paper showing through yet. Just a little housework! Bravo lady!! :clap: :clap: :clap:

Ruth your tablecloth is absolutely suburb!! If you sharpen up that black pencil really well and touch down in these areas and just nestle some black in the places shown I think it would give you all the finishing touches you need alone with that little white side to Mr. pink. Excellent job Ruth especially on the small scale.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/34523-ruth.jpg

Tammy O – still looking great!! Just leave the reflection for now and move on. Once you have finished the all the candy you can re-assess that area.

Tammy L – in comparison to your other shadows it looks just fine. Any darker and you would have to darken everything else. You do need however to darken the shadow area of the foreground choc candy….I realize that you are one post behind in reading my latest so I will get back to you on your next painting post.

Frieda – no doubt you will notice areas that need fixing. I find that if I leave it sit unframed where I pass by it everyday it doesn’t take long to spot what needs touching up. Thanks so much for joining in.

Tablecloth

For those of you who don’t feel you have the correct colours to work the tablecloth, you do realize that it could just as nicely be white with a tiny shade of light ultra in that depression. Right?

Thank you one and all for your patience!! :wave:

I will attempt to finish my piece later but I certainly have a lot to live up to now with some of these tablecloths on here. :p

[fortysomething]

... HELLO Sarah and Lisa!! Great to have more new faces and to see you’re both doing wonderfully is even better...

I have an amazing teacher. :heart:

Here's my latest update. This is as far as I can go until the charcoal pencils arrive. Little miss paddle paws won't be attempting the pattern, or finishing the front edge of the dish without the proper supplies. I'm too close to finishing it to botch it up now. :D

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/64375-Ponting_07.jpg

[ponting]

Wise girl Lisa - you have an excellent painting here and waiting out the charcoal especially is the way to go :thumbsup: And thank you :p

Cheers, Dianna

[jmfletch]

Great work everyone!!!:clap: :clap: :clap: They really are looking good!!

Life kinda got in the way this weekend... and today, so the new master plan is to catch up tomorrow!!:rolleyes:

Joe
aka Jim/Rich/Wadever

[Gail V]

Dianna - Thanks for the tips!!!! I'll try to get more done and post later, although I can't promise because it looks like the end of this class. This was the BEST class!!! And also thanks for the pastel recommendation - Now I have to figure out how to select a good starter set--it is confusing trying to pick one out because most of the Unison sets are organized by color group, or the starter sets seem rather small. OK, I'm going to finish my picture now :-)
----
I love pastels!!--Gail

[ponting]

Hi Joe wadever :lol: We'll be waiting with bated breath :D

Gail - no need to run away. This class goes for another week yet in which I hope you will submit your own projects. As soon as I finish mine here I will post a few photos some of you might be interested in attempting on your own.

Cheers, Dianna :cat:

[Gail V]

Sounds like I still have to time work then, excellent!! I will miss this class/instruction!! I did a search on google for "Mungio Charcoal Stick" and nothing comes up anywhere I look - can you give me a tip on where to find this? I have the Generals Charcoal Stick..and Pencil. I'm also on the lookout for the Pitt Pencil now too (what hardness?). :-)
Gail

[Piper Ballou]

Gail, JerrysArtarama.com has Mungio pastels that you can buy, think you have to order six...

Dianna, please hurry and post your photos..do they have glass, lace, flowers, fun light...sorry, it is spring break for me, it is either paint or spring clean...hmmm, guess what I want to do. Actually working on sitting up a couple of still lifes myself, just cannot get them right yet.
thanks for all you do
piper

[bock]

Just about ready to put the black on the plate. Having some trouble with the flowers in the shadow of the plate.
Hubby has come down with the flu so hope to work on this between taking care of him and getting ready for school tomorrow.
I did fudge on the dark lavender since I don't have one.:D

Pat
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/45744-Img_1573.jpg500.jpg

[Gail V]

Thanks, Piper - shoot, I just ordered from Jerry's today (I ordered the Nupastel set that is on sale). I thought I was to use a Mungio "charcoal" stick...not pastel(?) I'm new to this, so maybe I'm not understanding what black "stick" is required.:confused:
---Gail

[ponting]

Gail - Your generic charcoal might work just fine. I use a Pitt soft charcoal pencil made by Faber Castell and if you work some of the pencil into a piece of paper and try whatever brand of charcoal you have right down beside it and find there is virtually no difference then you're off and running. The problem arises when you have a different brand or harder charcoal pencil.

Thanks Piper! The problem with the photos is that the best ones are on my other computer or were until yesterday. I don't have a lot of hope of retrieving them so I have to do a bit of searching through some old discs for some of my workhshop projects.

Pat they are not important. Only you (and 50 more people on wet canvas) will not that it's different from the photograph. Your tablecloth is much better than mine is looking so far. :D


Cheers, Dianna:cat:

[Punky2]

Dianna,

You are such a gracious and generous lady to take the time to do all of this for us. I thank you. I've wanted to attend your workshops but have not been able to travel to any of them. This is the next best thing.

I just started yesterday so I am way behind everyone else. This is as far as I've got so far.

Terri

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/74403-allsorts1.jpg

[bock]

That looks awesome Terri! My #1 is squashed but he'll stay.
Dianna, I used my #2 chisel shaper to blend the white charcoal on those small spaces and it worked better on the charcoal than it does on the pastel I think. Had to use my fingers on the candy. Sorry about your PC! Have to tell you I would not have thought to use the colors you had us use. I will now make my color choices better after working through this with you. I love the richness. Thanks!

Pat

[ponting]

Thanks so much Pat. This subject matter is one of the best examples I've found for forcing us to look hard and be daring. http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/34523-yup.gif

Terri - I can see that you're not going to have any problem here whatsoever!! Terrific start! :thumbsup:

Well here is my last download. From there I go t o ....those of you that know me....what is the next stage? :D

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/34523-Licorice-Allsorts-WC.jpg

I had some fun here with my signature since there wasn't a lot of open area in which to place it.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/34523-ponting.jpg

The top half hiding in the shadows is written with my ultra pencil while the lower portion is done with the white.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/34523-34523-checkeredflag.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/34523-34523-checkeredflag.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/34523-34523-checkeredflag.gif

[Crispycritter]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/53636-100_0963.jpg
Almost there :)
I need to do some more blending as you suggested Dianne.
Boy, do I procrastinate sometimes :D

[Judi1957]

Hi Dianna-I am still working on this-but had some things to take care of.
Can't help but stop in a few times a day to see the awesome work being done.:clap: :clap:

[bock]

Looks terrific Crispycritter (Dave?)!

Yeah Dianna :clap: :clap: :clap: Very clever with the signature!:lol: I have a hard enough time getting my name straight with one pencil let alone TWO! Beautiful!!

Pat

[ponting]

I need to do some more blending as you suggested Dianne.
Boy, do I procrastinate sometimes :D

Well you know I have taken you on quite a long haul here so perhaps you need a little break :lol: You've done wonderful so far.
Now the darker blue triangle that forms a ripple in the cloth needs to have the pattern shift in colour there also. So that pattern that forms a 'highway' running through this triangle needs to be sightly darker in the area between my dotted lines. Not as dark as the background but darker than the rest of the 'highway'.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Mar-2007/34523-dave.jpg

Cheers, Dianna:cat:

[Crispycritter]

Well you know I have taken you on quite a long haul here so perhaps you need a little break :lol: You've done wonderful so far.

Thank you, yes it has been a long haul but a very enjoyable one.

[ponting]

Here is part of the legacy left to us by Sooz. :crying: She has charted for us almost all of the sets of pastels from different manufactures. What a great reference chart.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=332738

We certainly miss her sunny disposition. :heart:

Cheers, Dianna :cat:

[RooGal]

Hi Dianna, now I am planting, planting, planting Roses Roses Roses and lots of Lavender. I also discovered that I have a work space problem for my drawings but am working on it. NOT out for the count yet!

JayD, I am hoping I am not the last one to submit anything for this workshop :p , still trying to find a source for pencils here. Will have to make a trek into the city as it's the only place I've been able to find for decent art supplies.

Terrific that you're doing all your spring planting, but could you do me a favor and pray for some rain for us down here while you're planting? It would be much appreciated.

I feel like a dunce, but I think I'm missing some things here. Did everyone just print out a photo of the finished piece to work from? I'm a little confused.

Everyone's work has turned out so beautifully! :clap: :clap: I hope mine looks just as yummy!

[bigs]

RooGal, Eckersley's have a good range of pencils, and you can order online too if you're out of town. But you won't be the last to post here - I only just started today!

Will take piccies tomorrow if I'm home from work in the light. And yes - rain please - I'm on tank water only!OK now, everyone try showering in 20 litres of water ( you really can you know).

Just love the work everyone is posting - a real tribute to you Dianna that so many of your avid students are doing so brilliantly.

Dianna,if you do decide to come to Oz and hold classes PLEEEEASE let us all know so that we can book in.

Sue

[ponting]

I feel like a dunce, but I think I'm missing some things here. Did everyone just print out a photo of the finished piece to work from?
No such thing Roo only newbies which I see you are. Did you get your group hug along with your welcome yet? Well here you go from everyone http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-34523-0_grouphug.gif

If you wish to participate and get the most from this class, you can jump in anywhere but your best bet is to start at the beginning and read your way through. Along the way you will see many WIPs from this enthusiastic group. The concept of a class where everyone works on the same painting is that everything I say and every suggestion I make also relates to what you are doing. So by reading the full 22 pages you will have the benefit of everyones's experience to date. I do hope you join us when you can.

- Dianna, if you do decide to come to Oz and hold classes PLEEEEASE let us all know so that we can book in.

Sue I am having serious thoughts about Australia and New Zealand in the not too distant future but before I can even begin, I need to amass a great deal of information and many contact people. This includes possible studios, halls or rooms available for rent, local art groups and interested individuals like yourself from all over the continent. To make the class fees more reasonable I need to spread the travel expenses over three or four workshops in various areas.

My first class in England was a result of one of the people here offering me the use of her studio and that got the ball rolling. Thanks so much Ruth!! Unfortunately that didn't work out but that ball was already on a downhill run so Deirdre intercepted and ran with it. She found Gainsbrough house studio in Sudbury and the first workshop was born and filled almost entirely by Wet Canvas people....many of then right here. Then there was the groupies like Deirdre and her sister Diana :p who followed me to more than one class. What a hoot my trip was and what wonderful people I met along the way. In any event, all it takes is information to set things in motion.

Cheers Dianna :wave:

[*Marina*]

Ok, here is an update of my all sorts. It is a great picture to paint Dianna, lots of fun. Ready to start tweaking now the black is in. Clearly it needs more contrast. Also need to look at the reflections still and the brown one on the left. Anything else?
Dianna, how is your computer doing? Same computer as last year around this time?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/60850-IMGP3366.jpg

[*Deirdre*]

Sue...if you get the chance...even if you have to travel miles...it's worth it!! A workshop with Dianna in person is even better than the online version! I know...I've been to two of them!!:smug:
Meanwhile....here is my tweaked version...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/33616-bertie7.jpg

[ponting]

Hi Marina....no a new computer. :(

Well you're there sunshine. :clap: One could go on tweaking for quite a while on any painting so I will just throw these out at you in the event you wish to incorporate any of them. I increased the shadow in the foreground licorice as well as on the front and side of the abutting chocolate one. I shortened the first licorice twist as they are rather stubby things and I darkened the vertical reflection but not the pink horizontal one on the left and and I darkened the back sides of candy #1 and the chocolate one in the foreground. Only suggestions to do with as you wish :p

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-Marina.jpg

Deirdre - You have captured the essence of what a reflection should be....there but definitely different enough from the candy itself that no one will would ever confuse it as one of them. :thumbsup: The chocolate standing on it's edge needs the white shadow side darkened and you could clean up the top edge of #1. Great tablecloth! I can't believe how patient you have been on this one. :lol::clap:

Cheers and congratulations to the both of you. http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-34523-star.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-34523-star.gif

[*Marina*]

O Dianna, not another new computer! Thanks a lot for the suggestions. I am going to have a look at them tomorrow. You got me confused though as you flipped the painting back again. Left handed you know :wink2: This is a great thread and class :)

[ponting]

You got me confused though as you flipped the painting back again. Left handed you know :wink2: This is a great thread and class :)

I caught that just about the same time as you did.....Better now? :lol: For those of you whom I forgot to ask....I am so sorry...I always provide my left handed students with a flipped version of my resource photo. That way they can work right to left keeping their hands out of things like us righties. I do hope I didn't leave any of you out there struggling. :(

Cheers, Dianna :cat:

[*Marina*]

Yeah, :) it was a great tip though you gave me in Sudbury. Have used it several times.

