Fishing Boats at Anchor by keith agar

Is there a some pen work in this too? I particularly like the reflections in the sea, and the drape of the sails - which actually look heavy, as they should. Very pleasing painting.

Hello Robert.Thank you for your interest.Actually this is a ink sketch with a wash over.At one time I worked this way all the time and have over the years done countless sketches around Melbourne.When I retired some years ago I found it much easier to concentrate on the pastels at home and have for the last 6 years been selling them for nominal sums on ebay.The money never really came into it as I just enjoy the pleasure of creating paintings that others enjoy. I came to this country from the UK in !956 after several years in the mercantile marine.Regards Keith Agar

Really lovely restrained work. You can tell that the artist is someone who knows his sheets from his halyards.

This is a lovely watercolour executed with the same exquisit touch as your pastels. And speaking of pastels - I don't know if you have a blog on here but if you do I would like to see some tips from you on using pastels. I know absolutely nothing about them. So before I go rushing off to the art shop to buy some I'd know to know more - if you have the time.

jaci Not much on blogs Im afraid,but just a quick word re starting.Buy a small box of soft pastels.Say 12 sticks.Make sure they are soft, NOT oil.If you can, try and get a stick of Schminkie White. The paper you use must be suitable for pastel so be guided by the art dealer,but must have some tooth definitly NOT smooth,also buy a soft charcoal pencil,for adding detail.Useing pastel is all about softness of touch.I always coat the paper with white first then use my fingers to smooth the pastel into the paper but dont overdo it ,as it is all to easy to overload the paper. Try a Blue lightly in the area of the sky and again smooth all over for an even finish.Now add a second coat of blue across the top and blend gradually into the existing sky.Useing White work across the area just above the horizon and again blend into the blue.You should now have s sky that tones from dark at the top to pale at the horizon. Now you can enter some white clouds having stronger tops and try blending the lower edges into the blue.As you gain a little confidence you will be able to add darker tones to the lower cloud edges.I have used a blue sky as an example but of course you can use the same example for a variety of colours from the green grey of a winter day through to various ochre shades.I hope that I may have been of some help and that you will get some enjoyment from this medium.Regards Keith.