Saturday, December 19, 2009

DSFDF Portrait

This is my painting for the current Different Strokes From Different Folks challenge. The reference photo I received showed a pretty woman with dramatic back light.




Portrait of Dyanne Parker
10" x 8"
Soft Pastel on Suede Matboard
I've been planning for quite a while to make movies for YouTube, and I finally made my first one with this painting. Check it out!

50 comments:

  1. Gwen BellDecember 19, 2009 at 12:38 PM

    Wow! Gorgeous! You have done a terrific job on this portrait. Love the intense colors and the soft look. Great eyes!

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  2. Maria Kovalenko LeysensDecember 19, 2009 at 1:17 PM

    This is so fresh! Lovely!

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  3. ChartanDecember 19, 2009 at 1:21 PM

    she looks like one of your followers to me.

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  4. artbyakikoDecember 19, 2009 at 1:22 PM

    This is absolutely stunning, Kari! I love it. You've done an awesome job!! Thank you for sharing your process.

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  5. Kari TirrellDecember 19, 2009 at 1:56 PM

    Thanks, Gwen and Maria! I appreciate the nice comments.

    Chartan - I don't see anyone who looks like her to me, but that would be funny.

    Thanks, Akiko! I'm glad you like it. :)

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  6. tracie brownDecember 19, 2009 at 2:14 PM

    I am so amazed with what can be done with pastels. the end result is incredible. so soft and realistic. you did a wonderful job!!

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  7. Amanda LovettDecember 19, 2009 at 2:14 PM

    Simply Amazing!!!!!!!!

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  8. Claire Beadon CarnellDecember 19, 2009 at 2:16 PM

    WOW!!! This is phenomenal. I am not going to say it looks like a photograph, because I find that offensive...but this looks like it is REAL. Wonderful, wonderful work!!!

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  9. artybeccaDecember 19, 2009 at 2:27 PM

    Great painting! That backlighting would have put the fear in me if I had received that photo!

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  10. Dana CooperDecember 19, 2009 at 2:51 PM

    This is a wonderful piece from a fun reference photo, Kari...I love the movie too!

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  11. Kari TirrellDecember 19, 2009 at 3:00 PM

    Thank you Tracie & Amanda!

    Thanks Claire! I don't find that offensive - people mean it as a compliment, I think. I just never see that in my work. I just try to make it look real, so I'm glad you think it does.:)

    Thanks, Becca - I was a bit intimidated, and still didn't pull it off as well as I had hoped.

    Thanks, Dana. I'm glad you like the movie!

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  12. Edward BurtonDecember 19, 2009 at 4:04 PM

    Stunning job, Kari, and great video to go along with it.

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  13. Paintings by Irit BourlaDecember 19, 2009 at 4:21 PM

    Gorgeous!
    Great job and one of my favorit.

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  14. dominique eichiDecember 19, 2009 at 4:31 PM

    so NIce. Love that look you gave her

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  15. MillieDecember 19, 2009 at 4:49 PM

    Stunning portrait! I could have never handled pastel to make such a beautiful work, congrats!

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  16. RuthDecember 19, 2009 at 5:39 PM

    As I look at the finals submitted this time, I become more awed each time I open the DSFDF website. (Perhaps intimidated along with the awe. Is there none that is just mediocre? I don't think so.) And this time when I opened the DSFDF site and yours headed the list, my eyes popped wide in almost unbelief at this most gorgeous rendering. True, you had a beautiful subject so smartly and unusually photographed, BUT, your rendering is truly outstanding. A real head turner. It is a delight to just sit and study your finished piece and enjoy. You did one HANDSOME job!

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  17. Kari TirrellDecember 19, 2009 at 5:52 PM

    Thank you Edward, Irit, Dominique & Millie! I appreciate your stopping by to leave such nice comments.

    Thank you, Ruth! I tend to be a bit hyper-critical, so your comment made my day! Thanks. :)

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  18. RuthDecember 19, 2009 at 5:56 PM

    After perusing thru your blog, I decided that I had to become one of your followers. Signed up and will watch with anticipation for your future works. You are an inspiration.

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  19. Angela ElledgeDecember 19, 2009 at 9:30 PM

    It has been said already, outstanding! I have to say I just love the soft white highlights on your model's smiling cheeks, also love the reflected orange in her skin tone. Thanks for posting the movie, love seeing your process.

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  20. Carol NelsonDecember 19, 2009 at 10:04 PM

    Kari, this is stunning. I LOVED you video, but have one suggestion: slow it down a little so we can examine each stage of the portrait a little longer.
    I've never done a video, so I don't even know if you can control the timing aspect of it.

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  21. Dyanne Parker, ArtistDecember 19, 2009 at 11:19 PM

    Oh Kari!!!! You are amazing. It's me, Dyanne Parker. THANK YOU for this outstanding portrait of me. I am so flattered. You are a talented artist and I look forward to sending and posting my portrait. You made me feel famous. Love the video. Thank you again.

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  22. Vern SchwarzDecember 20, 2009 at 5:46 AM

    Superb Kari. I don't know what else to add that hasn't already been said. I know it's probably a lot of work, but I too would like to see a more slowed down,detailed record of your process on utube. I think for someone of your immense talent, it would be great to have such a demo. I know Karin's demo was the catalyst for me to start painting and join this fabulous group. And you may sell some more paintings!

