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Sharon Knettell · 04-06-2003, 10:27 AM

Hi,

These are done on the prepared MDF board as I have mentioned previously. This surface is so forgiving that a relative newcomer to pastel like myself can't screw up. You can wipe it off over and over again without wearing out the tooth. Also, as happened on my most recent oeuvre, I did manage to remove the tooth. I simply took a brush, removed the pastel and put some more of the pastel gesso on it and voila I was good to go. You cannot see the patch as pastel is so opaque.

I do a color study first. The only lean I use is to draw the darn thing. I have the colors I want to use and plunge right in. You have to know the colors you want, especially in the transparent skirt. I want the background to show through to make the tulle look transparent. Each stroke is important, each stroke has to be on the money, both in color and direction. If it is overworked, the quality of light is lost. It is very nerve-wracking and takes all the concentration powers I have!

I love the Unisons for their subltety of color. The really hold up to bold usage. If they had more of a complete color range I would mostly use them. I use the medium ones for the backgrounds. I love the brilliant colors and texture of the Schminkes.

I use the Senneliers because they have such an extensive line of colors, crucial when you are doing sensitive skin tones. Their tendency to crumble drives me nuts. Sometimes you cannot get them out of the wrapper before they fall apart.

These panels are 1" thick cradled in oak and weighing about 38 lbs. Traditional framing can be difficult and tres expensive. I simply have a Plexiglas cover made 4 1/2" deep and screw it onto the sides. It is quite modern, some people love it some don't. It gives the paintings the feeling of collectible dolls. My next panel will be aluminum. Im getting shoulders like a pro wrestler hauling these babies around.

Thank you all very much for you questions and interest.

04-06-2003, 10:27 AM	#4
Sharon Knettell Approved Member Joined: Sep 2002 Posts: 1,730	Favorite Pastels and Framing Hi, These are done on the prepared MDF board as I have mentioned previously. This surface is so forgiving that a relative newcomer to pastel like myself can't screw up. You can wipe it off over and over again without wearing out the tooth. Also, as happened on my most recent oeuvre, I did manage to remove the tooth. I simply took a brush, removed the pastel and put some more of the pastel gesso on it and voila I was good to go. You cannot see the patch as pastel is so opaque. I do a color study first. The only lean I use is to draw the darn thing. I have the colors I want to use and plunge right in. You have to know the colors you want, especially in the transparent skirt. I want the background to show through to make the tulle look transparent. Each stroke is important, each stroke has to be on the money, both in color and direction. If it is overworked, the quality of light is lost. It is very nerve-wracking and takes all the concentration powers I have! I love the Unisons for their subltety of color. The really hold up to bold usage. If they had more of a complete color range I would mostly use them. I use the medium ones for the backgrounds. I love the brilliant colors and texture of the Schminkes. I use the Senneliers because they have such an extensive line of colors, crucial when you are doing sensitive skin tones. Their tendency to crumble drives me nuts. Sometimes you cannot get them out of the wrapper before they fall apart. These panels are 1" thick cradled in oak and weighing about 38 lbs. Traditional framing can be difficult and tres expensive. I simply have a Plexiglas cover made 4 1/2" deep and screw it onto the sides. It is quite modern, some people love it some don't. It gives the paintings the feeling of collectible dolls. My next panel will be aluminum. Im getting shoulders like a pro wrestler hauling these babies around. Thank you all very much for you questions and interest.