I have finally managed to start my very first pet portrait on velour paper. I know a lot of pastel artists who love this support so I couldn't wait to try it. I have chosen a lovely reference photo of a Basset hound (copyright by photographer Juliane Meyer).
I am not quite sure yet whether I like velour or not; I like to blend and mix my pastels which is impossible on velour plus it is not forgiving at all - so smudges or even mistakes cannot be erased. It feels like drawing on textile/fabric which I suppose it is so it feels...well, weird I guess! It is very soft - a bit like fur. *lol* Some artists have said that it does not really hold the pastel well and if you shake the paper it'll all come off again. This does not seem to be the case (so far) but I have been using pastel pencils rather than sticks so this might change. I've still got an 'open mind' so don't dislike it or anything but I shall be able to tell you more once the portrait is finished. Here's a scan of the work in progress:
Labels: Basset Hound, dog pastel portrait, pet portrait, velour paper
