Pastel Portrait Painting Demonstration
"Alexandra"


I start with a 24x36 sheet of Wallis, my favorite support for pastels. I've measured the height of the head to make sure my composition will fit, and then I start laying in my colors trying to be as accurate as possible in every way. I would rather take my time than waste my time!

After laying in more color, I blend the flesh tones with my fingers. Then I continue to add color and restate the features on top of this base. At this point I would like to stop and call the work done; there is a likeness and a fresh feeling that I like.

Now I turn my attention to the rest of the composition and sketch in the body, arms and hands. I've already chosen green to be the background color, but I don't fill it all in at once so that I can still use my arm as a mahl stick without making a mess of myself.

I simultaneously work on the face, dress, and background adding layers of color, defining form and correcting.

The process continues as I add in the gloved hands and expand the background.

Only slight changes have been made from the previous version to this final version. Back to the portrait gallery.