Nancy Freeman Studio | Chromatic Fanatic
  • HOME
  • PORTFOLIOS
    • BEDHEAD LION
    • Primary Lines Portfolio
    • DIGITAL SERIES PORTFOLIO
    • ICE FIRE
    • Primary Lines Genealogy
    • ABSTRACT PHOTOGRAPHY
    • Early Historical Work
    • Copper Dreams
    • Reflections and Shadows
    • Paintography
  • Cabbage Projects
    • Cabbage Whimsies
    • Cabbage Art & Scarf Invitational >
      • The FINAL CABBAGES
      • CABBAGE SCARVES
      • ABOUT THE CABBAGE INVITATIONAL
  • Traditional Media
    • Pastel Portfolio
    • Speed painting
    • Pastel step-by-step demos
  • Blog
  • About Studio, Media
  • About the Artist
  • Contact
Picture

"Yellow Soldiers" Pastel: Step-by-step demo

This demo focuses on the utility of a limited color scheme and on dividing the picture space into thirds as an aid to placement of elements. The final composition was based on a number of iPhone photos taken in very low light. Some were taken by candlelight and some at twilight, which provided the wonderful blue at the windows. Besides the four models shown here, I referred to a number of others as well, picking different elements from each.

The models

iPhone photos of this flower arrangement serve as the models. These pictures help to organize the composition.
Picture
Picture

Modified model photos

The model photographs were stylized using a variety of filters. This often helps to identify the value shapes.
Picture
Picture

Picture

Quick thumbnails

I make quick, loose thumbnail sketches to develop the concept and test out different compositions.

Don't commit to these little drawings, but rather use them to explore different ways of depicting the subject. Here, I was testing different ratios and formats.

Picture

Blocking in major shapes

Based on the thumbnail sketches, I decided on a composition. At this stage, I'm very loosely blocking in the underlying shapes. The color and value of each shape affects all the surrounding shapes, so this step gets all the major pieces in play.

Picture

Development

Developing the light and dark areas, refining the rose shapes. This stage is still quite loose, and I'm playing with the vertical elements of the composition. Establishing the darks early sets the lower range of the value scale, and provides the contrast for all the other values.

Picture

Adding some detail

Starting to model the rose shapes, indicating some details. The major compositional elements (shape and color blocks, strong verticals and horizontals) are all well defined by this point.

Picture

Finished!