Mixed Media On Wooden Plaque
2023

The subject’s gaze meets the eye of the observer as she holds herself before a spacious frosty blue background. Both warm and cold pastel colours set a calm tone over this mixed media piece. Pastels were used in numerous forms to adjust and alter shape, to add or change texture, and to give depth with hints of colour. At times, the pastel was utilized straight from the package and blended while dry, whereas other times it was painted on as a wash after crushing it into a fine powder and combining it with water. Painted overtop of everything, is a protective gloss varnish meant to preserve the artwork. The essence of this portrait was built using a combination of softened edges, water manipulation, and countless layers of shadow and light play.