Golden in pastel on suede

[momof6]

Hello friends!:wave:

Have been CRAZY busy with all kinds of stuff of life lately, so art has been simmering on low on the back burner for what seems like forever.

I have this project in a holding pattern half way through - it was donated as an auction item (portrait of the pet of your choice - thank goodness she had dogs and horses, my two best subjects!:rolleyes: ). It is WAY over due, but she is incredibly patient!

Molly, the golden retriever. Will be punching up the colour and adding the grass she was resting in later.

C & C welcome.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Jan-2009/43602-Molly_2.jpg

[jody007]

Hey Tracy!
It is so good to see you again and your beautiful work!
Is this pastels?
looks like you are off to a beautiful start, I am watching you work.
Jody

[gourdburner]

Beautiful start. I love the head already. He looks so calm and intelligent, typically Golden. Can't wait to see the finish.

[stirling]

Looking really good Tracy,lovely pose on the Dog.

Best from mike.

[momof6]

Jody - thank you, it's nice to be back. Yes, these are soft pastels (mostly pastel pencil at this point, will pull out the unisons next to really brighten things up) - on suede mat board - my favourite!

Debbie - she was a very pretty, regal dog. I never met her, but her owner is so fond of her, I feel like I might have known her...

Mike - thanks! The pose is great - in fact, in the reference the dog is actually squinting in the glare of the hazy day. The client sent a second photo of the dog's face with her eye open, then asked for this pose with an open eye. I got to this phase (as posted below), then she said she wants the eye squinting!!! ARG! She doesn't appreciate how tricky it will be to change that eye on suede!!!!! I hope I don't make a mess!

Am I the only one with Image Uploader issues? I have to attach this time...

[momof6]

Finally back to Molly.

I went over her with nupastels today - a bit softer than pastel pencils so the colour is richer.

I put the eye back into the original squint, added the lawn to ground her.

Does she need more contrast?

I'm posting the ref. photo for you too.

Tracy

(sorry, image uploader still not working for me!)

[yorkhorse]

I personally like the squint much better than the open eyes. She looks content.

[PatrickHedges]

You did a great job, especially with the eye change. I don't think she needs more contrast. Excellent work Tracy, and lovely to see you back.

[momof6]

Thanks Linda, I agree that they eyes are better squinting. I didn't want to open them in the first place!

Patrick, thank you. My client thinks this is wonderful as is, so I've signed it and I'll deliver it shortly. :thumbsup:

It's nice to be back. I hope to have more posts as I am in the preliminary stages of coordinating with an author to illustrate his book(s). The style is loose line sketches - should be fast but as you might guess, not what I normally do! :rolleyes:

[oldwomanpainting]

I agree the eyes are much better squinting. Glad your client is happy. Couldnt amagine them not very happy!! Sounds very excitting to start something new. Congratulations!

[jody007]

I love the way you did the fur and everything else. It turned out magnificent!
Jody

[PatrickHedges]

Wow Tracy, that's good news. Let us know how it goes :)

[skappy]

great you did a good work you said pastel on suede [is it a velvety stuff like Rembrant for pastel?] just curious

Robert

[skappy]

great you did a good work you said pastel on suede [is it a velvety stuff like Rembrant for pastel?] just curious

Robert

[Klemek]

oh wow stunning work! I love the colors you used in this. Question where do you get suede paper?

[momof6]

Thanks Robert and Audrey.

I am using suede mat board - you can get it from a framer. I sourced mine online - a framer sells me the "holes" from his cut mats. I've got a big variety of sizes and colours.

Pros of suede - holds a lot of colour, seems to add a 3D quality to the painting, great results for rendering fur and soft surfaces (like satin).

Cons - doesn't blend well (but layers can kind of blend when you use a harder pastel on top of a softer one), impossible to erase mistakes (but you can layer over them).

[skappy]

Thanks Robert and Audrey.

I am using suede mat board - you can get it from a framer. I sourced mine online - a framer sells me the "holes" from his cut mats. I've got a big variety of sizes and colours.

Pros of suede - holds a lot of colour, seems to add a 3D quality to the painting, great results for rendering fur and soft surfaces (like satin).

Cons - doesn't blend well (but layers can kind of blend when you use a harder pastel on top of a softer one), impossible to erase mistakes (but you can layer over them).
hi it is a great idea to buy holes from framers i like the idea of recycling
thanks for answering
Robert

[palettetalk]

Beautiful dog, beautiful painting. Thank you for sharing.
Cheers,
Susan

[momof6]

Thank you Susan! It's nice to have a good looking subject - it makes me look better! :cool: