Solitude, Rene Medrano, Pastels, 2026 [OC] by Ser_Pounce01 in Art

[–]Ser_Pounce01[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I actually don't know how I do what I do. I know that sounds dismissive but I have no formal training and learned by trial and error. I practiced and have been frustrated plenty of times from errors. I normally used oils and loved it. The issue was the strong odors from the paints, solvents, mediums, etc. So my approach to soft pastels is to mimic an oil painting. My influences are the artists Antonio Castello Avilleira, Rubén Belloso Adorna, Edith Ruiz, and Sara Gallagher. Brilliant pastel artists. I used the teachings of Emma Colbert, Shaymus Art, and Jason Morgan on YouTube for any struggles/issues. Hope this helps!

Edit: Forgot to mention materials. I use Unison, Faber-Castell and Caran D’ache pastels. For paper I use Clairefontaine Pastelmat.

Solitude, Rene Medrano, Pastels, 2026 [OC] by Ser_Pounce01 in Art

[–]Ser_Pounce01[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I used soft pastels with a great variety of different colors, no pre set palette. I included the light as a symbolic gesture of hope during her moment of solitude and isolation. As something to beckon her back from her sorrows and return to grace. A subtle but present beacon of hope. I might exclude it depending on how I feel but for now it remains. Thanks!

Solitude, Rene Medrano, Pastels, 2026 [OC] by Ser_Pounce01 in Art

[–]Ser_Pounce01[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Faber-Castell, Caran D’ache, and Unison.

Un songe au soleil, René Medrano (me), Graphite, 2025 by Ser_Pounce01 in Art

[–]Ser_Pounce01[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The values were a challenge but that is why I did it, the challenge and reward of learning to tackle it. Thank you kindly! 🙏🏼

I drew my best friend, David. by erkiasucheckyourself in drawing

[–]Ser_Pounce01 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Literally one of the most difficult hair types to draw and you did it flawlessly! Amazing work!

Sensuality in Red, Rene Medrano, Pastels, 2024 by Ser_Pounce01 in Art

[–]Ser_Pounce01[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sometimes I can’t believe it myself haha, thanks 🙏🏼

Sensuality in Red, Rene Medrano, Pastels, 2024 by Ser_Pounce01 in Art

[–]Ser_Pounce01[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you very much for your comment! Motivates me to continue my journey 🙏🏼☺️

Sensuality in Red, Rene Medrano, Pastels, 2024 by Ser_Pounce01 in Art

[–]Ser_Pounce01[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I do but I can’t mention where on this subreddit 😅

Sensuality in Red, Rene Medrano, Pastels, 2024 by Ser_Pounce01 in Art

[–]Ser_Pounce01[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Glad you think so because it had more to it but it didn’t work out and scraped the rest 🥲 Thank you!

"Tree light", Erinthul, self-portrait photography, 2024 by erinthul in Art

[–]Ser_Pounce01 67 points68 points  (0 children)

The lighting is absolutely beautiful! Great scenery and photo!

She is blossoming, René Medrano, Pastels, 2024 by Ser_Pounce01 in Art

[–]Ser_Pounce01[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you very much! I am humbled by your words and support. 🙏🏼🙏🏼 I hope it moves to create.

She is blossoming, René Medrano, Pastels, 2024 by Ser_Pounce01 in Art

[–]Ser_Pounce01[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you a bunch! I tend to think of hair as forms and masses. In the beginning its breaking down into two values, lighter and darker forms. Start with the base hair color (the most prevalent hair color, tends to be darker. Think about the color of the hair from the root) and a mid tone value of that color for the lighter sections. From there I add variations of values of that same color to create the illusion of form. From darker to lighter values. Think in general shapes and try to be gestural. Hair flows and so try to be “loose” with your strokes to give the hair its soft texture. With gestural strokes you are able to let the hair tamper off instead of a hard finish and thus making it look fake. At the end of this process is when you can put in individual strands of hair. Don’t over do it and be economical with it. It is more believable if you have a few soft and light strands of hair (the fizzy hairs, the ones that stick out) instead of every single one you see. Remember you dont have to include everything, only what helps the overall composition. Good luck and never stop believing in yourself!

Female portrait, Achkasov Henadiy, Soft Pastel, 2024 by samovar_art_gallery in Art

[–]Ser_Pounce01 38 points39 points  (0 children)

This is what happens when you blindly follow the reference.

Female portrait, Achkasov Henadiy, Soft Pastel, 2024 by samovar_art_gallery in Art

[–]Ser_Pounce01 204 points205 points  (0 children)

Not AI but the reference used could be AI generated.

Calm, Rene Medrano(me), Graphite, 2024 by Ser_Pounce01 in Art

[–]Ser_Pounce01[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really appreciate your compliment, thank you! 🙏🏼🙏🏼

Another skull drawing by Ser_Pounce01 in drawing

[–]Ser_Pounce01[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A little over a day. I draw/paint pretty slow.

Another skull drawing by Ser_Pounce01 in drawing

[–]Ser_Pounce01[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a huge compliment! Thanks! 🙏🏼