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:

  1. Claire Beadon CarnellNovember 18, 2009 at 2:17 PM

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

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  2. UnknownNovember 18, 2009 at 6:14 PM

    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.

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  3. Edward BurtonNovember 18, 2009 at 10:15 PM

    Wonderful job, Kari!

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  4. Kari TirrellNovember 18, 2009 at 10:47 PM

    Thanks, Claire!

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

    Thanks, Edward!

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  5. Lori MarguliesNovember 18, 2009 at 10:51 PM

    Impeccable! Clean and beautiful work.

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  6. Dyanne Parker, ArtistNovember 18, 2009 at 10:53 PM

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

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  7. SophieNovember 19, 2009 at 3:02 AM

    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

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  8. Carol NelsonNovember 19, 2009 at 9:13 AM

    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.

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  9. Kari TirrellNovember 19, 2009 at 2:34 PM

    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?

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  10. Kari TirrellNovember 19, 2009 at 2:35 PM

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

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  11. Gwen BellNovember 19, 2009 at 8:54 PM

    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!

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  12. dominique eichiNovember 20, 2009 at 7:27 AM

    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.

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  13. Kari TirrellNovember 20, 2009 at 9:44 AM

    Thanks Gwen & Dominique!

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  14. FCPNovember 20, 2009 at 12:25 PM

    Awesome job on a very tough perspective!
    Faye

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  15. Kari TirrellNovember 20, 2009 at 5:20 PM

    Thank you, Faye!

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  16. Vern SchwarzNovember 21, 2009 at 4:49 PM

    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!

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  17. Kari TirrellNovember 22, 2009 at 10:09 AM

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

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  18. Becky JoyDecember 2, 2009 at 8:48 PM

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

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  19. Kari TirrellDecember 3, 2009 at 8:34 PM

    Thanks, Becky! I appreciate your comment. :)

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