I am currently working on an art project featuring four oil pastel paintings. Each painting is a crucial element of a photo shoot which showcases a blonde-haired woman sporting authentic 1950s attire, driving a magnificent bright green 1956 Mercury Montclair. In this painting, the spotlight is on the car's dashboard, mainly the steering wheel and instrument panel. After researching the car, I observed that the original gauges have been replaced with more modern analogue ones, although the rest of the dashboard remains the same. I enjoy demonstrating the intricate process of my art creation through time-lapse videos that vividly showcases my layering technique. Although the video may only last a few seconds, the actual process takes a considerable amount of time, spanning over an hour in real-time. It is an arduous yet rewarding process that demands patience, dedication, and precision. For this collection of works, I am using the dark grey Clairfontaine Pastelmat paper as it offers a smooth surface that enhances the vibrancy of the colours. My go-to pastels are the high-quality Sennelier oil pastels and Caran d'Ache Neopastels, which provide various hues and shades. I rely on Tortillions and paper stumps to create subtle blends to achieve the desired effects.
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In October 2023, my friend Jet asked me to create four coloured pencil portraits. One portrait was intended as a gift for Jet's friend, another for her mother, and the other two were portraits of her beloved Boxer dogs. I have known Jet for over three decades, and during this time, I have had the pleasure of creating pencil portraits of her dogs on several occasions. Here are all four portraits displayed with additional information about each individual. You can access a link below each image to learn more. CarrotCreating a drawing of a white dog on white paper may seem challenging at first, but it's quite easy. Since white fur is composed of shades of grey, white paper provides the perfect base for such a portrait. Drawing this particular portrait of a white boxer dog required a bit of creative problem-solving regarding the body. Still, I was able to use a different dog's body to complete the portrait. If you're interested in learning more about this portrait, you can click on the link below. WatsonThe reference photo for the portrait depicted Watson wearing a thick blue collar. However, the photo was cropped short, leaving little of his body visible. Additional images were required, particularly in a similar pose, to complete the body and ensure accuracy. I also used some artistic license too. If you want to learn more about this portrait, please follow the link below. FungusJet's reference photo of Fungus was ideal. The image was a large, high-resolution file with incredible detailing that remained sharp even when zooming in. Taken outdoors, it had a perfect balance of light thanks to natural daylight, which is always the best option for pet photos. The collar, which was present in the photo but not included in the drawing, covered the throat area. To ensure accuracy, I referenced a second image of Fungus. Also, the chest area was not fully visible in the photo, so I had to extend it to complete the image. Click the link below to read more. This video shows the three drawings side by side. There is no sound. Kudu (Left) and MasudaCreating this drawing was difficult, especially Kudu, the little grey dog. In the reference image, Kudu was wearing a harness that covered most of his body, so much of the details were missing. To ensure precision, I had to use other reference photos. Ordinarily, I may research a breed before embarking on such a challenging drawing. However, in this case, both dogs were mixed breeds, which made it even more difficult. Despite this, my friend was aware of the difficulties involved and graciously accepted that the final result may not be an accurate representation. THE PROBLEMS WITH REMOVING COLLARSAll the dogs in the photos wore either a collar or a harness, which were removed in the drawing as per Jet's request. Fortunately, Jet provided me with a collection of photos of each dog to make the process relatively easy. The photos were incredibly helpful as they provided me with a clear view of the intricate details that were obscured by the collars in the reference photos. However, there may be instances where the removal of collars, especially harnesses, is a difficult task, especially if they hide crucial details. In such a scenario, removing them can only be considered if additional photographs are made available. If you're interested in a custom portrait of your pet, a loved one, or any other subject, you can visit my commissions page or send me an email at: karenmberisfordart@gmail.com to share your ideas for the portrait.
This is the journey of Kudu and Masuda's portrait. As my lighting/recording set up has been positioned to my right, Kudu's colouration appears darker than the detail in the drawing.
Other portraits in progressHere are some time-lapse videos showing the stage developments which capture almost every minute of the process. Each time-lapse lasts mere seconds but covers around 45 - 70 minutes of work.
Other pencil portraits in progressThis is one of a set of four coloured pencil dog portraits that I am completing for christmas commissions. There are three single boxer dog portraits, Fungus and Carrot are the other two and a double portrait of two small rescue dogs called Kudu and Masuda. You can follow the step-by-step development of the creation by viewing a series of images and time-lapse videos below that capture every detail of the process.
More time-lapse videos
Other pencil portraits in progressHaving recently finished an oil pastel painting of our late black Labrador, Haze, I decided to create one of our beautiful Yellow Labrador Storm. Since Storm is 14, every day with him is precious. I have not yet completed his portrait, so I thought this composition would make the perfect portrait. Read on and discover the step-by-step process behind my oil pastel painting of Storm. You'll gain a better understanding of how everything comes together and the techniques I use to achieve my results, particularly insightful if you are looking to book a portrait of your own. When it comes to my oil pastel paintings, I prefer a loose style that is reminiscent of traditional oil paintings. These highly pigmented pastels boast a vibrant and striking colour palette, and help to create a textured finish that adds depth and character to the overall composition. My goal is to accentuate the unique features of each subject through careful layering and definition, ultimately bringing the portrait to life in a way that feels both authentic and captivating. I loosely apply the base colours, ensuring they are blended smoothly for a soft finish. Using paper stumps of varying sizes proves to be extremely helpful in manipulating the pastels. I usually work with large and small oil pastels from Sennelier, so I can quickly cover different areas. For my paintings, I exclusively use artist-quality, lightfast oil pastels from Sennelier and Neopastels by Caran d'Ache. I use a surface by Ampersand Art called Pastelbord, which is an archival medium-textured and highly absorbent surface coated with an acid-free clay and gesso ground with a marble dust finish. To explore the products mentioned and learn more about them, you can easily access their individual pages on my other website Step by Step Art. If you are an artist, you may find the articles helpful. If you are interested in my oil pastel paintings, I invite you to my oil pastel commissions page. There, you will discover my other pastel works. I am always happy to collaborate with new clients and create a unique portrait that captures their vision. Please contact me if you have any questions or want to discuss your ideas further.
