Wednesday, November 18, 2009

The Traveler

I've just finished a very difficult commission which has taken up all my painting time over the last few weeks. I know, you thought I was sitting around eating bonbons and not working, and I can't even show you proof until after Christmas (the client is giving the painting as a Christmas gift). You'll just have to take my word for it that I was slaving away at my easel.

I was able to squeeze in some time to paint the current Different Strokes From Different Folks challenge, though, so I can show you that. I had intended to paint all three figures from the reference photo, but given the time crunch I decided I should make the composition easier. All those lost edges were fun to paint, and fun and easy was just what I needed after that commission!



The Traveler
6" x 6"
Soft Pastel on Suede Matboard
A couple of miscellaneous items:
Since I last posted, I have a new web site. My soft pastel demo is on my site, so those of you who were waiting for it can now access the demo at KariTirrell.com.
Also, many people have tried to add me as a friend on Facebook over the last few months. I created an artist page on Facebook, so you can now join me there. Either click here, or in the blog sidebar. Thanks!

19 comments:

Claire Beadon Carnell said...

This is terrific! I really like the isolated figure very much.

Unknown said...

What an awesome job on getting such detail from a dark image! I love it. I'm going to you fan page on FB after I make my rounds on blogville.

Edward Burton said...

Wonderful job, Kari!

Kari Tirrell said...

Thanks, Claire!

Thanks, Sheila! It was really fun to pull the light out of the dark. :)

Thanks, Edward!

Lori Margulies said...

Impeccable! Clean and beautiful work.

Dyanne Parker, Artist said...

Fantastic. He looks so real and that he is truly traveling. Great job! Dyane

Sophie said...

That is one cool traveller. Very nice composition.
You tease us with this commission....that we can NOT see! I bet its gorgeous.
Bon bons? What are those?? :-D

Carol Nelson said...

It may be only one of the three, but you did a great job on him. Looks like you rotated the figure slightly from the photo. Beautiful.

Kari Tirrell said...

Thank you Lori & Dyanne!

Thanks, Sophie! Time is moving so fast, next week it will be Christmas and I'll show you. Or maybe I'll put it up on WC. They aren't likely to be looking there! I haven't had a bonbon in so many years, I hardly remember. But doesn't it sound decadent to sit around eating bonbons all day?

Kari Tirrell said...

Thanks, Carol! Good eye, I did change his direction a bit just because I thought it was more interesting that way. :)

Gwen Bell said...

What a great idea to isolate a figure. Really makes it a stand-out against all the other submissions. Very creative and a super job!

dominique eichi said...

I thought I had left a comment but I guess not. Your piece is perfect for the DSFDF challenge. Looking forward to seeing the commission.

Kari Tirrell said...

Thanks Gwen & Dominique!

FCP said...

Awesome job on a very tough perspective!
Faye

Kari Tirrell said...

Thank you, Faye!

Vern Schwarz said...

Beautiful job this challenge Kari. I visited your new website which looks great, but was blown away by your demo. I love that painting, and to see it develop...well what can I say. SUPERB!

Kari Tirrell said...

Thanks, Vern! I'm glad you liked the demo. :)

Becky Joy said...

Very nice composition. Mood, color all go very well together.

Kari Tirrell said...

Thanks, Becky! I appreciate your comment. :)