Tim ONeill Studios

I love pastel portrait painting

My friend Bruce Richmond is a local realtor, businessman and friend for many years. Bruce is a Buffalo Bill re-enactor and very gracious when I ask him for his time to pose. This image is referenced from a photo session at Buffalo Bills Ranch in North Platte, Nebraska a few years ago. I had been wanting to create some pastel portrait paintings for some time so decided Bruce would end up in chalk dust.

One of the things I really like about pastels is the look and feel. Being primarily a digital artist  these days I sometimes miss that tactile interaction. The beauty of painting the way I do now is that I get the best of both worlds. Paper and canvas are a big deal to me and the selection of the highest quality materials makes my life much easier.

While most of my process is digital I will print this on a rag paper. The original is printed on Hahnemuhle’s Torchon paper, embellished with an overlay of pastel color and highlights then sealed.

I treat my digital pastel pieces just like a traditional pastel piece although they are not quite as fragile.

Tim