[TJLind]

Hi Dianna,
I just wanted to say that this class has been alot of fun and I have learned alot from you, so thank you for teaching this class, for your patience and your encouragement.

Here is my update. I did some work on the candies that you suggested and have been working on the reflections, which I just can't seem to get right. I am to the point that I could be over working them and have decided to leave them how they are, that is unless you have a suggestion. I started working the table cloth. I don't have the right color (which is nothing new, I haven't through out the painting) so I am trying to get as close as I can.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/101939-cd6.jpg

[*Marina*]

Isn't the internet amazing, sitting behind the computer at two different sides of the world and communicating at the same time. It is just great. I can hear you talk. :)

[robynsin]

Hi Dianna & All. I thought I was in the home stretch having bought a 48 pencil set of Stablio Carb-Othello pastel pencils today. I checked that there was Ultramarine - it is number 32. Now as I'm applying it in the shadow area it looks way too dark. Should I try some light grey over it? I could cry - really.

[ponting]

Tammy - I think your reflections are just fine as is the rest of the piece. You have done marvelously here and your cloth is going to go just a well :thumbsup:

Robyn - there is a darker ultramarine blue than the one I use. I have seen it advertised out there but have failed to get my hands on it. It appears that possibly you did. Yes do use a light gray over it...that would work fine especially if you use less of the gray toward the back as it receeds into the darkness. I am baffled at the number you quoted because all of the pencils I use have three digets along with a leading number. My ultramarine is 1400/430, my favourite pink brown is 1400/641 and my red eye candy colour is 1400/310 and so on... Perhaps yours is a different grouping. Hmmm. Does anyone else have sets with a different leading number?

Cheers, Dianna :cat:

[robynsin]

Thanks Dianna, now I feel better:o. The pencil does have 1400 on it as well and then the 32. The little Belle Arte shop I go to is quite eccentric, so this could be ancient stock. The whole tin has numbers between 10 and 98.

[robynsin]

Dianna - I've just found your finished piece. Brava -it is just beautiful and that signature is so sophisticated :) Wonderful, wonderful class as we all obviously agree.

[Jackie339]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/59045-as.jpg Everyones' painting are looking great!
I've been working hard on this, but having a great time! Who would have thought that it would look pretty good, I'm happy, but I could be happier if these pastels were pointy :)! I made the improvements that you suggested Dianna, and also changed the middle of the pink one to black, where did I ever get white, lol!
Here's what I'm up to, please show me the way!
Thanks a bunch!!!

[NothingButPencils]

This still needs some tidying up-- esp. the plate bottom edge and the upper left stitching-- but I'm going to set it aside for a couple of days.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/87022-AllsortsWIP10.jpg

Have learned a ton! Here are some things I'd do differently next time.

1. I'd work on La Carte not Colourfix (which I thought was sanded but isn't!)
2. I'd wait for the right black charcoal stick-- I charged ahead with just a black pastel for the plate and that caused me a lot of problems.
3. I'd practice finger blending-- I still find blending with fingers gives me dirty looking results-- I don't know how you guys get your colors to stay so vivid when you blend. It seems like I just barely touch the pastel and the area immediately goes dull and dirty. But blending tools don't seem to work very well as a substitute. This is probably the single most frustrating thing for me about pastels. But obviously the fault is in me not the medium!

Thanks, Dianna! I really hope to catch up with an in person workshop some day soon!

-RB

[jmfletch]

There is a darker ultramarine blue than the one I use. I have seen it advertised out My ultramarine is 1400/430, my favourite pink brown is 1400/641 and my red eye candy colour is 1400/310 and so on... Perhaps yours is a different grouping. Hmmm. Does anyone else have sets with a different leading number? :cat:

FWIW My CarbOthello pencil set (60) has 3 Ultramarines.
1400/405 Ultramarine Blue
1400/430 Ultramarine Blue Middle
1400/435 Ultramarine Blue Light

Joe

[jmfletch]

Well I am almost caught up. :clap:

I just cannot get the table cloth right. I started with 2 shades of Ultramarine but while adding the white they seem to have blended away to a single color, and now I am running out of tooth on the Mi Tientes.:(

Here's where I am...
Joe

[Piper Ballou]

I am having trouble making the edge of the plate smooth, I guess I am afraid of blending into the table cloth, any suggestions

this first photo is taken outside
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/8539-candyoutsideresized.jpg

this one is scanned....I wanted to check the color of them here
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/8539-candyscanfinalresized.jpg

well I manage to make the image sizes different...opps

piper

[Punky2]

Everyone's work is so beautiful!

Dianna, your finished piece is amazing, as always!

This is where I'm at now:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/74403-allsorts2.jpg

This is so much fun! This is the first time I've used LaCarte paper and I really like it.

Terri

[Crispycritter]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/53636-100_0971.jpg
I think I am done :)

Thank you Dianna you have been great, I can not thank you enough for this experience
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[ponting]

Thank you so much Robyn!!v:)

Jackie - Your candies and dish look terrific! Any pattern that you wished to put on the table cloth was more easily accomplished before finishing the edge of the plate. If you add it now you stand a chance of dragging the black into the tablecloth. I would just be content now to have a plain cloth rather than a patterned one. If you were to darken the bottom right cloth and apply the left hand colour to the top right corner, you would be done lady!! :)

Rich - It's not you at all Rich, it's the paper. The blending would have gone much smoother with the La Carte. I liked seeing the list of does and don't that you have compiled to apply to your next piece. That's just my style!! Great cloth and great student. http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif

OMG – I covet your Carbs Joe!! Oohh I salivating here!! Three ultramarines!!
You have done a terrific job on Mi Teintes. I am impressed and I wouldn’t fool any with the cloth since you now have the black in, Don’t mess with good thing. http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif

Piper – A colour shaper is about the only thing that I would recommend for blending the edge however I prefer just to work my black in again trying to straighten things. It’s easier for me to draw a line from 7 o’clock to 2o’clock. At that angle I have a lot more control and applying the black pencil would be most easily done for me if the painting were turned on just such an angel so that the cloth is up top and the saucer under my hand. Lay down a sheet of ordinary paper across the finished candies with at least a quarter to a half inch of plate left uncovered then set your hand down on the paper and try straightening the line from that angle. If you lay the paper parallel to the edge of the plate you can use it for a visual guide to insure you are indeed staying straight. Another great job Piper! http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif

Terri you are humming along…no comments other than to be sure not to get too uniform in your square candies. These babies are pliable and therefore not perfect. :p

All right Dave – lookin’ gooood! I hope those little clappies are for your you!! http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif

I am so impressed with all of you!! Thank you so much!!

I will post a few workshop photos that you might like to attempt. These are not yet posted to the image library but I will get right on that. Some I have larger files of and some I don’t. Don’t take them too literally. These are done with me right there telling my students what to leave in and take out so simplifying some areas is called for.

I will post my finished painting along with each photo so that you can see how I handled them.

Cheers and stay dirty, Dianna

[bock]

Finished the plate edge. Will go back to work on the flowers in the shadow one day soon. Thanks again Dianna for a terrific class! If you ever get my way (Dallas), will definitely sign on for your tutelage!

Pat
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/45744-Img_1578.jpg500.jpg

[ponting]

Thanks to those who wished my computer well. I'm afraid it's still indisposed but thanks to my friend Paul, he was able to extract my files before dicing and slicing it. Yahhhh!!! :clap: :clap:

Okey Dokey....perhaps you would like to do one of these. Be nice to yourself as some are harder than others and you're only going to get critique on these ones. :D

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-Cherries-in-Silver-jug-500.jpg

This creamer is sitting an an old bible. If you want to be adventureous be my guest. For my class I chose to do just a tablecloth.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-Cherry-Creamer.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-crabapple-tea-for-WC.jpg

And my version....

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-Crabapple-Tea.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-Stack-0f-allsorts-500.jpg

I called my painting A Smartish Few ...an old saying that I've always wanted to use. LOL

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-A-smaritish-Few.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-Magnolia-in-Brown-Bowl500.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-Magnolia-in-Brown-Bowl-me.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-orange-right.jpg

Now I can't find the photo of this painting but here is a similar one.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-Text-Study-Orange.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-Egg-in-satin-500.jpg

I haven't done this one yet but here is another that might assist you in painting yours.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-Nest-Egg-for-paper.jpg

Good luck and let me know if you need any assistance,

Cheers, Dianna

[ponting]

Terrific Pat!! I don't see just what needs work in there so I'll call it well done!! http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif

And if I ever do get to Dallas area or even close, I will let you know!! :)

Cheers, Dianna :cat:

[M Taylor]

Thank you Dianne for this great exposure to your method, and to everyone who has let me tag along with you and your delicious renderings. You have given me courage to do the same.

[Ruth Grinstead]

Sorry to hear about your computer, Dianna. Well done to Paul for rescuing files for you :clap:

Well I must say those images have me all excited, but hubby is at home so may not get started until Friday. Then it may be hard to choose one to start on :lol:

I still have 3 small pieces of La Carte, but I cut 12 half sheets yesterday so now I can go bigger too :thumbsup:

Thanks again for this online workshop - it is great :clap: :clap: :clap:

Please, please I would like a workshop place again next time you are in England.

Ruth

[robynsin]

Finally ... and now I look at the photograph I see a couple of things I should change. I think I need to put it away for a couple of days. It is actually brighter than the photograph but when I try to fix that in Photoshop my shadow under the plate becomes too light.
There are so many stunning paintings here, a credit to you Dianne and a credit to all.:clap::clap::clap:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Mar-2007/66219-Allsorts7.jpg

Trust me, the shadow is darker than it appears here:eek:
A couple of things I discovered that may be of use and one that you Dianne may not approve of, so please say if so. I'm here to learn.
1. I've discovered that Fleece - the thin white synthetic fabric gardeners use to cover seedlings against the frost - is excellent to place under the painting to catch the dust. It is cheap enough to throw away when it gets dirty. I have the plastic backed cloth too, but when it got too dirty to put on my desk, I improvised.
2. Blu Tac is great for lifting off excess pastel. It works worderfully for graphite drawings, that's how I knew about it.
Now I'm trying to resist those beautiful new reference photos....

[ponting]

Hi Maralyn - I was wondering if we had lost you :lol: Thanks so much!

Ruth and Frieda - :o How could I forget to give you your stars for a job well done!! Here you go ladies one for each http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif I will have to do at least one class in the UK next year or you guys will never forgive me. :D I will keep in touch!!

