Pastel Pencils!

I decided to buy a set of pastel pencils the other week, just to give them a go as I've always loved the look of pastel paintings but using them in the form of a pencil was more attractive to me.  I bought a set of 60 Faber Castell PITT pastel pencils and some paper and this is what I came up with for my first drawing.  I used a photo reference, it's a Cape Parrot (from South Africa I think).  I'm so pleased with the way it turned out.  I found the feathers quite difficult but with practice I think this is something I could get used to doing - drawing animals that is.

Finished!

I'm not sure if anyone is actually reading my blog or interested in my artwork, but I keep writing about it anyway.  Today I finished the Cat Lady.  Decided to go with a very pale blue dress with a lace collar detail.  I really love working with the watercolour pencils and I plan to do more pieces like this.

second time lucky

I started to colour my drawing yesterday with watercolour pencils and completely messed it up!  Right towards the end too, how annoying.  Anyway, so I've had to start from scratch again with a brand new drawing.  This is what it looks like so far, I'm glad I decided to try again as I like this one a lot better than the first.  It was challenging getting a skin tone, I think there are about 3 or 4 different colours in there.  Not sure what colour the dress will be yet, I don't want it too overpowering as I want the focus to be on the lady's face.

New Watercolour Pencil piece

I've started on a new watercolour pencil piece, so far I've just done the design in graphite on the watercolour paper, hopefully I might have time tomorrow to start working on the colours :)

New Zealand Teds Magazine

Recently I was asked to provide a profile for the New Zealand Teds magazine, I was honored of course.  In the article I reveal how I got into bearmaking and what inspires me.  Special thanks to Editors Hazel and Pam, what a great little magazine it is, thank you so much :)

WIP

Just thought I'd share this photo of what my latest mixed media canvas is looking like now.  I haven't touched it for days as I'm so busy with bear orders, but all the collage work is done and I've started on the acrylic paint part.  Still lots of work to do!