Man with the Beard

First let me say I am going to try and do better with posting on my blog!  Here is my latest project...This piece wasn't originally part of the plan. I found myself stuck between a few different reference photos for the next addition to my "Let's Go" series, and while I was deciding, I took a detour to work on this portrait instead.

I used a mix of pastel pencils, PanPastels, and soft pastels on Pastelmat paper. When I first tried Pastelmat, it wasn't my favorite.  However, the more I practiced with it, the more I began to like it. This is the first portrait I’ve completed on this surface, and I really like the results.  Have you ever had something you disliked at first, only to have it become a favorite? 

I've said it many times before, but the combination of paper and materials makes such a difference in the final outcome of your artwork.  Sometimes it takes a lot of trial and error to figure out a combination that works for your style and/or the subject matter.  I enjoy using Pastelmat for pet and people portraits in pastels, but I'd rather use Bristol Vellum, Stonehenge or Mixed Media paper for colored pencil drawings.

What kind of paper and materials do you like to use?

Until next time,

Michele