Portrait of Young Woman

[Molly Sherrick Phifer]

Jimmie,

I have watched with rapt attention your foray into pastels and am newly amazed by each piece you execute. Wow. I can't wait to see your next work!

I am totally impressed with your claim to have filled the tooth of your Wallis paper, too! The first person I know of to have accomplished that feat.

[Allan Rahbek]

Well done again Jimmie,

Beautiful solid drawing of the head especially. And the background helps to emphasize the form of the head.

Two colors also.......... Blue and Brown.....

I am sure that you could loosen up a bit and show another side of your talent. Would like to see it.

Allan

[Tricia Migdoll]

Beautiful, beautiful face, Jimmie.
WOW !!

[Jimmie Arroyo]

Thanks all,

The close-ups do look a bit looser, I agree, but I'm comparing the overall picture to the last pastel I did which I am happier with the application. I would like to do more with the next one.

Her expression in this has so much attitude I wonder if this is a familiar look for her or is she really quick to smile and laugh and you just caught her in this moment

She's much different in person, always smiling, very sweet. As soon as she posed, I asked no smile, and this is what I got. I thought it was perfect.

I am totally impressed with your claim to have filled the tooth of your Wallis paper, too! The first person I know of to have accomplished that feat.

I went a few layers with just the first version of the shirt. Then, a few more when I tried toning it down with gray. Necklace was covered, more layers. Different necklace also covered, more layers with brighter blues after receiving my set of Unisons. Lastly, added oranges in the shirt, then covered again. I don't even know what layer I'm up to, but Wallis claims to hold 25 layers and I definitely surpassed that!

I am sure that you could loosen up a bit and show another side of your talent. Would like to see it.

Ha, I'd like to see it also.

[Lisa Ober]

Well from the Queen of Tight this sure looks loose from my perspective (they need ot put up a little tight smiley icon for me-maybe buns or something)! I only dream of painting this loosely. I love it, Jimmie. You are such a talent. Sometimes paintings end up the way they are supposed to end up as I believe this one did. Looser is maybe more a process (which you said you had) than an end result. Whatever happened it sure did work out!

[Patricia Joyce]

So very stunning, Jimmie. I love the value changes, the way you formed every curve, right down to the planes of the nostrils!! And the color is so rich. I know nothing about pastels, it is great mystery to me. But I love this painting, Jimmie.

Enter some more contests - she's a winner for sure!!!

[Kimberly Dow]

Jimmie,

I already said I thought this was stunning, but wanted to comment on the loose vs. tight thing.

I dont know about you, but who or what I am painting affects that. And the mood Im in, the phase of the moon, whether Im hungry or full...etc. Go with the flow, maybe this one was supposed to be tighter. I think that your right, if you concentrate on working one way - it never comes out exactly as planned. As much planning as we put into our work - a lot of it is still just natural instinct and talent. Fighting our natural talents is a waste of time. Be free, I say! Whatever way you work - it's always outstanding.

[Isabel Chiang]

Jimmie,

Sorry I missed the WIP, must slap myself.... This is just stunning!

Actually I think the tighter style works really well in this particular piece. Your previous works are free and relaxing but this one is different, well different in a good way. You captured the atmosphere and the intensity of her gaze, it shows a lot of attitude!

IMHO, I don't think "loose" is better than "tight" or "tight" is better than "loose" , they convey different feelings and tell different stories. I love seeing and experimenting with both.

It's always a pleasure to see your work! I better go and get started on my pastel now.