Robyn - not to sound repititious but "Great work" and thanks so much not only for the accolades but the terrific hints! http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif

And Lisa I think that you've done an excellent job and if I where you, would call it a day as it will be much more difficult to put patterning in the cloth now that you have the plate finished. Not impossible but more difficult than perhaps it is worth. So here you go!! Bravo~~ http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gifhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif

[frieda L]

Dianna, thank you for the star!:clap:
and thanks for sharing your beautiful still life pictures!:heart: :heart: :heart:
the choice is hard. Maybe the cherries... not available here in this "mango-pineapple-banana" part of the world.
frieda

[robynsin]

Dianna - Thank you! May I ask a couple of questions? The first because I had so much trouble with the ground for the table cloth. I feel it has ended up way too blue, but I wanted to cover the paper. Was that a mistake and did you blend yours off with a cloth or something before adding the white detail?
My second question is about your magical blending - it is even more obvious and beautiful now I see your draped satin. Is it possible to explain how you do that? I'm wondering now if you actually use a very light touch. I think I've been very heavy handed. If I could invent and patent a 'Dianna's Finger' I'd make my fortune.

[jmfletch]

Dianna - Thank you! May I ask a couple of questions? The first because I had so much trouble with the ground for the table cloth. I feel it has ended up way too blue, but I wanted to cover the paper. Was that a mistake and did you blend yours off with a cloth or something before adding the white detail?
My second question is about your magical blending - it is even more obvious and beautiful now I see your draped satin. Is it possible to explain how you do that? I'm wondering now if you actually use a very light touch. I think I've been very heavy handed. If I could invent and patent a 'Dianna's Finger' I'd make my fortune.

Dittos! Especially the Thank You ...and the patenting your finger parts.:D

Seriously. Thank you for sharing your time and talent. It is very much appreciated!!

Joe

P.S. Is Fraser Valley anywhere near Bella Coola? (That is where my son and his family lives.)

[ponting]

Robyn and Joe Wadever - I think Robyn that you simply used a deeper blue than I did. As in any area that is intended to be a base for something more, I use just enough pastel to get the job done. Better too much than not enough as it will never blend to your satisfaction. I don't brush it off after blending but you could with a soft brush and then re-blend slightly. Even without brushing it off if you're using the La Carte there will be lots of tooth left with which to grab the new color.

As for the magic fingers...I had to laugh at that because in my last workshop on of the students asked me to press on the back of her hand to mimic my blending pressure so I guess that's what you get when you sign up for the real thing :lol:

Actually it varies, sometimes I use all four fingers flat and push fairly hard and other times its just a whisp of a touch. In general it would be compareable to rubbing cream into the back of your hand .....now in my mind's eye I just saw everybody test that....:lol:

Oh yes, Joe.... Bella Coola is a ways from us. It's way off in the sticks and very beautiful. Most easily accessible by boat down a very long inlet. You'll really have to see it for yourself one day. :thumbsup:

Cheers, Dianna

[TJLind]

I know everyone is starting on the next lesson but here is my finished candy dish.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Mar-2007/101939-cd7.jpg

[Dark_Shades]

oHHHHHHH THIS is too much......... more pictures, more paintings....... and another WOKRSHOP ...... woooooo hooooo

[NothingButPencils]

Wow, finally got my hands on some La Carte and the contrast with Colourfix-- and even Wallis-- is amazing. I like both those papers but the pastel really goes densely onto the LC and the blending is much easier without going muddy (just like someone said ;-) It's my new favorite paper after 15 minutes of play!
Thanks!
-RB

[eyepaint]

Hi gang,

I'm back with an update. Dianna - you must have thought I'd developed a pastel dust breathing disorder.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Mar-2007/96240-IMGP6816.JPG

Notes:
- I'm not ecstatic about the table cloth. The white pastel pencil was pushing off the top layer of blue (darker blue), then giving a good polish to the lower layer of blue (lighter blue), and basically turning into an ultramarine blue pencil! In some areas I persisted in pushing the white right through. But when adding the detail white lines I discovered that I actually needed to keep some of the light blue there to have a contrast with the white.
- My plate is a bit wonky.
- But all told this is far better than I thought I'd get using my substandard tools (Koss pastels, Canson pastel paper).

Thank you so much Dianna for your incredible instructions and detailed helpful feedback. Do you have a mailing list for upcoming workshops?

Cheers,

[jmfletch]

Oh yes, Joe.... Bella Coola is a ways from us. It's way off in the sticks and very beautiful. Most easily accessible by boat down a very long inlet. You'll really have to see it for yourself one day. :thumbsup:

We were up there the summer before last but flew in from Vancouver so I know nothing about the neighboring areas. I do have about 100 pictures of the area including a river float and some great mountain shrouded in clouds shots taken from that little plane. They are all potential references for future masterpieces...once I learn that finger trick.:) It is most definitely God's country.

Joe

[ponting]

Hi Dawn :lol:

Yes, flying in is definitely the way to go Joe!

Tammy - yay you made it!! Are you all set to race out and get some more pastels?? Now you will have to crop it up to the white pattern on the left side or it will look odd but I think you knew that. Way to go lady http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif

EP - your plate won't look wonky if you crop it at the top as I did mine. Well you had a hard row to hoe with those supplies and you pulled something terrific off here so I think you earned two stars! http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif

Send me a PM with your contact information and I will put you on my list of interested parties. I have finished my scheduled workshops for this spring but may put one on in late April if not then this fall. :)

Rich - I knew you would love it especially after fighting with the other. Just remember its faults which I had better mention here......

EVERYONE NOTE THE SPIT TEST - All you who have a swatch of La Carte paper and are especially enthralled with it...I want you to stop whatever you're doing....no, no...read this first.....I want you to do the spit test on the very corner of your paper. I want to to know how dastardly La Carte can be when it meets up with water. Just telling you about it doesn't instill it in your mind as firmly as seeing it happen. So you're going to moisten the end of your finger...wash your hands first....moisten the end of your finger and apply it to the corner of the paper then rub it gently. Voila... no sand just shiny white paper left. :eek: So please be aware of the potential disaster of coming in contact with ANY moisture.

STORING YOUR UNFRAMED PASTELS

I have always found it best to leave the work attached to the backing board until framed. I purchase my Coreplast in 4 x 8 sheets so have many blanks ready for the next pieces. If you are not hanging it on the wall to admire then cover it with a sheet of glassine paper, cartridge paper or vellum, hinging it at the top with an securing tab at the bottom so that you can lift and admire often :p I always suggest to my students that leaving the drawing attached until framed is also an excellent plan. That way should anything untoward happen to it, one can always retrace any area needing work. The vellum can be placed between the drawing and the painting. These stack nicely and are secure when stored this way.

USING FIXATIVES

I don't use a fixative at all unless it has a specific purpose which isn't relevant here. Fixatives darken the painting as well as making the lighter pastels transparent. Not a good thing. If you insist on spraying your painting, do so with many VERY light coats drying in between each coat.

Instead I frame my paintings with a 3/16" (5mm?) black foamcore spacer. This is full sized just like another mat but set back from the inside edge of the mat slightly so that it isn't readily seen. This not only insures that anything pressing on the back of the painting will not push the pastel up against the glass and also leaves a little gutter to catch any pastel that might inadvertently fall off after framing. I believe in one of my other posts I included a suggested matting diagram. I will endeavor to find it and post it here.

FRAMING

See above for spacers.
Be sure to spank your painting well before removing it from the backing board. Holding it face down outside or over your flannel rap it sharply several times to knock out the excess dust. To remove it from the board, slice the tape with a blade rather than attempting to peel it off. Once it’s off you can easily peel the tape off the back. DO NOT BEND the painting…ever…! This will cause the compressed pastel to fall out from in between the sand particles.

When framing 'hinge' or ‘hang’ the finished painting rather than tape it down on more than one side. To do this … use 2 two inch pieces of framer’s tape such as P-90 which is made for this purpose. Attach these two pieces of tape along the top of the painting and secure it to the back of the mat. A large painting might need three. This leaves the painting free to expand and contract with the varying moisture in its surroundings. Use something rigid like 3/16 “ foamcore for backing

Cheers, Dianna

[*Deirdre*]

Dianna...I was dragged away to do a watercolour workshop today...then I had to read WC and emails...now I've got stinging eyes....:crying: I just wanted to thank you for the beautiful photos as well as to ask if you had any high res ones...:o (because I like to zoom in so much!)

[TJLind]

Thank you Dianna.

I already cropped the painting. I get a bonus in my next paycheck and I plan to buy some pastels, depending on how big the bonus is. Now, about the next project, do we have to use one of the photos you posted? I told a co-worker that I would do a bald eagle for him, I had planned on doing it in charcoal but am considering charcoal and pastel. I was wondering if I could use it for the 2nd project.

[Judi1957]

Hi Dianna:wave:
Whew-got a lil more done though I see more blending is in order. Not really liking the licorice twist yet either I see a few bad areas there now:( . The yellow candie needs some more shaping too.

I am really happy though-I now have my 96 count Nupastels! How pretty!:clap: :clap: I got them in 3 days from Blick-amazing delivery!

Tis the late hour and must sleeeeep now. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Mar-2007/37258-candies3.jpg

[Judi1957]

Dee! How are you liking the watercolor workshop? Mine comes up in 2 months:thumbsup: -(Though I would rather be going to one of Dianna's!)

Dianna-I will be watching for you to come to the Pittsburgh or general eastern Pennsylvania area some day! insert's hopeful smiley
Is this the black foamboard (http://www.dickblick.com/zz132/02/)?

[ponting]

Hi Deirdre - I posted the largest ones I have to the library today. Not much larger I'm afraid. :( Won't help your crying eyes much :rolleyes:

Tammy you can paint whatever you like. The ones I posted here were just for those who might like to try something I had already done. :p

Judi - I think your licorice looks just wonderful as does the rest of it. Perhaps you do need a fresh look in the morning. :thumbsup:

Cheers, Dianna :cat:

[ponting]

Yes Judi - that's what you want.

Deirdre - I have just posted a larger version of the Crabapple Tea to the RIL. Just for you sweetheart!! :lol:

I have found my matting file but it will be fairly hard to read at the maximum size allowed here but I will post it anyway.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Mar-2007/34523-Framing-with-spacer-diagram.jpg

If you can read it you will see that I cut my black foamcore on a reverse bevel so that it is harder to see when I snug it up close to the edge of my mat. This isn't necessary as you can always set it back further but the more set-back, the more painting you have to paint under there.

Cheers, Dianna:heart:

[chinchilla]

wow! everyone's work looks fantastic!! i wasn't able to participate but
i watched and read along :)
thank you Dianna for sharing your knowledge!!! i hope you make it
to southern California this year - i have your website bookmarked and
i'm going to check frequently to see when and where your workshops will
be.
g'night all :)

[bruce johnson]

Hi Dianna

Unfortunately I missed this class, I had to return to NZ at short notice... I've read thru the project and you are truely amazing.. thank you for taking the time to demonstrate your talent..:clap: :clap: :thumbsup:

Cheers Bruce

[ponting]

Thank you Jen and Bruce for stopping it and taking the time to comment. I haven't seen you in a while Bruce...I will have to check out what you've been up to :)
And Jen, I am teaching in San Clemente this in July. I will PM you with the details.

Thanks people....cheers, Dianna :wave:

[ann.bun]

Dear Dianna, Thank you so much for your amazing demo/class. I appreciate all the effort you must have put in. It's not quite as good as your class,(how could it be?) but its a great followup. I have finished, but have had trouble with the cloth and edge of plate as you foretold.
I am now asking myself what I have learnt. I have decided that:
1.You dont just pile the colours on top wethout thinking,
2.You try to keep the edges right up to one another
3.You do blend- I thought blending was literally a dirty word.
4.You make the shadows much deeper.
5.You keep looking at the original be it a photo or real life.
Now the comes the crunch situation, can I do it with another picture?

