Steve-Ken Tiessen-Color Received

[kentiessen]

I'm working on a commission and the references provided are not the best quality, so I'm putting the drawing together with studies. It is a memorial portrait- the young man had a tragic and short life. Looking at a happy eighth grade photo, I can't help but feel moved and blessed in many ways.

The first was study was graphite- this is charcoal and pastel. It's about 12x14 on Canson.

[Peter D]

Looking good Ken. Was there anything in particular that you wanted to resolve with this one?

[AndyfromVienna]

Ken,

me as a client would be delighted with the study!!!!

:-)

Andy

[AlisonsArt]

Looks good!

Alison

[kentiessen]

Originally Posted by Peter D

Looking good Ken. Was there anything in particular that you wanted to resolve with this one?

Hi Peter- Thanks! The reference is from different time frames (eighth grade, 20 yrs, 24 yrs, etc.) and some are very blurry and old. I'm looking at all of them, and creating a likeness that she will approve before I go further. She did see this drawing today and was very happy with everything, so it's is good. The next step will be the finish in full color.

[kentiessen]

Originally Posted by AndyfromVienna

Ken,
me as a client would be delighted with the study!!!!
:-)
Andy

Thank you Andy! It is good for me also, as I learn his face. Perhaps she might buy it as well.

[kentiessen]

Originally Posted by AlisonsArt

Looks good!
Alison

Alison- Thank you!

[MSegev]

Great work as always, Ken, and special thanks for sharing the progress! You know I'm a fan don't you.

I might try my first ever pastel soon if I accept the offered commission. Do you work predominately with soft pastels? What's the approximate ratio between sticks and pencils?

[kentiessen]

Originally Posted by MSegev

Great work as always, Ken, and special thanks for sharing the progress! You know I'm a fan don't you.

I might try my first ever pastel soon if I accept the offered commission. Do you work predominately with soft pastels? What's the approximate ratio between sticks and pencils?

Thank you, Mary! I appreciate it, and didn't know- it's very nice to hear you follow my progress. Your work in oils is very nice- I would practice with pastel beforehand.

I do work a great deal with soft pastel. Pencils play a small part, mostly in areas where greater control is required, but I find them generally too hard.

[joolee]

The study is really good, Ken. Look forward to seeing your progress.
Jools

[kentiessen]

Originally Posted by joolee

The study is really good, Ken. Look forward to seeing your progress.
Jools

Thanks Jools! She likes it a lot- the next post will be the color finish.

[PatrickHedges]

Good luck Ken. If anyone can do it, you can. The study is really good!!

[kentiessen]

Originally Posted by PatrickHedges

Good luck Ken. If anyone can do it, you can. The study is really good!!

Thanks, Patrick! I appreciate your confidence- it's a good project, as the likeness has to be developed base on his characteristics, rather than 1 specific image.

[kentiessen]

For those of you following- I received a response from the mother, who commissioned the portrait. She thinks it is terrific and forwarded it on to the young man's father for his thoughts- he also thought it great- he wants to arrange for a print of the final color work.

[alvin]

It looks great. Poor quality photos are sometimes nerveracking to work with. Nothing better positive response from the person who comissioned it. Looking forward to that final color work.