First Drawings!

[HeatherMary]

Hello,

I am brand new to using soft pastels. I am also new to WetCanvas, and I would love to be more involved. I tried following a few tutorials online and learned a few things and tried them out in my drawings. What does everyone think?? I would definitely love some C & C from all of you experts out there. I am a tough chick, so don't be afraid to tell me what you think! I am here to learn...thanks so much!!

The first one with the toucan was copied from a photo and I added a few things in there myself. The cheetah was copied from a photograph which I have attached as well. The toucan was done on Bristol paper and the cheetah was on pastel paper.

Thanks again!

[Fraco]

I think it´s a good starting, in my opinion When you work from a photo a good tip can see not paint exactly like you see in the photo, you must interpret some things, like the intensity of the colors for the space, etc. i like your starting with pastels. Keep it up

[barriespapa]

Hi Heather welcome to soft pastel forum. I see you are of to a good start, nice bright bold colours. Quite hard subject for a beginner so you have done well I know one of the things that the more experienced artists will tell you is when you are a beginner only paint what is in your reference don't add anything else it is something that only the very experienced artist should do, this was the advice i received when i started. I think your cat is very well done if you were to look closely at the cats neck in the ref. photo there is quite a strong shadow there if you can get more contrast in that area it will even look better.
David

[HeatherMary]

That's great! Thanks so much for the advice, I will definitely take that into consideration for my next one. To put a shadow on the cat, what color would I use? I can't quite figure out if it should be a brownish color or a grayish color. Any opinions? Thanks!

[ncgirl]

Hi Heather - I think you've got a great start here! I love the cheetah especially, you've done a wonderful job capturing his expression!

[*Marina*]

Hi Heather, welcome to the forum. Indeed you have got a good start. For colours I would suggest to experiment. Do what you think will work and then try it out carefully on a little bit to see how that colour reacts with the surrounding colours. You can always brush it off again. Good luck.

[bnoonan]

Hi Heather, We are all in need of walking before running. My first paintings were similar and yet after time, and many many pieces, it's possible to find the best combination of colors to convey what you are trying to do.

Do you know about squinting your eyes to see where lights and darks appear in a painting? If you can get those right, it won't matter what color you choose.... Barb

[HeatherMary]

I can definitely see the areas I need to work on now thanks to all these wonderful comments. Thank you all so much for the positive feedback! I'll be putting what I learned to good use in my next project and I will post it when I am finished.

[barriespapa]

I will wait to see your next post Heather and i am sure that it will be an improvement as you have the right attitude. happy painting
David