SULTRY SYLVIA

Thanks Dave, Yes, as you know I think shadows, contrasts and highlights are godsends to artists. The best part of painting portraits is always that eye highlight.

Having been married to her for almost 50 years I can gaurantee she’s still womanly and warm. Many thanks Hidemi.

Thanks Colin. Yes, Syl’ approves and dearly wishes she was still looking as young. Nevertheless, she’s still as beautiful to me, even with my glasses off.

What a lovely lady you are Linda. I’ve got to say that Syl’ is a very good model so it has made it easier…and cheaper. Having said that, I will have to buy her a special prezzie this year. Maybe a JCB (watch this space).

Syl’ has gone from dark to grey and then, miraculously, to blond. Thanks Neil and a Merry Christmas to you both too.

Just be content you’ve got hair Dave.

What a honey tongue your are Pat, but I like you. Let us wish you a lovely time over Christmas and New year and may your camera be ever snappy.

Ah yes the old girl is as warm-hearted as ever thank goodness. I’ll tell wor lass what you said and it will make her day George.

What a delightful poem Carrie. My best friend and wife (same girl) and I thank you for the kind thought.

Ah, gallant Sir Tom, always the perfect gent and friend. I guess another 40 years of practise would help.

Thanks Walter. I see you are still producing those very realistic monster scenes; and always so cleverly done.

How kind of you. I must admit to being inspired by your work.

Yes, as we Geordies would say, ‘She’s still a canny lass’. I guess sticking with me for 50 years shows she has a kind nature.
Many thanks Chris.

Hi Marlene. How I agree with you about the blending technique of pastel. i know the general style is not to blend and let the marks show boldly, but I prefer the smoothness.

I tend to use a hot pressed paper or even mount board rather than proper pastel paper. I also make my own ‘brushes’. These are made from those wooden coffee stirers one can pick up in places like Starbucks when no one is looking. I cut the ends to various widths and then use sef-stick felt (under the name of Fablon velour here) glued over the ends. For very gentle applications I put some pastel on a bit of card and then pick it up on the felt. You can easily rub it on your hand to get just the right amount of colour before putting it onto your picture. It’s a very gentle safe approach and can get some subtle effects. The ‘brushes’ are so easy and quick to make and the felt can easily be replaced when worn or dirty. I also use pastel pencils for detail. Hope that helps.

Got carried away there Marlene as I wanted to say again that I greatly admire your work. You have such impressive skills.

Thanks David. Yes, got to say she still has that twinkle, even behind spec’s.

Most kind of you Lynda, I have to say that my greatest joy of being a member of RB is in discovering new friends and artists such as yourself. A big highlight of my day will be to look through your portfolio which I was fortunate to find yesterday. Your work is truly fantastic. It’s not often one finds such talent and when it does it’s inspiring.

I have used the torchions as well as cotton buds, fingers and various other blenders, but always found them not quite satisfying. I think the two failings, for me anyway, were them not being able to deal with fine detail and not holding the pastel too well. They certainly were very useful, but the easily-made sticky felt sticks I now use suit me well, easpecially when applying very delicate tones. I usually make about a dozen at a time of various shapes and sizes….and they cost nothing. Thanks again Lynda and I look forward to seeing more of your masterpieces.

Thanks for the compliment – coming from someone with your talent that means a lot. I guess I’ve tried just about every medium trying to find what works, but do have a great liking for the airbrush which I use for most of my space subjects.

Many thanks Mike, I greatly appreciate your kind comment.

What a very generous comment Michael, and all the more appreciated coming from a talented designer. One of the delights of RB is coming across those special artists who’s work I like so much. I’ve promised myself a long look through your portfolio. Many thanks.

Many thanks Stephen.

Coming from a career artist of your stature that comment is greatly appreciated Emanuel. I will be taking a long look through your portfolio which most impressive.

And how great to see you come back into our lives Barb….a lot of people missed you. The last I knew you had a bit of a relapse so I hope things are much improved for you now, you’ve had a awfully rought time.
Thanks for your comment. What did your son and his wife think of their carcature?

Thank you kind lady, I greatly appreciate your comment.

That’s most kind of you Alice = just sent you a bubblemail and thanks for putting me on your watchlist. I’d be only too happy to join your group if pastel is part of mixed media i.e. a bit of watercolour and pencil.

I’m with you all the way there; half the battle is an interesting subject well lit. Greatly appreciated my friend.