Third Pastel Attempt, Self Portrait NOW COMPLETE SEE BOTTOM!

Now then, now then,

As I have mentioned in a previous post, I just bought the panpastels in an attempt to better myself with this medium. As much as I enjoy graphite, adding colour really gives a piece some zap.

Anyway, I am currently working on a self portrait. I have spent around 3 to 4 hours so far. This is a picture of me on holiday on a train. The image behind is the world going by.

Also i dont usually look gangta!! just happened to have my hat like that, i will post the reference as well.

All comments welcome

cheers

reference


WIP



close up

I really like how the face is comming along. The background looks too scribbled, instead of streaky. The face is really good though.

well i always have thought my face looks good ha, just joking around

I'd be afraid to do a portrait in pastels. I would have to draw my own face in case it was really bad. I wouldn't want to go back to someone else I was drawing and be like..... "Here's my ugly portrait of you."

ha, i know what you mean.

its cool working with pastels, and these panpastels are very easy to erase if you make a mistake. I find building the layers and getting the right tone the most difficult part.

i have a few other projects in mind too. I wish i didnt have to work so i could do this all day

Great job so far... you've definitely got a strong resemblance in your drawing. I have to say though, your pastel drawing makes you look a lot older than the reference picture does! I think it might have something to do with the bags under the eyes and the fact that your moustache scruff is a bit more defined in your drawing than in the picture. Nonetheless, great job so far, I'm sure the final result will be spectacular!

Ok so i finished off the portrait last night.

Things i learned....

1. Fixative darkened the overall look using these pastels.
2. The nose was very difficult to get right as my face is at a funny angle.
3. I should have laid down a base tone and fixed that, then built up from there.
4. PanPastels wont give you detail, you will have to use regular pastels pencils or sticks for that.

Overall I am very happy with this, I wasn't going for realism, just an expression of me, so I dont mind that it isn't exact.

I have also taken close ups of the parts i like best. I think my head and cap looks good, and I am pleased with the lips,







please comment

Cheers,

Cordy

I really like it!!!!!! I love pastels and pencil!!! just wondering what kind of pastel you use??

I like it. You did not overwork it and I think the outcome would not have been too good if you tried to get more photo-realistic with the pastels. Great portrait and it's good to know when to quit.