Pastel Play

Last Wed at the WA we were treated to a demo of pastel painting by Mo Drake. She has inspired me to get out my pastels again and practice in ready-ness for the WA meeting tomorrow when the brief is to make use of tips and techniques shown to us by Mo. 

One thing she showed was to paint white pastel first on passages of sky or water, to help get a look of transparency and for ease of blending. I wondered if this would work for skin, so I tried today, with my best white CHALK! Have to go buy some white soft pastel....pronto!

WA, aka Wednesday Afternooners, aka West Winch Art Club

The topic for today was 'paint or draw and animal'.

Skyline  14" x 18"  Oil

I have long wanted to paint these bulls, who live in a field near me. I am drawn to their silhouettes as they meander along the ridge of the hill, but have yet to get the perfect shot.

Not many folk wanted to show off their work today but Jacqui was quite rightly very proud of her giraffe. He is so cute!

June has portrayed this little dog so sensitively with pastels. Brilliant colour choices, including the paper, which sets off the drawing to perfection. That look in his eye is so emotive. 

I admire Davids use of watercolour in painting this crab. No washes for him, just pure colour, which is how I have been trying to pluck up courage to use it, so it was very interesting to watch.

WA

Wells Boats   20" x 13"  Pastel

A very enjoyable afternoon again. I wasn't brave enough to go for full colour, but I do think the tiny touches lift the painting a bit. Shame the red flag is slap bang in the middle!

More Boats 12" x 20" Pastel

As I had retrieved my pastels from the bottom of a box last week, I had to have a go. It's  probably a work in progress, as I can see where just a flick of a pastel would make a big improvement and I could make a lot more of the sea. I enjoyed it, though, so I might well go back to it! Maybe.