Portraits – Progress and Preparation

Feb 25, 2023

Happy to say the preliminary drawings have been completed for the two portraits. Here’s the Kingly Court I have been telling you about. All smiles.

Pastel drawing on 100% cotton paper. Four generations of the Neal family - portrait progress and preparation
Pastel drawing on 100% cotton paper. Four generations of the Neal family

Now comes the color!

It’s fun to gather all the varieties of pastels and choose the right ones for this project.

Differences in color and hardness or softness of the stick of pastel is considered. Portraits - progress and preparation
Differences in color and the hardness or softness of the stick of pastel is considered.
The vibrant colors are a perfect reflection of their vibrant personalities. Teal and Fuchsia are perfect! Portraits - progress and preparation
The vibrant colors are a perfect reflection of their vibrant personalities. Teal and Fuchsia are perfect!

I am looking forward to working on these images and sharing them with you. Thanks for sticking around and seeing how it progresses.

Michel

“If you are not having fun, you are not doing it right.” -Michel McNinch : )

See you next week.

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12 Comments

  1. Ann Cimburke on February 26, 2023 at 8:39 am

    hi Michel! yes I’m still hanging in there! Just found this and of course I’m pleased it’s here! I hope to follow this project and learn from you how to use pastels. I know it’s messy but if done correctly, it is so beautiful!



    • Michel McNinch on February 26, 2023 at 12:38 pm

      Hey Ann – Glad you are here too! All mediums have advantages and disadvantages. Pastel is dusty, but they are ready when you are – just open the box and dive it. Don’t lick your fingers and you will be fine!



  2. Robert McNinch on February 26, 2023 at 9:10 am

    I love to see the progression steps. Love it !



    • Michel McNinch on February 26, 2023 at 12:38 pm

      You have been so encouraging! Thank you. I do think these are coming particularly well.



  3. Dianne Meadow on February 26, 2023 at 12:23 pm

    Sounds like so much thought and planning goes into this using pastels! Do you sharpen them to do small details?



    • Michel McNinch on February 26, 2023 at 12:41 pm

      Hey Dianne, Yes, I sharpen with a razor blade. Used to make me sad to take so much off a new pastel, but it’s the only way. I save the shavings. When I have enough, I pound them smooth, add water until they are a paste and roll out new pastels. Usually a dusty purple. : )



  4. Donna Rawls on February 26, 2023 at 1:19 pm

    Looking good!



    • Michel McNinch on February 26, 2023 at 6:51 pm

      Thank you! I really enjoy working in this medium.



  5. Jeannie Irvin on February 26, 2023 at 3:25 pm

    Funny how they are square shaped. I’ve never tried them, they look fun AND messy,I like messy🖼



    • Michel McNinch on February 26, 2023 at 6:53 pm

      Hey! Yes, the harder ones are square. They are for scrubbing in the first layers. The softest ones are to use like butter on the top. ooo la la. I have a large box of Sennilier from France for that!



  6. Susan Neal on February 26, 2023 at 7:44 pm

    Those look fantastic. I love them. We will love them just like we have loved the first one you did for us.



    • Michel McNinch on February 26, 2023 at 8:22 pm

      I have loved painting them for you and yours.



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