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
I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with the pastel pencils Nicole.
ReplyDeleteHi 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.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas,
Scott
Mmmm! Bad girl! That's okay, I've been driving my Christmas present for weeks . . .
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteJudy
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ReplyDeleteI 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...
ReplyDeleteThanks 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.
ReplyDeleteI'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!
ReplyDeleteI 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!