Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Man from Ladakh_Pastel Portrait

Soft Pastels on Pastelmat
15"x22" 
I am so excited to share this new work- I sort of like this; though my husband thought it looked 'dark and unfinished'.......I would like to gather a vote from all of you over this subject, as I am thinking of entering this in a pastel contest.I have used Pastelmat for the first time, and I liked it very much. Pastelmat is velvety, heavy paper but it grabs colors so easily that there is hardly any dust- and virtually no need for a fixative...a huge problem solved.Thus, I am going to repeat this paper in future, though its expensive as compared to lighter paper which are three times cheaper.
I have been so busy painting that I have not been spending much time on blogging; I hope all my friends out there would forgive me for not visiting as often; I will be there, eventually...

20 comments:

  1. This is awesome and I say Go For It.

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  2. As always your portraits are super.To do this in pastels great work!! All the best.

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    1. I think it was the paper that made this portrait possible.Even I was struck dumb as I put my first mark- it was so smooth!Perfect for this bhutanese man with smooth skin...

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  3. Hi Arti:) I wouldn't dare to make a comment on your portrets. They are so much a life and so realistic. This one is beautiful and to my humble opion it's perfect for a contest:) I wish you good luck!!

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    1. Dear Renate, everybody needs improvement- so do I!Thank you for the wishes.

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  4. It's a great portrait. I'd enter it.

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    1. It looks good to me but not satisfied with the background..I may tinker a bit more with that.

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  5. Arti - I think it is excellent and definitely looks finished to my eyes. Your work is outstanding. I love your pastel work. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thank you, Debbie, I am loving pastels.Its great to know that others are enjoying them,too.

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  6. this is an outstanding piece, Arti!! I've worked with pastelmat and I love working with it...very smooth and I love how the pastels easily blend ...
    I don't think its too dark...I think its perfect for the exhibit...I hope you will be exhibiting "Devotee" as well! I LOVE that one. and also, I don't know how I missed "Michael"...beautifully painted! YOU ARE SO TALENTED!

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    1. Yes Hilda.normal canson/Murano paper is good for pastel pencils, where you don't blend much and just add fine layers.I did 'Devotee'and 'Michael'on this paper.But when I tried working loose with soft pastels,it massacred my finger tips..I vowed not to do that again. Pastelmat is perfect for soft pastels where you don't even need blending if you don't want to.I will have to find a way to fund it, though- its costly :)I am so glad you liked my work.You have been doing it for a long time so I value your opinion very much.

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  7. I say "Go for it," Arti. Your pastel portraits are beautiful!

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  8. Arti, I think this is brilliant, as I always do with everyone of your portraits. In the photo, I couldn't even tell it was done with pastels. I thought I was looking at a watercolor. You work is always so darned good!

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    1. Thank you Sherry, you are always so supportive!I like pastels because they give me the freedom to experiment.With watercolor, I have to plan ahead and then follow that plan..but with pastels, I can start right away!And, change gears,too...So its a medium for whimsical ones like myself.Only if there was no dust and muddy fingers involved :D

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  9. i think it's perfect and not at all dark. and do enter it, it's stunning! yor work is incredible. good luck!

    and thank you so much for your kind words on chloe and my studio. i will spend more time there i promise. i feel such peace when i'm working.

    take care!

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    1. Thank you so much for the encouragement, Suzanne.I am trusting your words and will be entering this one to a pastel exhibition in London soon!I wish you all the best,too- keep creating.

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