Rescue Sheltie-Mix Commission

Meet Frankie, a rescue Sheltie-mix commission.  He's to be a surprise gift for my client's friend, who lives out in Colorado.  Needless to say, I've never met Frankie, so had to work from a photo send to me by e-mail.

"Frankie", pastel, 13x18"©Kim Werfel

 

It's always better when I can meet the animal and take lots of reference photos, but I did my best with what I had.

Here's the original photo.  I eliminated the leaves and bricks as they were distracting and busy.  The bricks added too much warm oranges, and the patterns of both of them became as important as the dog....not what you want in a portrait.

I did keep his green leash, as I thought the owner would recognize it and it makes it more personalized. The dark blue helped balance the warms and brought him forward.

For some reason, the purples are jumping out at me on the computer screen, but are much more subtle and blended in the original art.  I've re-worked this several times, but it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Sometimes work just doesn't translate to the computer screen!

Hope you enjoyed viewing my art!

Check out my website for more www.kimwerfel.com

 





Husky-Shepherd Mix Commission

Meet "Beau" (or rather the southern version "BO" as his owner's wife said.)

This commission is a birthday surprise.  BO has passed on to doggie heaven, and was much loved by his owner.  I never got to meet BO, but somehow in the process of carefully painting him, I always feel a connection.

"BO", 14x18", pastel, ©Kim Werfel 2012

The owner's thoughtful wife never knew BO either, but knew her husband loved him so.  There are only two photos of him, so I chose the one with him looking at the camera....seemingly happy to me.

This work is painted on Wallis paper that I undercoated with a burnt orange pastel and wet into the paper for a warm ground to liven up all the blue-greens.

Birthday is in August, so I must let him go so he can be properly framed for the birthday surprise. 

Now instead of a small snapshot, he'll be honored with his own portrait, a loving reminder of a faithful companion.

Love being able to do this for people.  It's the best.

Kim Werfel

http://www.kimwerfel.com

Introduction to Pastel Painting Class!

Introduction to Pastel Painting Class!

Now's your chance to play with this exciting medium!
Beginners and intermediates welcome.  I mentioned this in an earlier post, but since it's starting next week I wanted to send a reminder..................

I'm new at the ArtsCenter in Carrboro....I thought it might be cooler in the evening...and we can relax and enjoy ourselves :)

3018. INTRODUCTION TO PASTEL PAINTING: Tuesday, 6:30-8:30pm, July 24-August 28
(6 weeks)

Tuesday, July 24, 2012 to Tuesday, August 28, 2012
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Enjoy the world of soft pastels with this informative and structured class designed to give you the opportunity to learn how to combine your drawing and painting skills to create successful pastel paintings. Pastel painting techniques, an overview of materials, attention to shapes and values, use of hard and soft edges and implementing color theory will be included in this course. Students new to pastel painting, as well as returning students are welcome.

*Click here for the materials list for this course.

*This course is part of The Artist at Work Certificate Program. Please click here for details about the Program.

Instructor: Kim Werfel

Tuition: $120

Members Tuition: $108 Not a member? Learn more!

Late Registration: $125

Click here to Register Now!

Any questions about the class, please send me an e-mail or call 919 240-4552.

Spread the word!  Starts next week!  Hope you'll be joining me.

Let's get creative - you'll love pastels!

Kim Werfel

www.kimwerfel.com

k-e@mindspring.com

Jack Russell - Beagle Mix

Meet "Mojo" - a Jack Russell/Beagle mix who is Maggie-May's "brother" (so to speak)

"Mojo", 6x6", acrylic ©Kim Werfel

He too, is on a 6x6" wraparound canvas and painted in acrylics.  And yes, his ear really does flip up that cutely...he's adorable. 

I couldn't just paint one dog without painting the other.  So now they have bookends :)

Here's Mojo's original photo that I worked from....changing the background to blue kept it dark, cool and pushed it back but brought some color into it.  Blue will recede and Mojo's a little guy, so it fits :)

I continued his paws around the edges of the painting...fun to do on wraparound canvases.

