The Challenge in Pastel Painting from a Photograph

Working from photographs can be a challenge. There is a clarity of the overall photo and in the lines which are difficult to attain with pastel. There’s a vibrance to a photo that cannot be replicated with pastel. (Framed and under glass helps with this.)

Then there’s the fact my eye is often drawn to scenes darker and moodier. To paint it that way makes the painting too dark unless you happen to have the properly lit wall space to show its beauty.

(Original reference photo courtesy: Wanda Santti)

I suppose, too, this could just be another aspect of learning for me. After all, there are always chances to learn.

It’s funny how often I’ll make notes of tips and discoveries, but when I’m at the easel, all those notes, along with any comments I made from the previous progress photo, and thoughts I had on what to fix disappear as soon as I pick up a pastel and turn to the painting. I just start working at whatever feels needs to be done to the painting in the moment.

(Latest progress photo of the pastel painting "Softly Comes the Dawn. And when the original photo is more panoramic than the painting size, the scene gets bunched.)

Am I always pleased? No, and some things do need to be fixed. But, too, how much of it is being picky? I keep saying I’m not trying to replicate the photo, yet is the disappointment because the painting is not exactly like the photo?

I say, too, that I am not a perfectionist, but is there that part of me that strives to have a perfect painting. Well, yes. I want the painting to be stunning and beautiful. I want others to love it and want to buy it.

However, in the end, there comes a time to call it done. I can always look at my paintings and find something I should’ve done differently, but it’s not good to keep second-guessing. I have to force myself to stop, step back, and acknowledge the painting is beautiful. (OK, I do have a list of things to fix.)

You know, maybe it’s like us as people. No one is perfect. We all have our unique qualities and goodness. Perhaps we should look at paintings this way.