The Life of the Pastel Artist
How I Taught Myself
Daniel Greene Workshop Demonstration, NY
Books, books and more books! The Walter Foster “How to” books were my way of learning when I was young anq in school. I tried to duplicate everything I saw, but particularly faces of people and animals. I have always been drawn in this direction. I later took a few classes, 1 drawing, 1 oil painting, 1 watercolor in the span of about 10 Year’s. I had no formal education and life just keeps rolling on, yet deep in my heart I always wanted my art to be more than just a hobby. I new the Lord had given me this talent and I knew it was my responsibility to develop this gift.
After moving to Carlisle PA with my husband, I stumbled onto the Art Center School & Galleries, where I took my first portrait class with Karl Foster (not related to Walter!). I knew I needed to study with this man! So for nearly 9 years, once a week, I absorbed everything I could possibly learn from this fine portrait and figure painting artist. From Karl I built a foundation for my artwork, learning how to properly use the pastel medium and how to draw through the complex nuances of the portrait. I am forever indebted to Karl for his patience, gentle and generous instruction, and his humming! As long as he was humming, you knew you were on the right track. If he stopped, it meant he had something to say and I needed to listen!
I was eventually asked to teach at the Art Center. I worked my way out of being an extreme introvert to being a borderline introvert/extrovert. This still amazes my husband! I was exhibiting my paintings and doing occasional solo shows. I learned to do custom framing for self and my students, and I slowly acquired everything I needed to make a home art studio my own comfortable and workable space. I began accepting commissions, mostly of pet portraits, taking on some private students and having occasional one-day workshops.
But still there was so much more for me to learn! I wanted to be better at what I was doing! So I decided to set a goal for myself to attend at least one 5-day workshop every year with nationally renowned portrait and figure painting artist’s. And I only pick the best! I could have given you multiple photos of artists I have studied with, but the template for this blog only allows one, so I chose the artist who has made the most profound impact on me in my art studies ... Daniel E. Greene! He is a fascinating artist! His attention to detail is superb! It is this artist that teaches the technique of drawing from the inside out, which was a huge eye opener for me. Using his method, I can get a likeness of my model faster and more accurately. Every artist I have studied with has taught me something that I could take home and apply to my own creations. It’s exciting to know that you will learn something new from each artist!
So now you know how I have taught myself. Simply by making choices to keep moving forward! Try something new! It is my choice to stay with the same medium. I would rather be great at pastel painting than to be good at multiple mediums. But this is my choice. Others may enjoy knowing something about all mediums. Do whatever makes you happy. But keep moving forward and keep learning! This is your gift back to God, the giver of your gift!
After moving to Carlisle PA with my husband, I stumbled onto the Art Center School & Galleries, where I took my first portrait class with Karl Foster (not related to Walter!). I knew I needed to study with this man! So for nearly 9 years, once a week, I absorbed everything I could possibly learn from this fine portrait and figure painting artist. From Karl I built a foundation for my artwork, learning how to properly use the pastel medium and how to draw through the complex nuances of the portrait. I am forever indebted to Karl for his patience, gentle and generous instruction, and his humming! As long as he was humming, you knew you were on the right track. If he stopped, it meant he had something to say and I needed to listen!
I was eventually asked to teach at the Art Center. I worked my way out of being an extreme introvert to being a borderline introvert/extrovert. This still amazes my husband! I was exhibiting my paintings and doing occasional solo shows. I learned to do custom framing for self and my students, and I slowly acquired everything I needed to make a home art studio my own comfortable and workable space. I began accepting commissions, mostly of pet portraits, taking on some private students and having occasional one-day workshops.
But still there was so much more for me to learn! I wanted to be better at what I was doing! So I decided to set a goal for myself to attend at least one 5-day workshop every year with nationally renowned portrait and figure painting artist’s. And I only pick the best! I could have given you multiple photos of artists I have studied with, but the template for this blog only allows one, so I chose the artist who has made the most profound impact on me in my art studies ... Daniel E. Greene! He is a fascinating artist! His attention to detail is superb! It is this artist that teaches the technique of drawing from the inside out, which was a huge eye opener for me. Using his method, I can get a likeness of my model faster and more accurately. Every artist I have studied with has taught me something that I could take home and apply to my own creations. It’s exciting to know that you will learn something new from each artist!
So now you know how I have taught myself. Simply by making choices to keep moving forward! Try something new! It is my choice to stay with the same medium. I would rather be great at pastel painting than to be good at multiple mediums. But this is my choice. Others may enjoy knowing something about all mediums. Do whatever makes you happy. But keep moving forward and keep learning! This is your gift back to God, the giver of your gift!
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