The good news is my "hand-made" surface held up through three total wipe offs of this painting. I wasn't sure if this surface (my pastel mix on rag mat) could take a hosing as Wallis can so I sprayed it a couple times with Spectra Fix to get some tooth back. After a couple more hours of work on this painting, I took a stiff bristled brush and brushed the whole thing off AGAIN from top to bottom. LOVE the trees in the background, I didn't touch them again after the wipe off. A little work on the purple bush and grasses on the right as well as some distant turquoise. I think it is now as good as it is going to get.
I'm glad you didn't give up on this one, Barbara. I like the new toned-down version very much. Those trees were worth saving. The oil-wash foundation reminded me of snow and icy water. Maybe inspiration for a winter version of this scene?
ReplyDeleteDonna, I appreciate your comments. I think I have to put this one away for a while. A painting becomes a living entity and we've been through too much together!
ReplyDeleteAnother beauty. I really think you are on to something. these are wonderful. Are you just using gesso on rag paper..nothing else?
ReplyDeleteLoriann, this particular painting is pastel on top of a marble dust/gesso ground.
ReplyDelete1. Gesso the rag mat, both sides (use foam roller)
2. Pastel mixture MAY be applied (surface seems to work just as well for me without the mixture).
3. Watercolor or oil paint wash
4. Pastel on top!