I recently completed an oil pastel painting of the renowned 'Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland. Using highly abrasive paper helped me apply the pastels more efficiently and with greater speed, ultimately resulting in a beautiful impasto finish. Upon careful analysis, the application of pastels is deliberately loose and patchy, creating the illusion that it is resting on the surface of the paper. This particular approach imbues the artwork with a distinctive quality, providing a fresh interpretation of the subject matter. This is a unique rendition of a very popular subject. A little background on the subjectThe Sycamore Gap Tree, also known as the Robin Hood Tree, is a popular attraction near Crag Lough in Northumberland, England. It stands next to Hadrian's Wall and is situated in a dip within the landscape, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rising walls. The tree gained its alternative name from its appearance in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. In 2016, it won the England Tree of the Year award. The National Trust owns the wall and the land around the tree, a favourite spot for tourists and photographers. It is visible from the nearby Military Road and is considered one of the most photographed trees in the country, possibly the most photographed point, even in all of Northumberland National Park. If you're interested in commissioning an oil pastel portrait, you can contact me or visit my commissions page for more information on how to book your own personalised painting.
I am working on an artistic project involving four beautiful oil pastel paintings. Each painting is a crucial element of a carefully planned photo shoot that presents a blonde-haired lady dressed in authentic 1950s apparel, driving a magnificent bright green 1956 Mercury Montclair. This painting focuses on the female driver, who exudes confidence as she casually dangles her legs out of the car window, displaying her turquoise stilettos. The artwork strongly represents carefree summer days that bring back nostalgic memories. The artwork immediately caught my attention with its serene and carefree ambience—its sunny setting added to the positive energy. As someone who grew up in the 80s, the mint green high heels are reminiscent of a pair I cherished years ago and were a delightful addition to the overall composition. How the painting came togetherI used Sennelier oil pastels and Caran d'Ache Neopastels on Dark Grey Pastelmat by Clairfontaine, an exceptional paper for pastel art, which allowed me to create this beautiful drawing. It's important to be careful when working with oil pastel drawings since they are never fully dry. To prevent dust and debris from sticking to the pastel, I used a non-stick sheet to protect the surface as I worked. I also used blending tools to avoid unintentional colour transfer and applied the finer details gradually, which can be difficult when working with a soft medium like an oil pastel. Oil pastels offer a fantastic opportunity for artistic expression. Their opaqueness allows for easy correction and the ability to add more colour as desired. Embracing the freedom to adapt and modify certain aspects of the image can create a captivating and thought-provoking piece. For instance, the open arch symbolizes a journey, sparking the imagination to ponder what lies beyond. This portrait is available individually or as a complete set. It will be shipped without a frame, but rest assured that it will be well-packaged to prevent any damage or dirt. I highly recommend taking it to a trusted framer for secure mounting and framing. Every painting will also include a certificate of authenticity and aftercare instructions. £250.00* (Unframed) 8.5" x 12" on Pastelmat Free UK delivery * The complete set is available for purchase at a price of £900.00. Additional portraitsIncluded below are three compositions that will feature in the quad. To view the progress page for each portrait, click any of the reference images listed below. If a link is unavailable, the piece has yet to begin. I will include the finished paintings on this page once they are complete. I enjoy using oil pastels to create portraits in addition to coloured pencils and acrylics, and I find it to be one of the most versatile mediums available. When it comes to creating beautiful and unique works of art, oil pastels offer an unmatched finish that can be applied to any subject with ease. One of my latest portraits is of our late black Labrador Haze. When creating my oil pastel paintings, I use professional pastel brands such as Sennelier and Caran d'Ache. One of the most significant advantages of using Sennelier and other soft pastel brands is their superior coverage and pigmentation. These pastels offer a rich and vibrant color that makes each stroke stand out and come to life. On the other hand, harder pastels such as Neopastel enable me to produce fine lines, which is essential when creating intricate details and textures in my portraits. When it comes time to store or frame my oil pastel portraits, I always take great care to ensure that they are protected. Since oil pastels never dry, it is highly recommended to store them in a secure location until they are framed. When framing, I highly recommend using glass to prevent debris such as hair and dust particles from damaging the painting's surface. Improper removal of debris can damage the painting's surface, but using glass can prevent this from happening. It is important that a spacer is present between the painting and glass. This is done to prevent them from touching and adhering to each other, which can cause irreversible damage to the artwork. The spacer is a thin strip that adheres to the glass surface, creating a gap between it and the glass. When viewed from a close distance and at an angle, the spacer can be seen, but it is designed to be discreet and does not detract from the artwork itself. The material used for this oil pastel painting is known as acrylic glass. This particular product boasts exceptional durability and a reduced risk of breakage. Overall, oil pastels are an incredibly versatile and beautiful medium that can create stunning works of art. Should you wish to inquire about ordering an oil pastel portrait, please get in touch. Feel free to share this post via your social media or email someone who may find this article of interest. |
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