[Judi1957]

Thanks Dianna! :) I will look at it fresh when I get home.

Also TY for the framing tutorial! It is not difficult to read actually-and I am not wearing my glasses right now.:)

[Ceccy]

Hello!! :wave:
All the drawings look great!! :clap: It's a treat just to look at them. Great job, everyone! This is such a wonderful experience.
Here is my update. I'm in need of the teacher's advice. (I'll welcome all comments if anyone wants to share them.) I'm not sure I'm done. My drawing seems "dirty". For some reason the picture looks much better than the original. What do I need to do so it looks finished? Add some more detail? Thank you again Dianna for sharing your knowledge.
Cecilia
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Mar-2007/7446-Licorice_4_a.jpg

[lilbelle]

I've been following this lesson and have really enjoyed learning from one of the best. I've come out of lurkdom to make my first post. I didn't have a white charcoal to finish the tablecloth, so just left it as is. Thanks Dianna!

[Gail V]

Dianna - thank you so very much for taking the time to do this class - I learned a TON!!! I am a true convert to pastels now - luv'em!! Here is my "somewhat" final pic - I am using a digital camera and am having trouble getting a clear picture--but here it is any way. I tried to darken and add more whites to the areas you suggested...some of the candies wouldn't take much more pastel, so I think I have pushed them as far as I can. I also still need to work on the tablecloth, but might have to put that off after my next picture:) I was thinking about doing this picture again, but now I see you have given us more to choose from - awesome - the choice will be tough!!! Feel free to give me more advice--I need it! Thanks again and I look forward to the next class!!!!http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Mar-2007/100582-Upload.jpg
-----
Gail

[Judi1957]

I've been following this lesson and have really enjoyed learning from one of the best. I've come out of lurkdom to make my first post. I didn't have a white charcoal to finish the tablecloth, so just left it as is. Thanks Dianna!


Lil! Glad you have come out!!! And giving your first post to Dianna! :clap: :clap:
Beautiful work!

I hope everyone-participating or onlooking has rated this wonderful Lesson!:clap: :clap::clap:

[ponting]

Your most welcome Judi :)

Wow Lillian - I always feel so privileged to receive someone's first post. It seems such a gift! Welcome out of no man's land http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Mar-2007/34523-34523-0_lurking.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Mar-2007/34523-grouphug.gif
Well you obviously paid close attention to everything that was said as you did an excellent job!! http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif Don't be a stranger now. :wave:

Ann what a perfect little list of very relevant "dos and don'ts" When I first started watercolour I looked at every painting as a challenge...."hmm I haven't done eggs before so that's my challenge for this one" or "how do I go about interpreting my first ever cut glass in this one?" And with each new challenge I made just such assessments of my results and that proved to be the most useful tool I ever owned. We all love to own instructional books and we learn much from them but we also need to be writing our own books to prevent us from starting at square one every time we pick up the medium. Bravo on your book!! :thumbsup:

Cecilia - you're right about all of the paintings looking great yet different. Everyone has a unique vision of exactly what they want to see come to life front of them and we glean so much by being privy to these varying takes on the same subject as we work our way through our own.

You are doing exceptionally well with the rough paper. It's such a challenge to get as smooth a look as you have with all those little valleys to fill. :lol: Perhaps you can see more than I can but it doesn’t look dirty to me in fact it looks very fresh and I would leave it as is. Once you have gotten this far with both the black and the cloth in, it's wisest just call it done! :lol: http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif

Gail – it’s a keeper!! :thumbsup: As with Cecilia above, I wouldn’t do any more on the tablecloth now that you have the black in. You’ll only be asking for trouble. Bravo lady !! http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif

[Gail V]

Gail – it’s a keeper!! As with Cecilia above, I wouldn’t do any more on the tablecloth now that you have the black in. You’ll only be asking for trouble. Bravo lady !!

well - I'm must like trouble....I just ordered the Terry Ludwig Intense Dark set today:D

[ponting]

OOOOHHH good for you Gail. You will love it!! :p

NEWS FLASH!!

The other day I was relating to everyone here how I was heading out to sit on a jury panel with Robert Genn. Well unfortunately Bob wasn’t there :( but many equally exciting peers were:clap: I believe there were about 25 this year but there can be as many as 40 or so take part. It’s a very secret ballot with no discussion whatsoever so it’s very unbiased. We simply view the slides and accompanying originals and make our vote. We are all SFCAs or Senior Signature Federation of Canadian Artist members and we are voting in new SFCAs and AFCAs who are members working their way up to SFCA.

I'm so thrilled to find out today that one of the artists being juried, someone whom I had mentored in the ways of the art world for years and introduced to pastel (actually, I held her hostage in my motor home in the wilderness and kept her there for an intense week of pastel instruction :lol: ) received her SFCA status solely on her pastel work. And it was marvelous. I was so excited to have one of my students achieve this level that you would have thought it was I receiving my status all over again. :clap: So hats off to Cookie aka Roberta Combs, SFCA!!! She’s not here right now but will pop in and read this one day. :wave: And thank you Judi for that wonderful black and white applause clip you posted way back there as it made a terrific “congrats” email.

Cheers, Dianna:cat:

[birdlady]

here is a update on mine I am close to finish on it , I think??? BUT I have such a mess at the bottom I dont know that I can get the cloth to look right. I still dont know how the rest of you keep it so clean IF you are standing it up to do it. I went out and bought 5 new pencils to finish this including getting 3 ultras. :) so had to go back in a use them and did they feel good. The castello ones.

anyhow I am in need of C&C here. OH and how does everyone else get their pictures bigger then mine I am doing 500 x 400 pixels ????

Dianna ...help!!!!!!


Laurie


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Mar-2007/5126-WC_lesson_mine.jpg

[ponting]

Hi Laurie - lookin' good!! I have pointed out a few places you might want to adjust and don't worry about the cloth area, you can erase most of that with a wide white eraser. oooo three blue carbs....(drooling here) :lol: Some of the other's shots are cropped which is why they look so big. So check this out and see what you think.....

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Mar-2007/34523-laurie.jpg

Cheers, Diann:cat: a

[TJLind]

For mine, I took close up photos, unfortunately the photos were a little blurry.

[TJLind]

That is great news about your former student Dianna, congratulations to her and to her teacher.

[ponting]

Thank you Tammy :D

Dianna :cat:

[*Marina*]

Great news Dianna about your student. Please give my congratulations to her and of course to you too for guiding her so well.
Here is my finished painting, at least I think it is finished unless you still see something clearly disturbing. Thank you very much for a very enjoyable class and all the time and efforts you put in. It was really a pleasure to paint and read about it all. Thanks a lot :)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Mar-2007/60850-All_sorts.jpg

[ponting]

Great job Marina - it's always so neat to see it in reverse and it looks good enough to eat :lol: :thumbsup: When you frame it I would suggest you crop it a bit more at the top or else you will have to so some additional work to the plate/tablecloth as the corner should have begun a turn before it reaches the edge of the paper the way you have it cropped there. Way to go girl!! http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Mar-2007/34523-Marina.jpg

Cheers, Dianna :cat:

[*Marina*]

Thanks a lot Dianna. I had been fiddling with that top already trying to get it right and not very successfully. I will crop it a fraction lower so it is no problem anymore.

[binkie]

Dianna, I am SO VERY IMPRESSED (blown away actually) by all the fabulous paintings everyone has done!!! You are a wonderful teacher. I just wish I would have had time to participate.

Kudos to you Dianna!

binkie

[NothingButPencils]

I had some time today to try another. I intentionally worked *without* referring to your painted version, Dianna, since I wanted to see what I could apply directly to a new photo without too many hints ;-) Now ready for the tweaking stage. Least happy with the cloth-- I tried various approaches and over-fiddled with it-- as is obvious I think. On the plus side I think I know how I'd tackle it next time. I also know my ellipses are a bit wobbley!
-RB

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Mar-2007/87022-CranappleTea.jpg

[nvcricket]

WOW APPLEBEE, YOURS IS MAGNIFICENT!

I kinda hate to post my efforts after yours! I still have tweaking to do on the border. I worked on this slavishly last night and went blind putting in the white line of reflection :lol: I kept trying to get my lines straight, and would overcorrect just slightly, then try to correct that and overcorrect down the line. Had to abandon it after it ended up worse for wear to get some much needed sleep. I wanted to get this in b4 the class ends....? I feel I got way sloppy on the lower left of the table cloth. But, I am tickled to pieces with the end result :D .

Dianna, I tried to correct the pinky on the right and chickened out a bit, was afraid I wouldn't be able to duplicate the chocolaty color. I was using a generals white charcoal stick/couldn't locate it as a pencil. Should I wipe out that lower left of the table cloth and do it over?

I really enjoyed this class, and learned alot of valuable techinques, and I took a bunch of notes. Once again, thank you ever so much!:clap: :clap: :clap:
It is a true testiment to your abilities as a teacher to have your students acclaimed by others for their professionalism!
I have only been creating art since June, and you have helped me take a giant step!
Most Sincerely,
Carolhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Mar-2007/93276-HPIM0291.JPG

[Jackie339]

Dianna thanks for being a great teacher! I had a great time and the best part is that I'm no longer afraid to work with my soft pastels!!! I'll try doing the other pics as soon as time allows.

[ponting]

Hi Gwen...how great to have you stop in!! :wave:

Rich - Spot On!! :clap: Your elipses are nothing to sneeze at. Do the 'look in the mirror' thing, that usually helps to get a new perspective if you feel it's out. Although you may not be as pleased with the cloth you've done a very believable rendering of the puffiness of the 'buttonhole' stitching around the edge. I found that in combination of your ultramarine blue, a mocha brown makes a wonderful secondary colour for that edging. I use my CarbOthello 640 or a Conte 1355 with all these cutwork doilies. Although these embroidered edges can be white, ecru or grey like this one, most of mine are a mocha brown stitching which I like so tend to make them all that way.
I'm very impressed with the whole thing....now tell me, how did you like the La Carte??

Cheers, Dianna :wave:

[ponting]

Thank you so much Jackie...what more could a teacher as for??? :lol:

Carol only since June??? I am impressed!! On your lower tablecloth you can brush some off but you might do just as well to try applying the blue over the white, softly blending and re-applying the white lines. You should however work once more toward straightening that top left black edge. Like Marina, (applebee) you too will have to crop it down further or make a corner on that same edge. Yours needs to be cropped down almost to the top of the yellow candy to look correct. So lady ...:clap: for yourself! I would really like to see you just nudge the square corner off the left hand round pink candy....just a smidge. :lol: Great job! http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Mar-2007/34523-carol.jpg

Cheers, Dianna

[Judi1957]

This Class is amazing-not only the teacher:angel: but the students and their work. I don't know what it is-but the Classes in which we have color-really attract a lot of people-mucho talented people too-though all the Classes have that!

Thanks soooo much JayD for starting these Classs and making sure they move on and forward!!!!!!!:clap: :clap: :clap:

Marina-I adore that brown of your candie there-it looks like carmel! Mmmmmm. What browns did you use there?

Dianna-That is fabulous about your friend Roberta!:clap: :clap: :clap:

[NothingButPencils]

Thanks, Dianna. I love the La Carte! I'm amazed how easily it yields a smooth solid tone *without* filling up the tooth.

I had planned to do the doily much more accurately- but I mucked about and lost the underdrawing so decided to just to free-hand fake it. I can't see if it works at all-- but maybe my eyes will refresh by tomorrow.

