Spreading Happiness

Excellent portrait, you know your pastels and how to work them! I particularly like the stroke work and colours in the background behind his head, bringing movement into the painting. The skin tone is perfect. What pastels did you use?

Thank you for your encouraging comment. I use mainly Sennelier soft pastels but do have some hard pastels too, and used a dark brownish pastel paper. The background in the photo was full of the colour of tourists in bright summer clothing and a flower stall, so I used that colour is patches and softened and blended them so that the subject would stand out.

It worked for me - I'm happier already! Love it.

I love this portrait, I'm sure you enjoyed doing it. What a great character he is. The colours are fantastic and you have captured the moment.

Thank you Ann, after I had finished the painting I made a print, mounted it, and then went looking for him to give it to him. If you are anywhere near Bath in the summer you'll probably find him busking.

Absolutely love it!! I always hope to find exciting models like this .... tend to see them only when I've left my camera at home!! - great vibrant pastel work

amazing! you have captured the excitement of carnivals and the colours are beautiful. definately an approprite title :)

So pleased to report that this painting has been sold.