Saturday, February 6, 2010

A Pastel Painting AND Illustration Friday - Muddy

A couple of days ago, Daniel brought home some sample papers from Canson and Arches and as I was looking through them for samples of acrylic papers, I came across some for pastels. And presto, my mind became obsessed with trying my hand at pastels again (my previous two attempts were nothing to write home about).

I started and before I knew it, two hours had passed and I was covered with pastel dust. Oh, what fun! I am such a tactile person and just loved working with the pastel sticks and my fingers. I think I am hooked!!

Also, because I made the background a little muddied on purpose (it was really bright before), I thought I'd enter this for this week's Illustration Friday theme of muddy.

P.S. Thank you all for your lovely and fun comments on my previous recipe post. KJ asked me about my all-time favorite cookbook, which gave me an idea for a blog post. Stay tuned!!

32 comments:

  1. Hallo Silke,

    du schaffst es immer wieder neue Dinge in dein Leben zu bringen. Ich finde es schön, dass du so viele Dinge ausprobierst und auch Spaß daran hast. Es ist mir immer eine Freude, deinen Blog zu besuchen und auch eine Inspirationsquelle für mich. Danke dafür und ein schönes Wochende. Liebe Grüße Inge

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  2. Lovely, Silke! I am no good at pastels - neither oil nor chalk. I just can't get the hang of it. Kudos to you for trying a different medium!

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  3. It looks fab, love the background!! I want to be able to do it too.... !!

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  4. It's a while since I've done any art or sketching, Silke, but I always loved using pastels - mostly in a very messy way. I just love the dust on my hands! Your latest creation is so beautiful, Silke. Love & Light. xx

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  5. What a beauty she is....wonderful!!! Pastels..have a a magic all of their own don't they! Very charming piece..!
    Kiki~

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  6. OOOOH Silke! Her expression is very thoughtful, serene and gentle.

    I love reading how the pastel turned in your hands! You really are having fun.

    I hope you have a wonderful day.

    I was supposed to paint today. I had this image in my mind and so I planned on opening another stretched canvas but The Viking wants to walk with me at the park and then go grocery shopping for his superbowl party. Gah! Aaaaack!

    Good morning sweet!

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  7. Your style is so consistent, and I love that you are so devoted to your art!

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  8. Well, you know from my work that anything with DARK does not necessarily equal MUDDY! I understand using it for the prompt, but it is FAR from muddy....it is lush and beautiful, and the BG just toned down to push the image forward.
    Love it......love the color!

    XXOO!!
    Anne

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  9. She's beautiful, Silke, and yes you would love Suzi's class--she may be kooky acting, but she's a very good teacher, and takes it very seriously.

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  10. She is De-Lovely! I love the heart-shape of her hair and face and the glow behind her. Very graceful. Wishing you a lovely day.
    **blows kisses** Deb

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  11. I think this is just fabulous! And I agree with Deborah -- I see some heart shapes in your drawing. I'm so glad you had such fun with it! More pastels, please! :]

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  12. the colors are wonderful, not muddy at all, I like how her head/hair is shape like a heart

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  13. I don't know about pastels but I read where you were using your fingers. I love to finger paint I feel so connected when I do it and I LOVE it. It must take me back to my childhood and I don't even realize it.

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  14. Lovely! You must have really been loving the pastels because I see a heart in her face!

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  15. So beautiful! Love that orangey-rosy-purpley mix of colors in the background-- fabulous with that green!

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  16. i love her halo!! great colors...really really warm!

    happy saturday!!

    xxoo
    k

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  17. She has such soft colors Did you have fun It looks like it Hugs Julie

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  18. your pastel work is beautiful, silke!! and, i think if you're covered in pastel dust when you're finished, you know you've done it correctly!! :))))

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  19. It's a beautiful piece!! I love oil pastels..... I use them all the time. I'm guessing these are soft pastels. You've done great work!!

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  20. Hey, I like this! Good stuff.

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  21. funny how, i just bought the same paper! :))

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  22. I think this is glowing...beautiful Silke!
    Char

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  23. i can't believe these are pastels and you just picked them up did this. what an expression, silke, pensive but also abit sad.

    so the fav cookbook outlook is coming! yay. :)

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  24. You have inspired me! I'm going to hang hearts in my front window. I love that about this blog!

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  25. Now this is my kind of muddy! The colors remind me of a beautiful and serene sunset. So many loving hearts on your blog today, Silke, including her splendid face. Love is definitely in the air.

    xoxoxo

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  26. this is wonderful! Lovely that you picked up pastels again, you are a natural!

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  27. Wow pastels are a great medium for you. Love the background and her expression. Very lovely work!

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  28. Oh, I am so glad you all are part of my creative journey! I love how you encourage me and cheer me on!! Thank you! Love, Silke

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  29. You're right, there is something wonderfully tactile about holding pastels in your hand...you've created real beauty here Silke!

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  30. Hmmm...pastels feel so wonderful! She's a pensive beauty!

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