Here is the late stallion Blacklord Caesaro, a wonderful character and ambassador for the Arabian breed. I have been asked how to build up soft pastel on a black horse (the same principle applies to any black animal) and am using this study to show some of the under colours, blue greys and purple browns amongst others that are laid in before any blacks are used. Blue greys will give the hightlight areas and purple browns give a warmth to the whole pastel. Care must be taken with the purple brown however, otherwise you can end up with a 'sun burned' brown/black. Use the black pastel lightly over other colours and on its own only in the shadow areas. (I like Rembrandt's deep rich black.) Try to stay away from the pastel pencils as much as possible and use them only to finish the fine detail. Note to self: I must remember to take more photos when working as I am good at asking other artists to do this!
4 comments:
Wonderful Lelsey, thanks for showing us the beginning and end of your painting and some lessons in pastel. Your work is beautiful as usual.
Thanks Judy! I will try to remember to take more photos next time :)
Hello Lesley,
I really enjoyed seeing, actually reading, how you work. It is really helpful for someone who does not know how to handle pastels :). I am looking forward to seeing more tutorials!
Hi Nadja,
Many thanks for the kind message. Pastels can be fiddly if you do not have some encouragement and guidance in the beginning, but they are well worth persevering. I use torchons (rolled paper stumps) and these make working in detail much easier. Best wishes, Lesley
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