Thanks again!
-RB

[*Deirdre*]

Dianna...sorry, have had to tend to other things...but I'm making a start tonight!
And CONGRATULATIONS for getting So hats off to Cookie aka Roberta Combs, SFCA!!! such a prestigeous title...consider my hat doffed!http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Mar-2007/33616-23460-smiley_bow.gif

[Tracy Lang]

Hi Everybody :wave:

It's been great to catch up and see your finished paintings!!! They are awesome and a testimony to our incredible teacher:clap: :clap: :clap:
Dianna,
You deserve a break after all your hard work, so, in honor of St Pat's...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Mar-2007/75377-GreenBeer.jpg

I've been itching to work on my candies all week and finally got to spend some time at my easel last night and this afternoon. Of course after taking the pic, I see some tweaking to do...but, I don't want to screw it up by overworking etc...
So, let me know what you think...am I done?????:confused:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Mar-2007/75377-Candy3.jpg

Tracy

[Punky2]

Here is my latest:

I think I messed up the yellow plate edge reflection. Should I cover it with black and move it closer to the plate edge? The yellows are lighter and brighter IRL.

Terri

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Mar-2007/74403-allsorts3.jpg

[Judi1957]

Hi Dianna:wave:
I just think the reflections in the ref are so cool and a big part of what make the whole piece so gorgeous. Just wonderful to look at.



Posting Stage 4. One more piece of licorace....getting there.
I think I need some more variations in the yellow candie in the front-shaded side and need to go back and touch up. I may have overworked some areas in layers as perhaps not everything is sticking.:( Everytime I come back for a fresh look it seems to be dulled:confused: though it is not being picked up at all.
I should be starting on the tablecloth tomorrow morning. We are having some pretty rough weather-so I am 'stuck' in the studio. Well-it's either that or housework-no contest.:lol:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Mar-2007/37258-candies4.jpg

[*Marina*]

Judi, about the browns. I cannot really say which colours I used. It is a combination. I just fiddle till I think I have the right colour. I use a lot of Sennelier, (I know a lot of people don't like Sennelier, but I just adore the colours). They have a lot of colour strength which I love.

[Judi1957]

I know a lot of people don't like Sennelier
Why is that people do not favor the brand? I am a pastel rookie falling in love with the medium trying to find out all I can.

[*Marina*]

Judy, let me be careful with what I say. I live in Europe and as far as I know the American makes are not available here so I cannot compare with all the makes you can get in the States. A lot of people find Sennelier pastels too crumbly and soft. I don't have a problem with that. They just need a very light touch. With the allsorts I just had to touch the paper lightly in a few places and I would have enough to start blending. The colours are very higly pigmented and luminous. Since I started using the Senneliers, people are saying wow those colours, how do you do it and I think it is purely the materials which create those lovely colours. I think your style will also influence your preferences for specific makes. If you don't blend and purely depend on the strokes to create a painting it is probably different and you might need a firmer pastel. Anyway just my thoughts on it. Other people will probably think differently. It sounds as if you are falling in love with pastels, just as I did a few years ago.

[Ruth Grinstead]

Not 100% sure I have finished this, but it is close and it is too big to scan this time (17.5x11") so this is the first time I have seen it onscreen (I find that generally throws up lots of changes)

Anyway 'A Totem of Sorts'

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Mar-2007/38452-Totem.jpg

I still cannot get over how much fun this all is, are we sure it is legal :lol:

Many congratulations, Dianna, to you and your student, brilliant news :clap:

Ruth

[Merethe T]

Hi.....am I late...? Had some trouble finding time to sit down and finish my candyplate, but finally managed to set aside a few hours to myself yesterday...I thought I'd finished my painting too, but when I croped my photo I realized I forgot to finish the right side of the plate, lol. Minor issue to take care of though...

Amazing work from everyone, had fun reading up on the thread! :clap:

Dianna - thank you, thank you soooo much for doing this, I've learned a lot and had a blast painting from your directions - you're amazing! :)

So, at last - here's my finished (well....almost....) painting...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Mar-2007/22081-IMG_6633_x300.JPG

[Gail V]

Hi Dianna - I of course, would love to try the glass of apple cider - but, I might be jumping ahead of my pastel knowledge....I would need some direction, if possible. One question I have is how do you render the top of the glass where you can see the reflection w/the dark background....do I do the entire dark background and then go in with the white charcoal pencil to add the rim and reflections? Any tips/color advice you can give me on this one would be appreciated :confused: (and would you choose a dark paper if the background is all black/dark?)
----
Gail

[TJLind]

I am not going to get this finished by tomorrow so I figured I better post what I had done now. I know the feathers need some work and am working on that before I move on.

So here is my second painting.
Here is the reference photo http://www.wetcanvas.com/RefLib/showphoto.php?photo=67600&cat=3316
Once again, Dianna, thank you for having this class. :)
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Mar-2007/101939-bald_eagle_wip.jpg

[alija1001]

Hi Dianna, I am fairly new to pastels and would like to follow your next classe. Could you let me know when? Also I might be a bit stupid but what are the face cloths for? Also I have some pastels I have done on the soft pastel site. Your comments would be good. Have been going to college for 3 years doing watercolour but doing mixed media now. Like pastels the best except the mess. I use wet wipes to keep hands fairly clean.

[ponting]

Judi –Thanks soooo much JayD for starting these Classes and making sure they move on and forward!!!!!!!

Ditto x 10 …….and with an even bigger appreciation of the time and effort involved than before!! :clap: :clap: :clap:

Judi – it is possible with very hard pastels such as NuPastel to flatten the finish even on paper as deep as La Carte. If you feel this is happening then just leave it alone and be happy with what you have already. As you become more experience with this medium and less in need of re-visiting areas, you will find that happens very seldom. I think it’s looking just fine as it is.

It helps Rich if you know exactly what it is you are trying to depict. Like the edging, the cutwork and some of the embroidery is intended to look puffy. The buttonhole stitch used is as you might imagine – a variation of the one used to outline your buttonholes though in this case it can have a few layers of embroidery threads laid underneath it to give it height. This height is what make it easy to paint by allowing you to treat it as a three dimensional object with a sunny side (white) a middle ground (mocha) and a shadow side (light and dark ultramarine over mocha) and sometimes a touch of black in the deepest shadows.

Here’s a closer view of the hills and dales of a doily…

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Mar-2007/34523-cutwork.jpg

And another winner Tracy !!! http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif Everyone is doing such great work!! As with a few others here you will either have to lengthen the left vertical side of your dish bringing the corner up higher or crop the top closer to the candy when you frame it.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Mar-2007/34523-tracy.jpg

Hi Terri – yes, the yellow and the pink line on it’s right definitely need to be lower to line up with the edge of the left side reflections. Good eye to catch that!! :thumbsup:


I have to say Marina…I went back and looked at that an it really is a yummy chocolate!

Ruth - “Totem of Sorts” :lol: Well I covet that name! I will have to ask your permission to use that myself. How witty is that and I love witty titles! :thumbsup: I would suggest if it’s possible for you to sneak in there and soften the transition in your shadow. It may appear just a little abrupt to the casual viewer out there. Excellent piece and yah…it’s legal!

And here comes Merethe with a fine keeper!! The plate doesn’t signify when it comes to the star. Bravo!! http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif

Tammy L – this is looking good. I know you are just beginning…do post if often as I see some mid tones in that photo that you haven’t begun to add yet so don’t be afraid of the dark. It’s what makes it those feathers work and gives the beak dimension and depth.

Gail – The glass – begin with the crabapple, cinnamon then cider (leaving out the white froth for the time being or anything below) before turning the paper upside down and doing the top of the glass.

For this area I would use my white charcoal pencil fairly firmly to drawn in oval rim then cover the whole area with black – both background and glass keeping the black very thin in the glass (just enough to fill it well but no excess) You should still be able to see your white pencil rim. Don’t work with it yet but if you can’t see it then re-transfer it at this stage.

Take a paper mask to run along your cider and extend the sides of the glass up to the rim. You don’t necessarily want to draw in the sides of the glass as they need to be every subtle so with your mask in place add some soft white and blend to make the sides and all your upright reflections being sure to go right to the rim or even better, past it as you can come in later with your black pencil and make alterations. It’s important to run these reflections right through the oval so that the viewer will have a firm understanding of the fact that they are looking up at the rim. Take a moment now to study your reflections to make so the center ones are perfectly vertical and any that move towards the sides are beginning to tilt and follow the shape of the glass as it flares out.

On then, when you are sure everything else looks as it should, with the white pencil enhance the rim through the black then taking your tiniest eraser, remove the pastel from both the white foam area and the two catch lights on the rim and fill these in last.

Now just move down to the base of the cup and handle.

I would still stay with my lighter tones of paper as you will need then for the doily. The black charcoal works well at covering so it’s not a problem to cover the background.

Hi Gill and welcome. :wave: I’m afraid this is my only class here and it ends tomorrow however I’m sure you can go back through it an glean lots of information. I will endeavor to find some of your works in the pastel forum once my workshop is over. I use the facecloths, one wet and one dry to clean my hands constantly to keep from transferring colours. I find that commercial hand wipes dry my hands out.

Cheers, Dianna :cat:

[Gail V]

Wow - thanks for the tips on doing the glass - I will definitely give it a try! - thanks!
Gail

[ponting]

Tammy here is a side-by-side to help you assess how much deeper you need to go as you progress on this one.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Mar-2007/34523-101939-bald_eagle_wip.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Mar-2007/34523-new.jpg

Cheers, Dianna :cat:

[Gail V]

another question :angel: - on the "Totem of Sorts" - do you always do a candy and then outline it with the background color (even though it isn't black, like on the plate of candies we just finished?)...just wondering about your "standard" procedures. Now today, after I had already ordered the Terry Ludwig intense dark set (which I hope to get by Wed!!!) - I went and invested in some Unison pastels. :cat: Starting on my second picture and hope to get something posted by tomorrow.
Thanks for all your help!!!
---
Gail

[ponting]

another question :angel: - on the "Totem of Sorts" - do you always do a candy and then outline it with the background color (even though it isn't black, like on the plate of candies we just finished?)

No Gail, only if that's the easiest way to proceed. You will notice that I gave you pictures such as this where the background is mostly composed of either white or black making it easy to come in with your pencil. In the 'totem' you have a varied background in the shadow so you need to apply and blend the shadow colours before very carefully painting the candy then going in and finishing the white wall later.

Cheers, Dianna :wave:

[alija1001]

Thanks for your comments. Also I find it easier to use black card. What do you think?

[lilbelle]

Dianne, I'm am trying to do the piture with the cherries and was wondering what brand and colour of red you used. I just have Nupastel and Schminke and am having a hard time getting a nice red. Thanks.

Lillian

[ponting]

Hi Gill - I have used a black support for a different method of pastel than this entirely. I find that in choosing still life projects in a realistic format, I like the painting contain the full range of values and it's much easier for me to make white paper black than to make black paper appear white so I tend to stay with the light to mid tones of paper.

Hello Lillian - :wave: I use Unison Red 8, Red 7 and Red 13 in almost all of my red paintings. :p

Cheers, Dianna :)

[frieda L]

still using the Strathmore pastel paper....it beats the watercolor paper they recomended in our one and only local artshop... that felt like cardboard, and I could not blend, and laying down colour was hard enough. Maybe more experienced pastellists could make it work... not this one.

Yikes! So sorry, Dianna, How did i manage the candies? Oh, right, you held my hand!!!:lol: However horrible this looks, it's fun enough to continue,...maybe after a couple hundred paintings it will get better.
any comments very much appreciated.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Mar-2007/22676-glass_apple_stillife_003.jpg
frieda

edited to say that I like it better on the screen than in real life. Should I use more black? In the apple? I am a little afraid of it...

S

[TJLind]

Thank you Dianna. I really thought that I had the face a little too dark. Will keep working on it.

