Experimental Prototype Optimist

Prismacolor NuPastel, Black Stonehenge Paper, 22x30
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For this self-portrait, I experimented with a new material: pastels. In order to fully take advantage of their color, I chose a reference of myself in front of Spaceship Earth on October 1st as she dazzled with her new exterior lighting package.

I began by sketching out the main facial features and the triangles for the background. Then I slowly worked in the base color, making sure not to lose the indication of the nose and other areas.

I continued to build the details along with adding in blue hair, (because why not?) The flowing hair was followed by clothing before adding the background.

The piece is compromised of 7 colors and the only tool used was my hand. To tie the geometric background in with the organic face, faint vertical lines are present on the cheek, in the hair, and in other features as well.

I love the painterly quality of this piece, and I look forward to using pastels more in the future.

-JA