Archive Mode. Call 2022 DAKOTA PASTEL COMPETITION - FIRST QUARTER ended on 3/16/22, 11:59 PM. Call settings are read only. See Current Open Calls
Pastel on Rising Museum Board treated with Pastel ground. I lightly drew in my big shapes using my photo as a reference. I filled in the big shapes with a light layer of pastel using a darker value and higher chroma and then brushed it in with a vodka wash. ( I usually use a turpenoid wash but didn't want to smell the fumes in my studio thus the vodka wash). I chose a complementary pallet of orange and blue and selected my pastels ahead of time. The composition and setting is unusual. I wanted this piece to tell a story and keep the viewer engaged for awhile. My intention for the focal point is the women which leads her gaze to the man which brings the viewer to the house and up the chimney to the beautiful moon lit sky, down the tree truck and all over again.
I started with the hard pastel first - nupastel and then to the soft, using various brands. I tried to keep the mark making fresh and not overworked. This was a fun piece to paint. Enjoy.