[Farfallina]

I'm still waiting for my supplies to finish the Allsorts painting unfortunately.

And precisely for the same reason I could not attempt any of the new pictures in pastels. But I still had to do something out of these wonderful references so I went ahead with my coloured pencils... if you don't mind my posting it here.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Mar-2007/95602-crabapple_tea.jpg

[Goewyn]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Mar-2007/10940-allsorts.jpg


I'm calling this one done!

Thank you, Dianna, it's always wonderful to participate in one of your classes! :)

-- Linda

[ponting]

Frieda – ‘horrible’ is not in our vocabulary nor does it describe your apple. It looks unfinished that is all. Once you have finished the background it will bring the apple out. What it does need to make it look like a glass apple is the crisp edge of the reflection and the darkness above it. In a real apple this would be so very soft. Enlarging the highlight would really add some punch. I do love the teal colour you started the background with…my favourite!!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Mar-2007/34523-glass.jpg

Rose – this worked well in cp and you get to work out some of the bugs while awaiting your pastels. You need to check the line of your glass on the right side and in the next one widen your oval rim so that it spans the whole width of the glass between the two pink lines. How do you like the pastels as opposed to the cp?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Mar-2007/34523-95602-crabapple_tea.jpg

All Right Linda. Excellent painting. :thumbsup: I especially like your nice soft transition between the shadow of the plate and that lovely tablecloth. Way to go girl!! http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif

Cheers, Dianna

[*Deirdre*]

Well Dianna...I just know you'll notice I rushed!!:evil: :p But at least I got it in before the end of class!
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Mar-2007/33616-tea.jpg
I probably need to tweak a bit...and my sewing skills never were great!:eek: But at least I got it in before the end of class!:p :lol:

[Punky2]

Well, I think I'm finished. The upper right and lower left corners were cut off in the scan so I hastily cloned them in. They don't look like that IRL.
Thank you so much Dianna for this wonderful instruction. I wish I was able to do this kind of work "by myself". I would have no idea what to do without your instruction.

Terri

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Mar-2007/74403-allsorts4.jpg

[TJLind]

Hi Dianna, I darkened everything that I had done. Here is my update. The actual painting looks darker than the photo, even without using the flash.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Mar-2007/101939-be.jpg

[ponting]

Deirdre - I have to argue that point. I think your sewing skills here are marvellous :thumbsup: an the finish on that crabapple is flawless!! :clap: :clap: :clap: http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Mar-2007/34523-34523-0_cheerleader.gif

Terri - your yellow candies have in inner glow! Just awesome and I'm sure the next one on your own will be just as wonderful! http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif

Tammy - this has gained definintion for sure. White is so hard to photograph and this would be especially difficult with the feathers being so softly rendered. Looking forward to the next photo. :thumbsup:

Cheers and good night, Dianna:)

[nvcricket]

Dianna,

Frieda asked a question about what reds you use. I recall a prior post in this thread that you mentioned you throw out your red nupastel from your set. Why is this?

Linda, You did a great job. I like your rendention of the tablecloth!

Carol

[Ruth Grinstead]

Ruth - “Totem of Sorts” :lol: Well I covet that name! I will have to ask your permission to use that myself. How witty is that and I love witty titles! :thumbsup: I would suggest if it’s possible for you to sneak in there and soften the transition in your shadow. It may appear just a little abrupt to the casual viewer out there. Excellent piece and yah…it’s legal!

Cheers, Dianna :cat:

How could I refuse when you have generously shared your reference pictures and your time and skills :D Permission to use the title yourself granted, Dianna. As the proud painter of Grapes 1, Grapes 2 etc it is a pleasant surprise when the subject matter screams a name at you before you even pick up a pastel, that was why I started with that one.

I will have a look at the shadow today in day light :thumbsup:

Thank you

Ruth

[Farfallina]

Yes, Miss Ponting, I know there is quite a bit wrong with that glass and that is really the disadvantage of coloured pencil. Once it's down there is precious little you can do to fix it. The only thing I really like about them is that I have a full set of them so can attempt more or less whatever. But given equality of arms I would most definietly opt for pastels... not only because they are more forgiving but also for their lovely luminosity and intensity.

Since your wonderful class, which was the first time I ever put pastel to paper, I have attempted two other pieces on my own. Again, I hope you don't mind that I post them here.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Mar-2007/95602-Tomato.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Mar-2007/95602-Pewter_and_onions.jpg

Thank you so much for opening this new horizon for me Dianna..... and it has been a priviledge to talk to you.

[*Deirdre*]

Dianna,

Frieda asked a question about what reds you use. I recall a prior post in this thread that you mentioned you throw out your red nupastel from your set. Why is this?

Linda, You did a great job. I like your rendention of the tablecloth!

Carol
Carol...I think she said they were too hard to use ( Hard as in able to cut paper!):wink2:

[frieda L]

wow, some beautiful pieces in this round of paintings!

Dianna, thanks for reminding me that "horrible" does not exist in this contect.
The very first time I took my sketchbook out in public, on the beach, very discreetly, I got "caught" by someone I know. I had not counted on that, and while she was enthousiastic about finding out I am an "artist", I was mumbling stuff like "I am a total beginner", "have everything to learn" etc... She told me "Never apologize for any art you do!!!" "Show it proudly"

Okay, I played with this last night... my kids critique was "don't be offended mum, but the apple looks like it is glass":lol:
Now, the mandarin, let's just say it does not look very yummy. It will need to be redone. I played around with many colours for the shadowy side, blue, grey, brown... Any suggestion would be so helpful. I suppose that dark lavender from previous painting would work, but I do not have that...

thank you, Dianna, for this life changing experience. (I will have pastel dust on my face forever):rolleyes:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Mar-2007/22676-glass_apple_stillife_004.jpg

[harvey concepts]

Thanks so much for doing this Dianna. I definitely struggled with this. I did not have the pitt charcoal pencil (I have ordered it) and I am at a loss to find the koss/mungio/smi charcoal sticks. When you look at the painting - you can see the different blacks used.

I also had a hard time keeping my painting clean.

Thanks again - and if you ever come to Massachusetts - the Cape is beautiful! :heart: - I would love to take a class.

Best - Sarah

[ponting]

:p Carol - Deirdre has that description down pat!! :lol: Hard enough to cut paper!! Wells said.

Thanks so much Ruth - my title 'A Smartish Few' is an old English term I've wanted to use for ages but it can apply to almost any grouping and yours is so right!! :lol:

Rose - I have never worked in cp and didn't realize there was no changing once this stage was reached. Interesting! I don't know why you're waiting for more pastels...you seem to have pulled these two off beautifully with what you have on hand!! Regarding the onion painting. I would imagine with such strong lighting that the shadow under the plate would be fairly dark. I would be tempted to make it a graduation from the dark lavender we used on the allsorts deepening to black as it nears the plate. Since we have turned a page here, I will post them side by each to that you can see the difference.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Mar-2007/34523-95602-Pewter_and_onions.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Mar-2007/34523-rose.jpg

Frieda - ... my kids critique was "don't be offended mum, but the apple looks like it is glass"

What a hoot and what a compliment :lol: Intesify, intensify, intesnfy!! Keep that thought in mind. You've done it in the apple and that's what both the pear and orange need. To do this you may have to find yourself some additional darks. The orange is in need of a very dark rust to make the transition from the light side right across the dark then black added to over part way over that to give yet another value to the darkest side. The same is true for the pear with a very dark green and the addition of the dark rust to emphasize the reflection of the orange rather than a yellow. So just think DARKER! :lol: and check out Terry Ludwig's intense darks if you can.

Sarah - Another winner!! And well done!! http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif Once you get your pitt pencil it's only a matter of taking to the art store with a good piece of pastel paper and trying the various brands to find one that matches and is soft enough to apply over large areas. Try the round charcoal sticks as one of them might work though I find most charcoal sticks to be a dark gray rather than black so it make take a little bit or research but I'm sure you will find a substitute. And thanks Sarah, I will keep you on file should I ever get to Massachusetts.

Cheers, Dianna:cat:

[TJLind]

I would love to take workshop with you, but the largest nearest city to me is Lewiston, Maine. It's about 45 minutes away and I work nights so it would be very difficult for me to do.

[ponting]

Well isn't if fortunate Tammy that you have Wet Canvas and all it's resources in all mediums :clap: :clap: :clap:

Cheers, Dianna:thumbsup:

[Farfallina]

Thank you so much Miss Ponting. I have incorporated your corrections and now the painting is looking so much more lifelike.

As for the supplies I'm expecting, if it were just the pastels I would have tried to adapt but what I thought was rather essential was the white charcoal pencil... there's no way I can do detailed work without it. Hopefully this week I will have it.

Once again... thank you so very much for all your interest and kindness. :)

[Judi1957]

Hi Dianna!
Thanks-I am really looking forward to gaining more experience here. You have shown us such a wonderful lesson and how to get more detail and realism than I ever imagined! I still have a few hours here to fine tune and clean up-hoping to post that tonight. I especially need better graduation of the tablecloth and dishes shadow-way to stripey-as well as the bottom licorace!:eek: :D The yellow candies reflection is looking rather nasty too!:lol: :lol:
Oh well-back to getting more experience......

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Mar-2007/37258-end_in_site_1.jpg

[*Deirdre*]

Dianna...I'd like to second what Judi has said, as well as to thank you, once again, for being so generous with your time and expertise. Your patience with those willing to learn is unbounded, and your explanations and rationale easy to follow. You are definitely a top tutor, both online and off! Thanks also for sharing your photos in the IRL....Thanks also for saying yes to tutoring this class! And finally...Thanks for being you! :grouphug:
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Erm....nope...I've said all my thank yous...Oooo I know what it was...when are you coming over to the UK so we can have some more tutoring?:smug:

[ponting]

Deidre, Rose and everyone...thank you so much and you are most welcome. What a great bunch of pastellists! If each of you have learned only one thing from me I will be well pleased.

Last year my 11 year old granddaugher allowed me to borrow her mom for the Scotland leg of my tour. I return I promised her I would take her to Paris in 2008 as she's a French emmersion student. I'm hoping to come early and do some more workshops in the UK. I don't know where or when but I guess I had better get busy and figure that out soon. I will definitely let you know Deirdre. :D

Judi - I can feel your dash to the finsh line...you'll be skidding in sideways hollerin' Woo Hoo!! :clap:

Cheers, Dianna:lol:

[ann.bun]

Thank you! thank you! thank you!
I really enjoyed your lesson. I had forgotten so much. Mind you, when I started on the cherry jug I found it quite hard to pick the colours, and I realised exactly how much help you had given. Now to try something on my own!
Thanks for your patience and expertise. Ann

[Piper Ballou]

We did an art show this past weekend, I always try to do a demo or paint or something to keep myself busy, and it really opens the door to discussions about pastels, etc.
I worked on the crabapple reference that Dianna provided. The room was dark and I had just the paper I printed off from the computer. This is what I got done at the art show, now that I am home I will clean up the glass and fix the lace.....it was fun to do.
I will post the finished piece in a day or so
piper
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Mar-2007/8539-crabappletea.jpg

[jmfletch]

Dianna, Thanks again for talking the time to share your talent and knowledge! :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Finally got my hands on General's White Pastel today... what a dramatic difference!! Thanks for that tip as well!:thumbsup:

Joe

[diash]

Hi Dianna - Congratulations on the most wonderful workshop you have just provided us all with. I am close to finishing my "Allsorts" project - just some whites on the tablecloth in fact. I have had a houseful of visitors since the start of your thread and they leave in the morning. Did I say phew!!! I hope to catch up in the next couple of days and submit my final piece. I would be most grateful if you could find a moment to comment but fully appreciate all the hours you have put into this very successful workshop so far. As my time is freed up towards the end of the ski season I hope also to tackle your other references and see how I progress on my own. Thank you once again for your fabulous tuition.

