Some more exploration. The only pastel work I have ever really done has been the Illustration Academy figure drawings. I loved doing them, but for some reason I never explored pastels again. So I did these to see what the medium could do. I usually default to figure work when I am experimenting since I am very comfortable with that subject, and know that I am going to struggle with whatever style/medium I am exploring. Each image is a little different, and has its strengths, weaknesses. Again I'm running across the concept of "quickly done but fresh work" vs. "overworked but polished imagery." I spent days on the top 2 images and knocked out the bottom pic in 20 minutes. I kinda like the bottom one more....? The best guys find a balance between the two, and that's something I strive for.

take care,
-francis

***edit: added a new image up top***

20 comments:

Unknown said...

I prefer the looser, less tight look of the bottom two as well, though they are all beautiful and inspire envy(-:

It's great to see your range.

Neil said...

I think the anatomy on the bottom one is a little more natural. I t still prefer the top one, though. The technique is amazing. This is one I wish I could see in person to get a real close look at. I love the shadowing too. It really pops off of the page.

Robb said...

I think that top one is pretty friggin cool.

Anonymous said...

TftT-
Balance is best, though I prefer the Art Deco inspiration to the schmid schmeer.
Take as long as necessary for each piece, just make it seem like it was done with speed and skill. It shocks most to find out Sargent was known to have painted a head in excess of 70 times, painting scraping it down and repainting until it was "right". This was his standard procedure, though obviously not all took so many attempts.
The one in the middle looks like you are already in Russia.

Dustin d'Arnault said...

Wow...dude I love the range of experimentation your showing!!!! Keep rocking that!

FML said...

the top and the bottom one are both strong, the top one has those background elements the make it noticable, and the bottom one has that quick, looseness to it. I think the top one you should keep as something to show because it is almost 3-d to me.

Kyler Dannels said...

The bottom image shows sophistication and polish in it's own way, without laboring the point. I say go with your guts and trust what you respond to the most.
I definitely respond to the bottom image over the top, but think that the divergence is a great way to get a clearer sense of personal intention.

As always, great work all around, always looking forward to more!

Craig said...

The bottom one is left an an excellent level of completion, especially with the ear and the earring. great moment there.

I totally know what you mean about level of rendering vs looseness and vitality. I don't think the top one is overworked. it has a lot of volume.

Craig said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
A. Riabovitchev said...

The bottom sketch really beautiful one!:o)

Anonymous said...

Hey Francis: I absolutely LOVE the top one, although the other two are great also, but that top one just jumps off the page at me. Take care EMV

Unknown said...

I see de Lempicka has her gaze upon you as well. These are great Francis.

Sukh said...

Every single one of them is Beautiful.

Eric Braddock said...

Damn, man... these are so sick. Killin it.

Kyle T. Webster said...

Number four is a winner, Francis. I hope you will consider framing it.

Oliver Dominguez said...

Nice!!!!! Love all the the different approaches, keep it up man!!

Stay fresh!

Sam said...

I agree with most of the comments, but to me the bottom one says francis vallejo, in a great way.

OWEN FREEMAN said...

Yeah man, these are looking great. I dig the bottom one a lot as well.

Chelsea Tull said...

I love them all but the bottom one is my favorite. Beautiful! Love the experimentation. You can do it all, dear!

"pah-O-lah" Paulino said...

OH man this is sick! I love this man!