This is a 9 X 12″ pastel on Fabriano paper.  It’s been awhile since I’ve done a process study.  I hope you enjoy seeing the steps to the finish.   I usually start with a rough sketch in a neutral color to decide placement of objects, etc.

Next I work on the sky.  I know a lot of artists leave the sky to the last, but, for me, it sets the tone of the scene.

Now it’s time o start adding color and painting the objects.

I always work top to bottom and then later go back and add or change the interior items I’m not satisfied with.

Finally, the bottom half is completed and any corrections are made…..actually, I made several to the buildings!

As usual, any comments are more than welcome.  I think I’d like to spend a little time at this farm.

5 Responses to “Country Living – A Process Study”

  1. thom says:

    this is your best process post YET!

    I like the top to bottom approach. Does that correlate to light to dark, or to minimize overlapping? What I mean is: when I’m inking I ink left to right on the page so there’s an absolute minimum of overlap between my palm and the inked work, to minimize smearing. Thinking of working on an easel, I wondered if perhaps a similar thing is happening here…

    Love the shade on the barns and the detail of the grasses in the foreground!

  2. Doris says:

    I really like the way you did the trees in the background. It’s subtle with the different shades and tones, and you can see the depth.

  3. admin says:

    Thank you both for the comments. I think most pastelists work from the top down in the major areas mostly because it allows the loose powder to fall down into a collection tray. Secondly, it makes sense when creating the illusion of space between overlapping objects….trees behind trees for example. I think I always worked this way, no matter the medium.

    We also use tracing paper under our hands to avoid (or more correctly, minimize) smearing. I have seen so many incredible pastel artist that create nearly photolike paintings, with absolutely no smearing or smudging at all.

    Thankfullty, that’s not my style. If it was, I’d never get anything done!

  4. leila Schnyder says:

    I really enjoyed the process post. Not only was it interesting, but the final picture is just wonderful. You’re right, it looks like a great place to spend time.
    Leila

  5. admin says:

    Thanks, Leila. You know I always appreciate your comments.

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