[birdlady]

wow some really really lovely finished pieces in here. Dianna, it shows what a great teacher you are even over the internet.

well I made the adjustments and am close to going for the table cloth I think. I havent put in the pink line to the right yet as wanted to make sure I was still on the right track. sooooooooo need more critique

Gosh Dern this has been fun so far.

Laurie http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Mar-2007/5126-WC_lesson_mine_2.jpg

[Gail V]

I know class if over, but I just finished my "Tower of Allsorts", so I thought I would post it anyway. My background color is Unison #14, so it really doesn't look as dark gray as it does in the picture. I really struggled with the top pink candy...and I think the middle pink candy should be darker. I used the white General pencil around the shadow and candy - I couldn't get a good blend with the white pastel and the charcoal pencil--any suggestions on brand of white pastel to use? I used Rembrandt for the white. All comments are welcome - thanks Dianna for the awesome class!!!!:thumbsup: http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Mar-2007/100582-TowerofAllsorts.cropped.jpg
---
Gail

[Crispycritter]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Mar-2007/53636-100_0973.jpg
I just had to try this one :)
Any comments are appreciated, good, bad or indifferent.
Sorry the picture is a little blurry, I didn't use the flash I find it bleaches out the drawing or is it painting ? :confused:
I think on reflection here I should have done the front of the table white and not grey

[frieda L]

and the corrected version... I went as dark as I think I was able to. I put the dark Ludwigs on my wishlist...
Dianna, thanks again for the class, I thoroughly enjoyed it, here in my isolated part of the world...
frieda
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Mar-2007/22676-glass_apple_stillife_006.jpg

[Dark_Shades]

Dianna...I'd like to second what Judi has said, as well as to thank you, once again, for being so generous with your time and expertise. Your patience with those willing to learn is unbounded, and your explanations and rationale easy to follow. You are definitely a top tutor, both online and off! Thanks also for sharing your photos in the IRL....Thanks also for saying yes to tutoring this class! And finally...Thanks for being you! :grouphug:
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Erm....nope...I've said all my thank yous...Oooo I know what it was...when are you coming over to the UK so we can have some more tutoring?:smug:

Ok, and I will 3rd it, Absolutely Dianna, :thumbsup: Your the Best

[ponting]

I’m so sorry but I have been experiencing email problems and it was so frustrating to have to look and not touch. I actually admit to visiting my parents the other day just to use their email.

Thanks so much Ann, Diana, Dawn and Joe, you make my day!

Piper – I am all agog at you’re attempting something so intense as this whilst in a crowd. Bravo lady…looking forward to seeing it finished.:thumbsup:

Laurie you’re definitely on the right track and I’m sorry it took me so long to get back to this.

Gail your to pink candy is just perfect and the lower one needs that much light to look rounded. If you wanted to add more colour you could work a little dark in the last third on the left as it rounds into the shadow but be really gradual about it. I absolutely love the gradation and colour shifts within your shadow. I believe I have been using General white sticks that a very gracious student gave me and I don’t even know where they came from. I will have to track them down. :thumbsup:

Dave - Now this is a happy little painting!! I think you need to remove that strip of brown/beiges from the edge of the table. It is a wee bit distracting. What you see in the photograph is that the creamer is sitting on a large book. In my painting I simply covered it with a table cloth so that edge doesn’t even factor into the finished piece. You are right in thinking that you should have made your table white or light. 99% of the time reflections are darker than what they are reflecting therefore your table needs to be at least lighter than the lightest shade I see in your creamer to make the reflection believable.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/23-Mar-2007/34523-c-critter.jpg

Frieda – darkening that orange made a lot of difference. You’ve done an especially good job of the woodgrain! :thumbsup:

Cheers, Dianna

[mmdm]

I can't believe I missed such a great class! I'm going to come back and try it when I can, but for now I am reading through it, learning what i can. I have a couple of questions that I haven't found the answers to yet, and I am up to page 10.

1. Why do you use the Pitt soft charcoal pencil instead of a black pastel?

2. You mentioned that you only use ultramarine type blues, but what do you do if the color you want to recreate is a greenish blue. And what is your reason for not using greenish blues?

I can't believe how great everyone is doing and I am so jealous that I didn't get to join in. :)

[*Deirdre*]

Melissa...there is such a lot to read here it's easy to skip a bit....you'll find the answers on page 1! (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=405403&page=12):wink2: Also...you can go through the class at any time...you may be lucky and find Dianna drops in from time to time...but there are also those who were in the class, who may well know the answer and help you out...so please feel free to join in now!

[mmdm]

Melissa...there is such a lot to read here it's easy to skip a bit....you'll find the answers on page 1! (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=405403&page=12):wink2: Also...you can go through the class at any time...you may be lucky and find Dianna drops in from time to time...but there are also those who were in the class, who may well know the answer and help you out...so please feel free to join in now!

I'm sorry, but I just can't find it. I went back and read all of Diane's post for the first 40 posts (I get 40 posts to a page) and I can't find anywhere where she says WHY she uses the charcoal pencil instead of a black pastel, or WHY she uses only ultramarine blue. Could you possibly point me to the post number if it isn't too much trouble? Or maybe someone remembers?

[ponting]

Hello Melissa - thanks so much for dropping in...sorry we missed you...and thank you Deirdre for jumping in there. I use the Pitt Charcoal pencil because it's very black...not all pencils are equal and because my black stick matches it very well. This lets me touch up or outlline with the pencil and finish large areas with the matching black stick.

I do use other blues if that's the colour I'm looking for. I'm sorry if I didn't make myself clear. I use the ultramarine whenever I'm inventing or enhancing shadow areas.

Cheers, Dianna

[mmdm]

Hi Diane. Thanks for answering and thanks to Deirdra for trying to help even though I was not smart enough to find what she was pointing me to. So the charcoal is for details and edges. I'll have to see if I can find that kind and maybe it will match my pastels. I have Sennelier and Rembrandt, mostly. Thanks for clarifying the blues thing. I thought maybe something was wrong with the greenish blues. :)

I probably won't be able to try this until May but I do want to try. I love pastels and I love your work. Everyone has done such a great job, it really makes me want to try it, too. I've never seen licorice alsorts before. They're beautiful!

[*Deirdre*]

Melissa...it really is worth re reading Dianna's note's on the charcoal pencil and the pastels that match them...if you are hoping to aim for a picture anything like Dianna's professional and masterful rendition that is!:wink2: Take the time now, and you will have plenty of time to order anything you may need to get Dianna's professional results.

In fact, given the time between now and then, it might be worth having some practice runs...it will give you an idea of the technique at least.:wink2: I can't stress enough the value of learning the technique and the precision it takes.

[mmdm]

Melissa...it really is worth re reading Dianna's note's on the charcoal pencil and the pastels that match them...if you are hoping to aim for a picture anything like Dianna's professional and masterful rendition that is!:wink2: Take the time now, and you will have plenty of time to order anything you may need to get Dianna's professional results.

In fact, given the time between now and then, it might be worth having some practice runs...it will give you an idea of the technique at least.:wink2: I can't stress enough the value of learning the technique and the precision it takes.

Will do, Dierdra (is that the right name?), although I don't imagine having the same supplies will be enough to give me results like Diane's. I only wish, LOL! I've done a bit of pastel work before, but never worked like this, finishing one small area before moving to the next. I wish I could have played along with everyone else, but I'm sure I will still learn a lot.

[lilbelle]

Dianna, you are truly an inspiration. I went with the cherry picture. I never did find the Unison reds here in town. 11x14in.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Mar-2007/103642-DSC01125.jpg
Lillian

[binkie]

I am so sorry I didn't have the chance to participate while Dianna was teaching this class. There are so many incredible paintings that I am taking a deep bolstering breath and posting my humble efforts to date. I didn't have all the colors so there are some substitutions, and I made a big blunder which I tried to work into the painting. The photo looks washed out in comparison to the actual painting. My colors are more vibrant and there is a lot more detail. My mother is no longer allowed to have candy, (at her age she should have what she wants) so I may give this to her for mother's day. At least she'll have candy on her wall.

Dianna, you are such a wonderful teacher and artist. Thank you so much for your clear instructions which allowed me to attempt this class after the fact.

Anyway, here it is:

[TJLind]

Hi Dianna,

I haven't finished it yet, I do find time to work on it a little every day though.
Here is what I have done so far on my eagle.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Mar-2007/101939-be2.jpg

I know I need to darken the small feathers on the throat. It does look more defined than is showing up in the photo.

My bonus didn't come through but I was able to get an ultramarine pencil and a lavender pencil which I have been adding to the feathers that I have already done and a set of 48 pastels, not the expensive ones but I am hoping they will work better than what I have been using. I haven't tried them yet. Before I got the pencils I had powdered some of the colors I had and mixed them to form the colors I needed, I was applying these with a tortillon. It was working but very slow going.

Tammy

[ponting]

Hi Mel and Dee...hmm almost melodie :p

Lillian - I don't think you needed that red :lol: Looks wonderful!!

Gwen - I have darkened the back sides of a few of these to show what you might do if you have access to sticks of darker value.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Mar-2007/34523-binky.jpg

Tammy - this fellow is coming along great! I can imagine it will go a lot faster now that you can work with 'real' pencils. :lol:

Cheers, Dianna :cat:

[Crispycritter]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Mar-2007/53636-flower_001.jpg
Updated version after altering the foreground, Darn forgot to do the darkening of the handle oops

[Dark_Shades]

Im so greedy, Ive got 3 on the go lol .....
Still not absolutely happy with the liquid in the glass, have taken it off a few times........ and this is the best have got so far.....
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Mar-2007/12116-HotToddy.jpg
.... and this one, I can not get the right reflective red onto the pear....... Im am trying to get a glow a real sparkle of colour .......
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Mar-2007/12116-Mixed_Fruit.jpg

[TJLind]

Thank you, Dianna.

I am really enjoying these pencils.

[ponting]

Dave – that is a much more cohesive painting now and the darkening is really optional. :clap:

Dawn - Industrious as usual! :lol: This crabapple painting looks great but I would be happy to see you soften up those two vertical lines…possibly a little wider or darker (or would that be lighter :lol: ...more white anyway) at the top than the bottom or one wider than the other….something to break up their uniformity and so many of the same lines in the cidre makes that area a little busier than perhaps it needs to be.

In the fruit painting…be sure to keep the edges of your reflections fairly well in line with the edges of the real fruit. I think your red is great. Remember this is a brilliant red glass so your reflection needs to show it. I added a touch more of the same red to the shadow area of the apple which seems to help the red in the pear relate better to what is happening in regards to the colour being projected past the apple. :)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Mar-2007/34523-Dawn.jpg


Tammy - :thumbsup:

Cheers, Dianna :cat:

[binkie]

Hi Dianna, I think I'm almost done. I still have to straighten the edges of the plate, which I'm having a hard time doing. The table cloth needs some attention too.

Again, thank you so much for this fabulous opportunity to learn from the best!

binkie

[Gail V]

Hi Dianna - here's what I have so far on the apple cider picture. I believe I have come full circle on the cider in the glass. I first used a variety of browns and some fleshy peach/orange colors and I turned that into mud!! :eek: So, then I ended up covering it with Unison Dk Red #8, with Red #3 for the lighter areas. I had a ton of trouble deciding what colors to use for the cider. What would have been the better choice of colors?

I'm still waiting for my mungyo black charcoal stick to be delivered, so rather than waiting, I decided to use Terry Ludwig's DK Green #D5 for the background--maybe it should have been darker....?

