Diana

[Garth Herrick]

Wow David! I love the simple graceful presence you have imparted in her. She is captivating and wonderful.

Gosh, I should be meeting you in a week and a half! I look forward to that.

Garth

[Jimmie Arroyo]

Yet another wow! You are a natural. Please tell me, (even if you have to lie) that you are struggling badly and not pulling these off as easy as Lisa. I'm so jealous, it's not even funny.

I've never felt a sense of hate and respect for someone before.

Seriously, it's incredible, I wish you worked more often!

[Carolyn Bannister]

Really , really lovely, there is such a feeling of tranquility about her, and a lovely glow to her skin.

[Mike McCarty]

Very beautiful David. Those transitions are velvety smooth.

[Terri Ficenec]

David, this is absolutely gorgeous, solid and hauntingly real.

I'm wondering, did you work from life?

[Mary Sparrow]

WOW AGAIN. Just beautiful. Your handling of this medium is amazing.

[David Draime]

Originally Posted by Jimmie Arroyo

Please tell me, (even if you have to lie) that you are struggling badly and not pulling these off as easy as Lisa.

Well Jimmie, I don't know if Lisa struggles with hers or if they are easy, but I do know that I don't finish mine in two hours (!!! - I wish I did!). Getting it down, all the bits rendered is not too difficult. I do make a lot of missteps because I'm still learning this medium, but I don't wig out. I know if I see a problem, I can correct it. The last stage of refinement on this one was tricky because I sensed something was (is) not quite right with it, but I didn't (don't) quite know what - I'm pretty sure my skin tones (color, chroma?) is off. So yeah, that's frustrating and has been a struggle. But I just have to do a lot more of these and figure out what I'm doing color-wise. I'm still quite a novice when it comes to color - skin tones in particular.

And if these few pastels that I've done are worth anything it's because you keep raising the daggone bar!! (you see I have this tiny little competitive streak in me! ).

[David Draime]

Carolyn, thank you so much. I'm glad you used the word "tranquillity." My sister saw this one and "Yulia" and the words she used were "melancholy" and "depressing." I just told her that it's my niche, that I think there is a market out there for depressing portraits, since not everyone is happy. She suggested I put my brochures in psychiatrist's offices, halfway houses, homeless shelters....

What would I do without you guys!

[David Draime]

Mike, thanks! Will we be seeing you next week in Va.?

Terri, thanks a bunch. No, I worked from a photo I took. Good pose, nice look, but the color was not great (I like to blame my color issues on my little digital camera!).

Mary, I really do like this medium. I know that I'm working in a very tight, controlled manner (it's my m.o.) - that may not be the best, but as I learn, I'll find new and better ways.

Chris! Thanks and can't wait to meet you!

[Lisa Ober]

Originally Posted by Jimmie Arroyo

Yet another wow! You are a natural. Please tell me, (even if you have to lie) that you are struggling badly and not pulling these off as easy as Lisa. I'm so jealous, it's not even funny.

I've never felt a sense of hate and respect for someone before.

Seriously, it's incredible, I wish you worked more often!

Originally Posted by David Draime

Well Jimmie, I don't know if Lisa struggles with hers or if they are easy, but I do know that I don't finish mine in two hours (!!! - I wish I did!).

Gee, my computer crashes (yes, really) for a short period of time and look what goes up! You both, regardless of speed, have far outdone me. Far outdone. Did you hear me? David, this is stunningly beautiful. Your cool palette is perfect. I don't even know what to say. I have no business commenting on such great work (though that obviously hasn't stopped me). Your subject is beautiful. I'm thinking I need to spend A LOT more time on my pastels. Speed is definitely not my friend.

Did I mention I love this piece?