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  23. UnknownDecember 20, 2009 at 9:03 AM

    Wow , What a great entry .Just perfect.

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  24. Kari TirrellDecember 20, 2009 at 10:07 AM

    Thanks again, Ruth, you're very sweet.

    Thank you, Angela, for the nice comment. I'm glad you liked the movie!

    Thanks, Carol! It is possible to slow it down, but only before you publish it. I'll keep that in mind for next time. Thanks for the suggestion!

    Thanks, Dyanne! I'm so glad you like it! It was a pleasure painting you. :)

    Thanks, Vern! I made it slower first, and it seemed too slow, so I sped it up. Oh well, it was my first attempt. I will hopefully get better as I go along. And I'm all for selling more art - for all of us!

    Thanks, Rishi!

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  25. Kristen Reitz-GreenDecember 20, 2009 at 12:16 PM

    Really nice work on this one and I love your other work too. It makes me want to look into pastels and suede board...

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  26. Christine MacLellanDecember 20, 2009 at 1:14 PM

    Great Job! Very dramatic, you conquered this one!

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  27. Ann RogersDecember 20, 2009 at 2:46 PM

    Definitely a WOW painting..the pastels give such a soft feel and the backlighting adds such drama, wonderful combination!

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  28. Kari TirrellDecember 20, 2009 at 6:37 PM

    Thanks Kristen, Christine, and Ann! I appreciate the nice comments. :)

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  29. L.HolmDecember 20, 2009 at 7:48 PM

    Wonderful, Kari! You've captured so much spirit of this beautiful lady!

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  30. Kaylyn MunroDecember 20, 2009 at 9:09 PM

    Suede mat board? I work in a frame shop and this is one of my least favorite mats. But I can imagine the wonderful 'grab' it has for pastel work. I think I'll grab some from the leftover bin and give it a try!

    I really appreciate your sharing your process. This is a great painting and an example of excellent draftsmanship coupled with masterful painting. The painting you did of your dog in the spot of sunlight is sublime...I hope everyone takes the time to look at it and the demo slide show. Very impressive and inspiring!!

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  31. Kari TirrellDecember 20, 2009 at 9:40 PM

    Thanks, Liz!

    Thank you, Kaylyn! Do try the suede matboard. I love it! It's particularly good for animals and people. I'm glad you liked the demo.:)

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  32. Dean H.December 21, 2009 at 8:23 AM

    Extremely well done, Kari...also enjoyed the video...thanks!

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  33. adebanjiDecember 21, 2009 at 8:58 AM

    Just so beautiful!

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  34. Kari TirrellDecember 21, 2009 at 11:11 AM

    Thanks Dean & Adebanji!

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  35. AnonymousDecember 22, 2009 at 6:06 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  36. ArtiDecember 22, 2009 at 7:42 AM

    Awesome detailing, Kari...and that too in pastels!Never thought pastels could be so smooth and fine.Great work!

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  37. Kari TirrellDecember 22, 2009 at 8:26 PM

    Thank you, Arti!

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  38. James ParkerDecember 24, 2009 at 3:01 AM

    Kari, when I first saw tis on DSFDF, I knew it was Dyanne...then when I saw it was done in pastels, I was truly blown away. You did a magnificent job. Have a joyous Christmas, and stop by for some holiday cheer.

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  39. EssayDecember 24, 2009 at 5:15 AM

    Thanks for sharing, your blog is worth reading, nice post. Keep it up.

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  40. Kari TirrellDecember 24, 2009 at 9:12 AM

    Thanks, James, that's nice of you to say. I hope you have a great Christmas, too!

    Thanks, Essay. :)

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  41. Dyanne Parker, ArtistDecember 28, 2009 at 8:40 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  42. Dyanne Parker, ArtistDecember 28, 2009 at 8:45 AM

    Kari, I just sent your painting to Karin and hasn't posted yet. Wanted to let you know so you can visit my blog to see it. http://dyanneparker.blogspot.com I did your painting in oil and will need some time to dry and seal. Would love to exchange paintings. Let me know. I enjoyed this challenge so much and looking forward to next year. Have a great 2010!.. Make error on my blog on previous comment and had to delete. my email is dyanneparker@gmail.com. Talk with you soon.

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  43. Mitzi EasleyDecember 28, 2009 at 1:53 PM

    Wow... amazing hair and eyes Kari. Your color choices really supported your brushstrokes very well. Good job!!

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  44. DelilahDecember 28, 2009 at 9:14 PM

    Great Work and a wonderful job with the vidio

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  45. Kari TirrellDecember 29, 2009 at 9:48 AM

    Thanks Mitzi & Delilah!

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  46. SYLVIANEJanuary 1, 2010 at 1:14 PM

    Terrific portrait, Karri!
    It is the first we notice, it is stunning..

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  47. L.HolmJanuary 2, 2010 at 4:21 PM

    Fantastic, Kari! What energy and spirit. Love this portrait!

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  48. Kari TirrellJanuary 3, 2010 at 10:34 AM

    Thanks, Sylviane, that is very nice of you to say!

    Thank you, Liz! :)

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  49. LuAnn DunkinsonJanuary 4, 2010 at 8:40 AM

    I was just floored by this portrait. truly amazing!
    LuAnn

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  50. Kari TirrellJanuary 4, 2010 at 7:32 PM

    Thanks, LuAnn! :)

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