I used Unison Red #13 for the shadow on the wood to the right of the doily--is it too purple?

I still need to clean up the stem on the apple (yes, the stem is pointing to a water spot!!!!:( ), add the foam and jump in and do the doily. :) Thanks for all your help!!! You are SO VERY TALENTED!!!

-----
Gailhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Mar-2007/100582-AppleCider.032607.jpg

[ponting]

Gwen - this is looking great. Remember a ways back... I said you could use the edge of a piece of paper as a mask for truing up the edges of your plate. That might help you. I can see you're almost there :thumbsup:

Gail - That green is gorgeous and I am amazed that you could outline that whole thing with Terry's big chunky green :lol: Bravo lady!! The oval at the top of your glass is just a little flat. I would come in with the green inside the oval and cover the lip. It's easier to show that to tell here.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Mar-2007/34523-Gail-1.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Mar-2007/34523-Gail-2.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Mar-2007/34523-Gail-3.jpg

I added some dark yellow to lengthen the vertical bars when they run from the clear glass to over the cider.

Looking good ladies!!
Cheers, Dianna :wave:

[Tich]

:lol: Lordy, Lordy Diana I just wanted to stop in and see what thread of yours has gotten 18,000 hits in just over two weeks!!!:eek: I've been here an hour and a half :lol: and can certainly see why it's so popular. High five to you sister!! Great thread.

Ta Ta Tich :wave:

[Farfallina]

I finally get to post my finished Allsorts. I only got my pencils today, but I guess it was worth waiting.

I'm not entirely happy with the tablecloth but I think I'm calling it done.

Once again thank you so much Miss Ponting. What a lovely introduction this was to soft pastels. They have since then become my pet medium! :)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/28-Mar-2007/95602-Allsorts_signed.jpg

[ponting]

Hello Tich...long time no see :wave: When are you going to join in one of these? :p I know, I'm just teasing. Wow 18,000 who woulda ever guessed? http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/28-Mar-2007/34523-blushing.gif

Your pet medium Rose - why am I not surprised that this??? :lol: It is a lovely forgiving medium isn't it? Well done lady!! http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/28-Mar-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/28-Mar-2007/34523-star.gif

Cheers, Dianna :wave:

[Dark_Shades]

I was sitting here thinking how much fun this all has been...... still busy painting away - but it brought back a memory LOLOL.... how could I have forgotten....... of a jumper I knitted for a friend of mine years ago ... something similiar to this

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/28-Mar-2007/12116-9c1e_1.jpg

[*Marina*]

Lovely work, Dawn

[ponting]

What a fun thing to wear and what a clever thing to knit!! I should be sporting one while I do my candy demo next week. :lol:

To those of you who continue to post here....for some reason my subscription to this thread no longer works and I cannot seem to renew it...so...if you post a painting and are looking for immediate feedback, please PM me at the same time and I will log on.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/29-Mar-2007/34523-allsorts.jpg

Cheers, Dianna :wave:

[*Deirdre*]

Dianna...I just had to start this one...it is such a challenge! I know there's a lot to finish yet...especially the folds above the egg...but I thought I'll commit to posting it then I have to finish it!:evil:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/29-Mar-2007/33616-myegg.jpg

[ponting]

:lol: Deirdre this is looking AWESOME!! :clap: So soft and sensual :rolleyes: Great lavenders in there!! I'm not entirely sure I would add those two little wrinkles in the forefront fold. Just because I'm lazy with the iron is no reason for you to put them in.:lol: I find them slightly distracting just because they are so little and pinched compared to the rest of the large loose folds. Way to go lady!!:thumbsup:

Cheers, Dianna

[Dark_Shades]

Deirdre, Im leaving that one till last ........ I KNOW I will STRUGGLE with that one so badly - the sheen is coming along beautifully......... will be asking you for tips n tricks :)

Ive nearly finished 3 ........... and need to post for help ...... still bits not happy with and need other eyes to see

[Gail V]

Hi Dianna - I have attempted to thin down the top of the glass as you suggested and also added the yellow reflection on the apple/glass. I think there is "some" improvement, but, unfortunately, my white charcoal drawing lines were too dark, so I have had some trouble covering them up on the rim of the glass and on the reflections. I will know better next time!!! All C&Cs are definitely welcome!!! The wood top on the right doesn't look flat to me...not certain how to fix this. I have to try to figure out how to make the stitching more 3-dimensional--I gave up on this for now and will have to relook at this tomorrow. This has been an awesome class!!! - thanks!!!:)
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Apr-2007/100582-AppleCider.033107.NoFlash.jpg
---
Gail

[binkie]

Dianna, I finally had the chance to finish my allsorts. Thanks for the tip of using paper to straighten the edge of the plate. I had forgotten about that.

I want to thank you again for such a wonderful class.

binkie

[ponting]

Dawn - have you posted these new ones elsewhere? :rolleyes:

Gwen - you are most welcome!!

Gail - This is looks wonderful. I don't see a problem with the top of the table at all. I have to say though that your doily is exquisitly delicate. :thumbsup:

I pronouce you done lady :lol: however if you think you might like to give it a go...I darkend the vertical wood under the right edge of the hangin doily adding additional depth to that ares. So great work Gwen http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Apr-2007/34523-checkeredflag.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Apr-2007/34523-star.gif

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Apr-2007/34523-gail_4.jpg

Cheers, Dianna :cat:

[Gail V]

Yes - that what it was missing!! I darkened the wood on the right :) I still need to figure out how to do the stitching on the doily - I apologize if you mentioned this earlier..but what is the # on your mocha pencil that you used? I think mine was too dark of a brown to start with - I used CarbOthello #640 and then tried to cover it with the med ultramarine # 430 and then the dark ultra #405--which turned it too blue.
----
Gail

[Artistammy]

I finally got to get back to this.
Tammy
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Apr-2007/3341-Licoricewip7.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Apr-2007/3341-Licoricewip7crop.jpg

[ponting]

Gail - you mean your doily isn't finished??? I thought it looked wonderful the way it was. You have to remember that these cutwork pieces are stitched with white or pale blue or like mine, a mocha colour so you have a lots of options. I used the 640 with the ligher ultra over it in places. You would also use a touch of the dusty pink 642 but in all honesty I would leave it alone. :thumbsup:

Tammy - how great to see this excellent work. Again, you might want to tone down your reflections if you find in the end they are too distracting. This will be a great keeper!! :thumbsup:

We're having a wonderfully fluffy snowfall here on the west coast with is rare for April but certainly enjoyable.

Cheers, Dianna :cat:

[Gail V]

Gail - you mean your doily isn't finished??? I thought it looked wonderful the way it was.

OK - I'll try to leave it alone!! :) This is one of those times when I have to tell myself to stop touching it and call it complete..sometimes easier said than done. But, I will stop :D Thanks for helping me to stop before it's too late....

[Ruth Grinstead]

Hi Dianna

I hope it is OK to post this here because I am not quite organised enough to keep up in the pastel forum.

I did your egg with satin as it is very different to what else I have been doing recently. It is 10.5x8.5" with Unison Red 13-18, Brown Earth 7-12 and Greys 1 and 9, plus one other of an off white.

Best wishes
Ruth

[TJLind]

Hi Dianna,

I finished my eagle, finally. By the time you read this it will be delivered to my co-worker, however I would still appreciate any C&C you wish to make.

Thank you for introducing me to this wonderful medium.
Tammy
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Apr-2007/101939-be4.jpg

[ponting]

Hi Ruth - thanks so much for the email! Those are always welcome especially after getting to know you all and now having seen the face that matches the words. :lol: Well milady, you certainly have the jist to of making satin work and I'm so glad you chose to leave out those two little creases in the forefront ripple. :thumbsup: I like the way you opted to make the egg stand out with the use of different hues than those in the satin making it unique. It's always great to have something that sets you apart from the rest of the crowd. :clap: http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Apr-2007/34523-star.gif That said, you should pop this in with all the other eggs in the drawing forum. Deirde knows where it is. Keep them coming Ruth as I will be checking back for new work often. :wave:

Tammy - You have an amazing amount of patience with all of those little feathers. :lol: I'm sure your c0-worker was well pleased. :clap: As an afterthougth, I would have lost a few edges in amonst those many feathers. They need not all be well defined and it would have softened it up a bit (as well as mad for less work :lol: ) Great piece!

Cheers, Dianna :cat:

[*Deirdre*]

You called Dianna?:D :wave: Yes...Of course I know where this thread is...it's here! (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=409332) It's a good one to put it in because the D&S forum used Dianna's ref as the Weekly drawing thread...and it's always open!:D Hi Ruth!:wave: :D

[ponting]

And there she is...Johnnie on the spot. Thanks so much Deirdre. http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Apr-2007/34523-worship.gif :lol:

Cheers, Dianna

[Ruth Grinstead]

Hi, Dianna :wave: thank you, for your comments and for the suggestion of the other thread. I will certainly be keeping them coming as it is about five weeks until my open studio, and I still have some picture hooks to fill :eek: :lol:

Hi Deirdre :wave: thank you for pointing me in the direction of the weekly drawing thread. There are some brilliant entries there, I shall have to keep my eye open for that thread in future.

Best wishes
Ruth

[TJLind]

Thank you, Dianna. I will keep your suggestion in mind if I should ever decide to do a bird again. Yes, he loved the eagle.

[Crispycritter]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Apr-2007/53636-100_0984a.jpg
I tried this one, and here is my humble effort.
Ignore the white mark below the bowl, just a little accident.:D

[ponting]

Hi Dave - You have your bowl reflections looking great and need only work on getting the oval rim worked out. I leave my drawing attached to my board just for such occasions. Once the bowl is done, if I feel something doesn't read quite right, I can clean all the chalk off the back of the paper and because the traced pattern is now raised, can add just a light layer to this raised oval or whatever part I'm uncertain about and re-transfer it. In this case I might use a white chalk but an ultramarine would be more easily seen. I've use pink here to show you that the left side of the oval is pretty good but the right needs some major adjustment so if you re-trace just the right side you need not mess up the left by tracing it also.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Apr-2007/34523-Dave.jpg

Now your little oops! Is that paper that has been wet and is now lacking in grit? If so you can fix that with the addition of an extremely fine layer of Colorfix paint or Golden's pastel ground applied painstakingly slowly with the tip of a '00' paint brush. You want to use as little as possible to keep from raising it higher than the surrounding area.

Let me know how you do....Cheers, Dianna :thumbsup:

[Crispycritter]

Thanks for your comments Dianna, yes you are right I washed my hands and they was a little damp when I continued and my eyes almost popped out when I lifted my hand up :eek: Thanks for the tip on how to correct the blooper.
Now you put that oval over the top it shows how far I strayed off line. the top and bottom of the bowl I had the most difficulty with as you can see

[Ruth Grinstead]

Firstly I made a mistake in my post about the egg and said I had used some red pastels, I realised when I put them away that I should have said red earth.

My latest is the glass with cinnamon, I am having a love/hate relationship with it at the mo. I had nice ellipses and then fiddled and made them worse, I matched the doily colour with one I have here and it looks somewhat dingey. In the photo I liked the glow on the cinnamon stick and I feel I have captured that somewhat. Perhaps I should have cut off the upright on the table like everyone else, but I looked at my pine table and that has a long upright. Maybe I should have gone for the black background?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Apr-2007/38452-spiced_tea.jpg

Ruth

[Artistammy]

I've done more. Someone put in a reflection under the yellow bottom candy that I don't have. I hope I'm getting the shadow OK.
tammy
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Apr-2007/3341-licorice8.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Apr-2007/3341-licorice8crop.jpg