yes I admit it. I opened a Christmas gift early despite the highlighted message "Do Not Open Until Christmas" that was stuck to it.
I always tell my mother about an art supply or two that I would like. So when a wrapped gift came from Dakota Pastels I knew what it was. I resisted opening it for about 2 hours... a serious record... but I could just picture the luscious pencil set that was inside that wrapping, and gave in.
What did I get???? Well, I usually take the opportunity of my art supply X-mas gift to get something new, that I never tried before. Last year I got the full set of Polychromos pencils, which I had never tried before and it became the only pencil I use for portraits! SO I figured I'd push myself this year and go outside the colored pencil realm - albeit not too far out: Faber Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils. I picked them because the pallette is the same as the Polychromos so it should be a nice transition between media.
I've already started using them too... I know very very naughty now! I would show you what I am working on, but I forgot my camera at home, so you will have to wait. If there is not another snow day for the kids tomorrow - I'll show you tomorrow. That will give me some time to get a little better at them too!
The other art supply I got was a handheld pencil sharpener from Dakota pastels with REPLACEABLE blades!!!! I am so happy I could cry! I've given up on replacing expensive electric pencil sharpeners and the handhelds I've been using dull quickly. here it is on their site; scroll all the way down to the brass sharpener. http://www.dakotapastels.com/pages/pastelaccessories-drawingtools.aspx
11 comments:
I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with the pastel pencils Nicole.
Hi Nicole...well, at least your honest about it:) I've used pastel pencils also, the same ones you got,pit pastels, for the lion (nomad) that I did. I haven't tried to do a portrait with them yet. Looking forward to seeing your new pastel rendered portrait.
Merry Christmas,
Scott
Mmmm! Bad girl! That's okay, I've been driving my Christmas present for weeks . . .
I enjoy using that set, too. Yummy stuff. Being the neanderthal that I am, I insist on the x-acto knife and sand paper method of sharpening, though.
Merry Christmas!
Beautiful work.
I got a set of 72 Prismacolor pencils one year from my artist Uncle. I had tears of joy in my eyes -- but none of my friends or family could understand my enthusiam. Now I know I'm not alone!
I am excited just reading about your excitement. I am a cp gal, but would like to try these great pastel pencils. What book or video would you recommend for a beginner. Still lifes are my favorite.
Judy
I actually bought a set of Derwent pastel pencils a few weeks ago! I am excited to try them, but haven't had a chance to yet. It will be interesting to compare notes on the two types...
Thanks guys! I got quite a bit of the face done on a portrait yesterday. I hope I like it when I get to go back to my studio and see what it looks like! Yes, another snow day.
I'm thinking I should run to the studio and bring it home to work on for the weekend.
Casey re: exacto method... I am really bad with using razors... received stitches once in college when using my exacto and just yesterday I sliced a patch of my thumb off trimming my paper with a utility knife. Sigghhhh, I'll stick to sharpeners! :) It did much better than I thought it would with the pastel pencils yesterday.
Judy there are so many good colored pencil books out there for beginners.
I had Ann Kullberg's book when I started myself. Even though she does portraits, she has a good method to try out. She starts with her lightest colors and works to the darkest. Then on the other end is Arlene Steinberg who works dark to light. Have a sit in a bookstore and thumb through them to see which one works like you do.
At the moment I don't know of any colored pencil books that are based primarily on sanded paper.
Great Holly! So afr they don't react much different from the Polychromos on sanded paper - but they are a bit thicker and don't gum up after loads of layers - which is nice!
Nicole, you bad...bad girl. I am sooo telling your mother!!! Ha ha!
I love getting art supplies for Christmas. Pastel pencils are fun to work with too. My fav pastel brands so far are Sennelier pastel sticks and Conté pencils (they lay down a nice dose of saturation). Let me know how you like the Faber set.
Enjoy your gifts and please be sharey by posting some pics!
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