PAINTING GRACE

I truly don't recall how many painting sessions it took to reach this stage. The delicacy of flesh tones has fascinated artists for centuries.  Pastels are perfect for the subtle variations that define her form in a soft or front light. 

The colors used are the same throughout in various combinations.  I work on her hair, her face, her hands, and then her dress. Again I work from top to bottom at first to avoid messing up the painting with falling pastel dust. For the same reason, I work with the painting as vertical as possible; tilted slightly forward would be ideal.  Then I work all over the painting, touching up whatever seems to need it.

Notice the reflected light on the back of Grace's arm and how that rounds the form.