Alicia, I just love your portrait work. I have studied watercolor for 2 years and this is my first year studying pastel. My question is, do you do a monochromatic underpainting in watercolor before you begin to apply the nu pastels? This is what it looks like to me after watching your wonderful painting videos. Any tips for a middle-aged artist beginning to explore pastels? I wished I still lived in California so I could meet you. Now I'm in Maryland. Aloha, Cathy
-- Cathy De Lorimier, 11/14/09
Sorry I couldn't make it but then California is a long way from Dorset. France however is a different matter altogether and your workshop next year outside Paris does appeal.Congratulations on 10 fulfilling years as an artist
It has been a wonderful 10 years of painting and learning for me! So Your invitied to my Fall Showing at my Studio Gallery/and Garden in beautiful San Diego , California , to celebrate with me! I am honored to share my exhibition with three very talented artists. Corinne Geras Rich Hawk Richard Schiele Food, Wine and Music....and Art!
Thanks, Alicia, for this update! Loved seeing the whole series and "visiting" your garden, studio and then to watch this demo! Also, loved the martini! You deserve it! Enjoy! I really loved watching the delicate way you apply pastels. It is as if the painting is already there and you are drawing it out. I know that is said of sculpture, but I had that feeling about your painting.
I am enjoying your video series very much. I have been a follower of your work for a couple of years now and you just keep getting better and better! It is a joy to watch the portrait come to live before my eyes! Best Wishes- Mary Beth
-- Mary Beth, 7/27/09
I enjoyed Part 3 very much and the cocktail was a nice touch. Thank you Alicia for taking time out to answer my earlier questions. Best wishes Roger
I start with the Nu=pastels brand firm pastels. I only use those on the face and flesh tones and beginning stages of the painting, I start adding the softer pastels on the background and clothes etc. late r in the painting, but never on the face.
I don't use fixative because the surface I paint on holds onto the paint very well. You will see this in the next video.
Thanks for asking and taking the time to look..I hope this helps you..
Take care,
Al
If anyone else has any questions please feel free to write...
I have enjoyed your video and hope to see more as the painting progresses. The pastels you use appear to be square edged sticks and this is also apparent from the marks you make. Do you start with hard pastels and progress to softer pastels for the final layers or use the same throughout? What makes of pastels do you use for your figure paintings and do you apply any fixative as the layers build up? Best wishes Roger.
-- Roger Seddon, 7/21/09
A love your artwork..excellent...very well done..would like do paint as you do.. from Caracas, Venezuela. Thanks for share your paintings
