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!

Choir

This one was really fun to paint. I wanted to keep it somewhat loose, so I tried very hard not to obsess about detail. It took me quite a while to get the results I wanted, but it was worth it. I'm so happy with the way it turned out!

"Choir"

10" x 8"

Soft Pastel on Suede Matboard

Upside Down Walker

When I saw this week’s upside down challenge on the Different Strokes From Different Folks blog, I quickly decided I would do it in pastel. I often paint upside down and knew that it would be easiest for me in pastel. My husband pointed out that it was supposed to be a challenge, and this was a perfect opportunity for me to try to paint loose.

He did have a point. Painting it upside down would take my brain out of the process, and maybe I could paint it loose. I decided I would draw it out first. This seems counter-intuitive, but I think when I don’t draw it first I’m so obsessed with getting everything correct that I can’t concentrate on how I’m painting. So I drew out my composition (upside down, of course!) and went to work. I didn’t like how the reference photo made the woman look like she had laser vision or something, so I changed the background a bit, and flipped and cropped the original.

We’re allowed to spruce it up a bit after we turn it right side up, but I decided not to. I didn't want to re-work anything and take away the point of the challenge. It was a good learning experience (even though it would have looked better in pastel!).

Here it is, painted entirely upside down except for my signature.

7"x5"

Oil on Board

Shadows

5"x7"

Soft Pastel on Suede Matboard

I decided to do this week’s challenge for the Different Strokes From Different Folks blog in pastel, simply as a time saver. My projects are piling up, and I needed to do something quick.

I cropped the original photo to focus mainly on the shadows, used a pastel pencil to sketch out my composition, then layered on the pastel. Simple, quick, and easy! I love it when that happens. Sometimes the struggle is fun, or at least rewarding in some way, but the lack of struggle is always refreshing.