Charcoal and Pastel

by on Feb.18, 2011, under Classwork, Fine Art, Studio

I’ve been really busy this week and last doing a poster design, trying to finish up a watercolor painting for a kid’s book, and putting together a submission for an important competition I entered. I am also working on putting together a new physical portfolio, update and print some business cards, and change up my online portfolio. I may even need to tinker with my site design to really get it the way I’d like it. I’ve also received a new commission– whew, I am busy busy! Of course also consider my actual school assignments, time for sleeping, eating, walking my dog, working on my personal art projects… ah well. It’s anyone’s guess as to how I actually have time to breathe. (Quick response: I don’t!) Anyway, on to some art for the week:


>> Another charcoal head drawing. I enjoyed the model’s smirk so I attempted to incorporate it into his portrait.


>> A first attempt at drawing the nude figure with pastels. I’ve not used pastels before so it was a real challenge. You can’t erase this stuff.


>> Nude Figure with pastels: this was my second drawing. Hey I think I’m getting it! As messy as they are, I’m still enjoying them.

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2 Comments for this entry

  • Alexandra
    February 18th, 2011 on 4:10 pm

    I _love_ the smirk. I think it works better now with toning down the left side of his smile.

    The other one in pastel has a great mood esp in the face, but some areas were blended too much into a midtone pink. It is an unforgiving medium for sure. But overall,nicely done, esp with the face.

  • Joie
    February 18th, 2011 on 4:27 pm

    Thanks! Yeah I have to learn how to handle the pastel more gently so that I can have more of the midtone paper show through and provide a richness that the blended pastel covers up. It can be tough– just practice I s’pose!

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