The other day when I painted a pastel portrait from one of my photos, it had my daughter and youngest son. I certainly didn’t want my middle son to feel left out so tonight I picked a photograph I took while he was up in Oscoda for YMCA Family Camp. I bought some clearance price cheap paint brushes to spread the pastel around and fill in the spaces. They shed like crazy, but being dry pastels they blew right off. I didn’t want to use my nice brushes on the sanded paper.

My son recognized himself and Ladybelle, so even though I can’t get a lot of fine detail yet, I am catching enough in my loose style.

I don’t think this is as polished looking as yesterday’s wind turbine landscape. I struggle with people still even though I have improved considerably over the last year or so. I don’t think this one is quite show material. Maybe when my new extra soft pastels come in a day or two I’ll see if that helps.

My pears made the poster for the upcoming Portrait Parlor show. The reception is on Thursday March 20th from 5-7 and is open to the public. Stop by and check out the artwork if you get a chance.

Do you prefer to paint portraits or landscapes in your practice?