Aria
 

This is a pastel of Aria, a friend of mine. She is an aspiring actress from a family of outstanding musicians. I actually started this one earlier this year but had to set it aside because of commissions. I did have this (unfinished) in my portfolio in Philadelphia, but I didn't like it much then... I think now it's ok, but there are still little things that bug me about it. I'm ready to move on so, yes. It is finished. I think....

Pastel on sanded paper, 19" X 25"

What a beautiful painting! Congrats!

Somehow, she reminds me of Linda Brandon. ;)

You know Leslie, I hadn't made that connection, but now that you mention it....I do see a very strong resemblance to the exceptional Linda Tracey Brandon. :cool:

And thank you for your kind feedback.

Darks
 

Absolutely stunning technique. I haven't used pastels in a generation and when I did it was in a Degas style hatched fashion and I would love to know how on earth you get your darks to be so dark and dense?

David, this is beautiful. The hallmark of your portraits to me is a real feeling for the subjects. They always seem very much alive--your technique is the support on which the character rests.

Dear David,

This portrait is so exquisite and so sensitive. It is always a pleasure to see your work.

Gorgeous as always.

I second the Linda likeness !!
Astonishing technique, David, reaching this degree of finish in pastel !
A stunning portrait
Ilaria

David it is beautiful and superbly handled. I am especially drawn how you have managed, with what seems a few strokes and just the right amount of value change, to make the fabric read so well as velvet.

David, I like this very much. As usual you have put so much feeling into your portrayal of the subject. The warm, deep colors and texture of the velvet add to the general emotional tone. It occurred to me that you might have been dissatisfied with this at first because you weren't saying all you wanted to say. I wonder if you should try a couple more of her, just to see what else you could say. She looks like a person you could paint/draw several times without getting tired of her.