I use various sized tortillions, or stumps as they are sometimes called, when the clunky chunks of pastel or charcoal just won't do. Those rolled up pieces of paper can come down to a pretty fine point. I take the color stick in one hand and the tort in the other and I rub the tort into, onto, the pigment. I then apply the pigment to the surface with the tort. You can take it down to a pretty fine detail using this method. As I move out to less detail I go back to the direct application.

Thanks, Sharon! I'll let you know. I have quite a few Unisons, some Rembrandts, and two different types of pastel pencils and I've been playing with them. I haven't actually tried to do anything figurative with pastels yet, except during some life classes. It's hard to leave the comfort zone of oils. But I love the way pastels look and am hoping to be able to move into them. You are one of the pastellists on this forum who is inspiring me to try them, by the way. Your work is so lovely!

Here's the piece Sharon was refering to from Daniel Greene. It's my favorite of his also.

I have a small set of Giraults also, probably the same one Leslie ordered. It's a nice set, wish I could get the full set. I think I like them so much because they make me feel like I'm still using pencils. The Unison's feel good too, another small set, but I would have to get used to those more being fatter.

I just got in the Poloychromos set, similar to Nupastels, but softer. I've only played with them a bit, so I can't judge how good they are yet. I'm struggling with the pastel piece I'm doing now, if I don't ruin it, I'll post it and let you guys know how the Polychromos were.

Wish I could say this was the piece I was having trouble with.

I've looked at that painting thousands of times. I didnt even realize it was pastel. Wow.

I wish I could see close ups of that!

Sharon, I'm up way to early for a Saturday morning, so I am window shopping the pastel section of the fine art store. Since you seem to have tried everything I was curious to know if you have the Great American pearlescent pastels and what they are like? I assume these are a new addition to the line and wouldn't be in the full monte set or am I wrong?

Mary,

They came with my "Full Monte". I have used one in a drawing, but I have not used them as part of a larger effort. The iridescent colors are unusual and fun to play with.

While were on the subject of D.G.

I too have admired the portrait of the girl above, I have starred at it long and often. This is a beautiful girl in a beautiful dress posed very thoughtfully with wonderful light.


What I admire equally is the one that follows. Juxtapose this image with the one above. I can only imagine the discussion that went on between D.G. and the subject regarding light and pose, and the tricks that could have been employed. This is purely supposition on my part, but I can imagine that after hearing of the possibilities from the artist, Mr. Steinberg said no, show me chin up in profile. I have a hard time figuring out which of the two is more beautiful.