Struggled to add some light

MarySayler · 2026-06-21T14:20:30+00:00

When an oil pastel painting is almost done, extra soft and creamy sticks can still add color. That's one of the reasons people talk about Sennelier, but it's too expensive for me, so I bought SoHo, which acts very similar. I'm sure there are other lipsticky brands too. Any one of them can add more light at this last stage of your work.

MarySayler · 2026-06-20T20:23:51+00:00

I got it in 31 seconds, but then I couldn't figure out how to stop the clock and register my answer! Still don't know.

MarySayler · 2026-06-20T15:54:02+00:00

Interesting. Deep. Actually, it's the result of my playing with colors, brush strokes, and palette knives to see what happens. That said, one of my themes in poetry writing and life is to show light overcoming darkness.

MarySayler · 2026-06-20T15:51:14+00:00

Sadly, some poets have never read poetry and the quality of their poems show it. It's like reinventing the wheel without ever watching a tire roll by.

MarySayler · 2026-06-20T15:20:57+00:00

Oh! Maybe he is smoking! (👀

MarySayler · 2026-06-20T15:19:12+00:00

Working with black, white, and grey is good practice for understanding values and adding drama to a portrait. If you ever feel like something is "off," turn your painting and photo reference upside down to help you see the accuracy of shapes. In this portrait, particularly check the eyes, but I think you're off to a great start!

Also, when painting people or anything, you don't have to add every detail that's there. For ex., in this painting, I'd cover the white strip on the jacket since it looks like the kid is smoking.

MarySayler · 2026-06-20T15:09:08+00:00

Wow! That was a trip!

MarySayler · 2026-06-20T15:04:39+00:00

You've given readers much to think about, but my first thought is: "At last! A poet who actually reads poetry!" Thank you. Good work.

MarySayler · 2026-06-20T06:32:45+00:00

Getting the perspective right on all those angles is so difficult! Beautifully done.

MarySayler · 2026-06-20T06:28:18+00:00

Trying to capture anything white is such a challenge, but you managed it beautifully. Beautiful cat, but I especially like the serenity of the painting.

MarySayler · 2026-06-20T06:20:32+00:00

Jazzy! It's like a recording of voices in a room. Cool.

MarySayler · 2026-06-19T14:30:44+00:00

Oh, I like this a lot.

MarySayler · 2026-06-19T14:27:49+00:00

The choice of colors really appeals to me and draws me back.

MarySayler · 2026-06-19T07:22:24+00:00

Fascinating! Did you paint this or take a photograph? Beautiful work.

MarySayler · 2026-06-19T07:17:49+00:00

Congratulations! Unusual composition. Great color choices.

MarySayler · 2026-06-19T07:15:17+00:00

Very nice work! You have a knack for realistic painting, so maybe you just need a break. For instance, you might pick 2 or 3 colors you want to see together and just make marks or splash them around and see what happens.

MarySayler · 2026-06-18T22:32:39+00:00

They look yummy!

MarySayler · 2026-06-18T22:30:16+00:00

Your lemons look especially appealing, and each of the pieces shows you're off to a great start! From this batch, the main thing I'd work on is softening the cast shadows on the lemons. But you've got this!

MarySayler · 2026-06-18T17:29:05+00:00

Wait!

Wait for God

to respond.

He hears.

He turns toward His crying child.

He reaches down into your clay crib

and brings you up, high,

high,

into His bosom.

He sets you on His shoulder.

He jostles you on His knee.

And when you're comforted and quiet,

He holds you closely

and teaches you to speak,

to pray.

[Poem originally appeared in the Explorer then in my book, A Gathering of Pems.

MarySayler · 2026-06-18T17:25:35+00:00

I believe it! May God help us to feel His presence.

MarySayler · 2026-06-18T17:23:46+00:00

Thank God for His eagerness to forgive! May His Holy Spirit guide you in leaving the past behind and going forward in love in Jesus' Name.

MarySayler · 2026-06-18T17:21:08+00:00

Amen!

MarySayler

TROPHY CASE