The complexity of proportion - "Lazy Days" WIP3-7
Ever realized part-way through a painting that the proportions are all wrong? The eyes are too small, the face is too long, the angle is off? How do you go about fixing it? I was happily mulling along, part-way through my pastel painting of a semi-napping spotted quoll for the painting "Lazy Days" when I stepped back and took a good look at the quoll's head (after all, it is the focal point). When I did, I realized it was completely out of proportion! Instead of looking like
Making a 'mahl stick bridge' for pastels - "Lazy Days" WIP1-2
Do you get hand smudges on your pastel paintings? Can't work in fine details because you can't steady your hand against the surface? Can't find a mahl stick or bridge to suit your style? Maybe you need to make one yourself! If you've ever used soft pastels, you'd be familiar with their ability to rub off on your fingers and smudge on the paper with the slightest touch. This lends itself to one of the greatest joys of pastel painting (beautifully smooth colour blending), but a
