Painting Fast and Loose with Pastel (Egyptian Jug)
"Egyptian Jug" (9 x 10.5 Chalk Pastel on Paper) Click here to buy print: http://www.redbubble.com/people/nikihilsabeck/art/6412843-1-egyptian-jug-pastel There are three big reasons I love using chalk pastels: bright colors, versatility, and convenience. I've been having trouble getting myself to the paint board lately, and when I do, I have trouble liking what I see when the work is finished. I'm finding that the more difficult and complicated life gets, the more stripped down and simple the subjects I am painting... For this piece, I took a piece of lightly toned Canson Mi Teintes paper (9 x 12) and made a light sketch of the shapes I wanted. In order to focus on what I was painting, I turned the reference photo and paper upside down, offering my right brain a chance to take over. I don't like to get too dependent on this trick, but I figured it would take my mind off the barrage of problems I've been worried about. It worked, and I got the basic shape down ...