Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Pastel cloth color study


I have been trying to learn how to use pastels in the way Michael Newberry does his and it looks so easy but it is so terribly difficult. I think this one might not be as bad as the others I have practiced with before this one. Fortunately I will be going to his Pastel Workshop in New York in September. Something I am looking forward to tremendously.

20 comments:

Jeanette Jobson said...

The colour in this study is very rich looking Mary. I know the illustion comes only with hard work and you'll learn even more in Michael's workshop. Lucky you...I'll have to save my pennies and make that an option for next year perhaps.

~Babs said...

Excited for you to be able to take that class Mary, sounds fabulous! I love pastels,,,but don't get around to them very often. The colors in this are great,,,,and cloth IS hard,,,,but you've done a great job!
Babs

Mary said...

Jeanette thank you, I believe it will be an unforgettable experience and one that will help me in many ways.

Thank you babs, I have never used pastel and I find it not so easy but after the workshop I think I will find that it is an excellent tool for quick studies.

C. Robin Janning said...

Mary,

You amaze me with your range. This is quite lovely.

Robin

Cynthia said...

I like your color study, Mary! How fortunate for you to be going to the workshop in NY, I'm so jealous!!

Anita said...

I am so envious at you taking Michael's workshop. I'm sure learning his technique will be easy after seeing him in action.

Mary said...

Thank you Cynthia and Anita! I am very excited and each time we talk about the techinique I find I still have a long way to go with these.

Anonymous said...

... and I am going with you..la la la
Can't wait! We will be dancing in the streets.

Billie Crain said...

great pastel work, Mary! how fantastic to actually meet Michael and participate in one of his workshops. we'll be expecting great things all the time from you afterwards so be sure to take lots of notes. enjoy your trip and have fun!

Mary said...

Robin that is for sure, we will have great time!

Thank you Billie, wish you and Anita could come with us but we will have to get together sometime.

Stacy said...

Mary, I was talking to Robin about the workshop. I can't swing it this year, but I might be able to come meet you for dinner one night. I'm only a 2 hour bus ride from the city! You ladies will have to let me know your schedule.
Beautiful colors in your pastel study!

Mary said...

Stacy thank you! That is wonderful news it would be a great treat to meet you.

Philip said...

I am sorry Mary but I have to say I don't understand what you are getting from this Michael chap (I have never heard of him by the way). I do hope he is not putting you off your abstracts of which you are a master. Perhaps you could teach him a thing or two. I just had to say this!

Mary said...

No Philip, Michael is an extraordinary artist and is filling in the tremendous gap that I had in my art education. I am very greatful for what I have learned from him and I might someday be able to approach my abstract art with a little more security.

Philip said...

Mary

It would be interesting to know more about him and how he is helping you. Worth an article perhaps? Just a thought!

Anonymous said...

I do hope Philip, that you are not saying just because you have never heard of Michael Newberry, that he is unworthy of having any artistic integrity? A book certainly needs to be written about Michael's approach to life and his art. He is a giving and talented master of his craft. Even Picasso's understanding of the basics of form and his ability as a draftsmans, allowed him to break the rules with ease. Mary's search for her own voice through art education/mentorship should not be questioned but commended.
Now go paint.

Philip said...

No Robin - I was not 'questioning' as so much as 'wondering'. There is a difference!

Philip said...

Mary

I hope that YOU don't think I was questioning your judgment! It was much more of a gut reaction to the fact that I already admire your work a lot! My suggestion of an article about Newbury was intended to be constructive.

Mary said...

Philip, I have always appreciated your comments on my blog and your concern for my abstract work but to be honest I was disconcerted by the wording in your comment about Michael Newberry. I have frequently posted links to his workshop and his website and will always be greatful for his taking me into his program being that I did not have the training that most of the apprentices that he mentors, have. This is not an easy task! Both Robin and I admire him very much as an artist and a very special human being. I agree with Robin in that it would take a huge post to talk about how he has helped me, which I might do once I get some important art work done.
As for Robin , she is one of the most loyal and true friends I have found on the Internet, the kind that will stick her neck out for those she admires, no matter what. I cherish her friendship.
I will gather my information and write an article about Michael as I think it is something I would enjoy doing but need the time to do it write. Thank you for your concern!

Philip said...

Apologies for the sloppy wording which has obviously been misconstrued and wrongly interpreted.

I'm afraid I don't appreciate comments like 'now go paint'.

I will now butt out!