Author Topic: Lynn's Pastel Paintings (Read 31322 times)

lynn p. · **on:** July 04, 2014, 04:10:13 AM

Hey all you pastelists, I could use some help. I wanted to do a portrait of my mom and this was the only reference I have of her while painting. I am really disliking how it is coming along even though I believe I have captured her likeness. I can't decide what it is that is so unappealing (and I REALLY love my mother

). I think it might be the dull colors or the brown background--just not sure. Any ideas. I think I'll have to scrap this one as it seems to be getting muddy already.

Details

Here is a revision after letting it sit for a day. I decided to take Maylynn's good advice and do more of mom's painting. I think it helped. Decided to lose some edges (like the left sleeve--our right) and worked on the hand. May be close to done.

Details

Steven · **Reply #1 on:** July 04, 2014, 05:29:55 AM

I rather like the subdued colors myself, it sets a quiet reflective mood for the painting that fits with the subject. I think you probably just need to put it away for a couple days...

dennis · **Reply #2 on:** July 04, 2014, 06:48:44 AM

Agree with Steven. I like the atmosphere

sally13 · **Reply #3 on:** July 04, 2014, 07:39:15 AM

I think this painting is brilliant, I cant see anything wrong with the way it has been done. You have created a beautiful mood with it.

May lynn · **Reply #4 on:** July 04, 2014, 08:09:10 AM

I am with everyone else, the painting has captured the mood.

If you are concerned about the browns background, what about
putting in the horizontal wood panel/ molding that is apparent in the Photo.

Also, maybe adding a little more of your Moms painting to
her pallet and this should offset the brown of the paper and liven up what
she is painting.

Just a few thoughts, your the artist it's your call.

May lynn

jennylynn · **Reply #5 on:** July 04, 2014, 08:10:56 AM

I agree I also love the mood of the painting, really well done

I think steven is right put it away for a couple of days

Happychappy · **Reply #6 on:** July 04, 2014, 10:37:15 AM

Lynn, you have done an awesome job of your Mom. You have captured her likeness so well. I think it is perfect. Patricia

Iris Human · **Reply #7 on:** July 04, 2014, 10:59:27 AM

Hi Lynn,

I also think it is lovely. It seems as if your mom is sitting and painting by candle light. Soft and tranquil.
The likeness is very good. Don't change it.

Val · **Reply #8 on:** July 04, 2014, 11:24:32 AM

I think you have just pushed your limits a bit outside of your comfort zone Lynn. I know it always makes me start second guessing what I have done. You have a brilliant painting on the go here Lynn, just set it aside for a short while, study it in passing from a few different angles. It will come to you if any changes need be made, or you may just find you like it as is. Take some time..... it really is brilliant.

Danielle123 · **Reply #9 on:** July 04, 2014, 12:07:29 PM

Lynn you pastel

of your mother is wonderfull, you certainly have captured her likeness. I think it is perfect just like that.

I think you will make your mother proud.

ncwren · **Reply #10 on:** July 04, 2014, 01:12:03 PM

There is a beautiful glow and softness. A lady well loved for sure.

lynn p. · **Reply #11 on:** July 04, 2014, 01:44:27 PM

Steven, Dennis, Natalie, Sally, Val, Patricia, Danielle, Iris, Jennylynn and Maylynn--I really appreciate that you have taken the time to look (especially because I have had little time lately to spend on the Forum and comment--very sorry). I think everyone's thought about stepping away is probably the perfect one. Maybe I just want it to be one of my best because it is my Mom. I plan to fill in more of her painting eventually. The light is actually coming from a light attached to her slant board and pointing at the painting. Interesting that it looks like candlelight but I can now see that. This feedback has been very helpful and appreciated

Lillian · **Reply #12 on:** July 04, 2014, 02:45:54 PM

It's unanimous Lynn, we love it!

Everything you do is awesome.

lynn p. · **Reply #13 on:** July 05, 2014, 03:51:27 AM

Thanks so much Lillian, you are SO kind always and it means a lot coming from you. I reworked some areas and posted the revisions next to the first one. I gave more shadow to the left side of her head, lost some edges, did more of the painting and adjusted skin tones. I think I like it better.

May lynn · **Reply #14 on:** July 05, 2014, 04:21:18 AM

Dear Lynnp;

The color of the sweater goes sooooo well with the yellow glow/reflections
off your Mother's hair. Your additional revision finishes the painting
beautifully indeed!!!!

May lynn