Two commissions, two different styles.

Debra Jones · 11-01-2005, 01:53 AM

I had a flourish of business (human not animal) lately and hope to keep the momentum rolling. These two are still on the easels and waiting for a little more input from the clients.

The first is going to be a mate for another pastel I did three years ago. The first was MADE to be smaller on a large piece of paper but he framed it to show all the edges, hence the raggedy feel about the sides.

I will put a bit more detail in the picture over his head and finish the arms on the chair with nail heads but want to keep all the edges rough.

The second is 18x24 and probably right at life size. It is a memorial from a professional portrait and radically changed so as to look completely human made. The wife died some years ago and he is moving into his new home and wants something memorable, other than the 8x10 he has on a desk.

I had shown him the beginning of the first piece with just head hands and shirt and indications of the rest. It was the looseness that appealed to him.

I will do VERY little more. A bit of correction and work on the hand, but stylistically I think it is nearly done.

Interested in your input.

Richard Huante · 11-01-2005, 02:58 AM

Hi Debra,

I like the composition very much. The combination of detail/looseness works well also. I think after you finish up the hand, just remove the red smudges on her clothing, and you can sign & deliver this piece with confidence. Your client will be pleased.

Sincerely,

Linda Brandon · 11-01-2005, 09:05 AM

Hi Debra,
I like both of these very much, there's an energy, a lightness of touch and color and a precision to them that is very appealing to me. I saw the woman's face, went back and read your post and thought to myself '"oh, I'm so sorry that woman died". I think that's what a good posthumous painting should make us feel. These are lovely!

Debra Jones · 11-01-2005, 11:14 AM

Thanks, both of you.

Richard, the second I put the photo in my computer, I went over with my eraser and pulled them off her shoulder. Her outfit IS red, but I have neither the gumption or apparently the proper color to keep it as delicate as the rest, so it is going... or at best, maybe lining the edges of her hair.

It is killing to not hear from the client. I just keep fiddling!!!

Alexandra Tyng · 11-01-2005, 11:17 AM

Hi Debra,

I really like both of these, too. In the first drawing your line is alive and the color is placed with sensitivity. I'm fascinated by the way you did the man's hands and his mouth--I can just see him in real life, making the kind of expression he makes when he is reading, though I don't know him. The second drawing is remarkable in that you have brought a studio photo to life. That has to be a remarkable feat. You can feel the energy of this woman and how she must have provided a spark in the marriage with her more laid-back husband.

Alex

Carol Norton · 11-01-2005, 06:28 PM

Boy, Debra, your style is so strong. I really love it. Both these are just wonderful. You really do "think outside the box" if I may coin an old phrase. Or is it that an old girl can coin a new phrase? Oh, well, whichever fits.

Janet Kimantas · 11-02-2005, 08:36 AM

Debra, these are both wonderful. So immediate and energetic. Great work. Janet

Jimmie Arroyo · 11-02-2005, 10:25 AM

DJ, I like them both, but that second one is down right cool.

Michele Rushworth · 11-02-2005, 08:01 PM

Very nice, very fresh and immediate!