Hello from Jacksonville, FL
 

Hello everyone,

I really appreciate being accepted to this forum. I have been reading the posts for a little over a year now, and it is definitely an honor to be among so many great artists.

I made a commitment to make a career out of painting a little over five years ago. I am mostly self taught, though recently I have been taking an art class on portrait and figure drawing in pastel and sitting in on weekly life drawing sessions. I am currently developing a portfolio of artworks.

Here is a portrait (12x18, Pastel on Wallis paper). Please feel free to comment. I cherish this opportunity to learn from what others see as strengths and weaknesses present in my work.

Again, I am thankful to be a member of this forum, and I am truly grateful to its members for their advice, critiques, and artwork.

Sincerely,
Richard

Let me be the first to welcome you on board, Richard.
Your work has a nice crisp and fresh quality to it that I like very much. Do you do other media as well, or do you specialize in pastel? Would like to see more of your work, and hope you enjoy the forum .

Carlos

Hi Richard!
Nice portrait. I like your color harmony and the light. She looks very alive. Is it done from life?
Welcome to the forum!

Richard,

Welcome! If you would like feedback on your work , you should open a new thread in the Critiques section under pastel.

My first portrait teacher - pastel - Ann Manry Kenyon , lives in your area. She has inspired and taught me for so many years.

See you online:)

Welcome, Richard! Very nice work--I've always wanted to try pastel.

Carlos: I specialize in pastel, and dabble in charcoal. Thanks for the kind words, and I will definitely post more in the future. You'll be begging me to stop. ;)

Marina: The portrait is done from a photograph. Thank you for the compliments.

Chris: I met Ann Kenyon earlier this year. I was trying to get some art framed and the framer liked my work. She happened to know Ms. Kenyon and thought it would be a good idea for me to meet her and see her art. She told me how to contact her and where to go to see her artwork. I followed up on the advice and we arranged a time and date. It was one of the most nervous times in my life, but she was very cordial and very honest.

Alexandra: I'm glad you like it. I'm so used to looking at other people's work it feels strange looking at mine. I can't tell you how nervous I was when I posted it.