It was so much fun to paint these paintings that I think I will now offer them as a portrait option to my much larger pastel and acrylic portraits....providing there's a photo I can work from and it's the head only (six inches is a bit of a challenger to fit much else).

I'll be offering them for $150 - they don't need framing, are varnished and come with a little sawtooth hanger in the back so you can put them on a tabletop, bookcase or hang in a small spot on a wall alone or in a grouping.  Makes a perfect gift for a loving pet owner.  :)

Now to let him dry and gift him to my sweet neighbors!  (they loved Maggie-May!)

Kim

http://www.kimwerfel.com
k-e@mindspring.com

Jack Russell Terrier Portrait

My friends don't know it, but I painted their little Jack Russell - "Maggie May."  She's painted in acrylic on a 6x6" wraparound canvas and varnished twice. 

"Maggie-May", acrylic, 6x6"©Kim Werfel

 

This is a surprise gift for them as they just sold their home to move to the beach!  Sorry for the poor photo....pastels are easier to photograph as they don't shine back at you.  I must have used some gloss medium without realizing it in the background.

 

(original photo)

 

Thought you might enjoy a look at the original photo....she's very sweet here...but obviously a flash photo.  I like the strong contrast between her light fur and dark background.  Cropped the photo to focus on her face and pushed some light yellows, pinks and greens to give her some dimension.  Pushed dark greens and blues in the background.

They have another dog "Mojo" too that I've started, but won't have in time for their farewell party this weekend. I'll work on him his week and post later.

I think they'll love it...(I love surprises!).....

Stay tuned....I'll let you know how it all worked out :)

Have a great weekend!

Kim

http://www.kimwerfel.com



Chapel Hill News Article

Today's Chapel Hill news has an article about the ArtsCenter of Carrboro's upcoming annual faculty/staff art exhibition where I'm quoted and my piece "Heading for Safety" is featured!

The work depicts a Doe with her very young fawn...a scene from my window last Spring. I have giclee prints available (only $48) and $3 blank art cards too!

So I'm alright with selling her....to the right person! :)

"Heading for Safety", pastel (museum glass) 16x13", $400

I chose this piece to exhibit as it symbolizes being lead or taught....which is what teachers do....It
also shows my newer style of pushing color intensities and my favorite subject matter: animals.

Fear, procrastination and perfectionism stifles many people from trying an art class. Art is something you have to work at, like anything else, one doesn't master it in one class. But it can open up a whole new world of self-expression as does learning music or writing. Very satisfying for the soul.  

I'll be teaching "Introduction to Pastel Painting" - Class 3018 held for 6 Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30pm 7/24 - 8/28/12.  I offer encouragement along with solid information on how to grow.

Information about the class can be found here.   Materials list for this class is here.
Class costs $108 for ArtsCenter members, $120 for non-members.  This class can be an elective for The Artist at Work Certificate Program.

Easy On-Line Registration for my class can be found here.  (The ArtsCenter puts on wonderful music venues and theatre so don't be confused when it's calls your purchase "tickets".)

This Friday's Teacher Art Reception is from 6 to 9 pm at the ArtsCenter of Carrboro's Lobby. I'd love to see you there!

Questions about classes?  Talk to me...Email me here

Lots to digest in this blog....but wanted to get the word out!

Have a great day!

Kim

NC Statewide Pastel Exhibition Reception Photos

Don't miss an incredible collection of beautiful pastel work at Bev's Fine Art in Raleigh this June!
Work includes pastels from all across the state of North Carolina and beyond!

Her I am with "The Lookout" and "Fire and Ice"...the two pieces I had juried into the show.  I was lucky to be honored by Frame Warehouse, winning a $50 gift certificate!  That will surely come in handy!

Here's Vinita with her two beautiful abstracts in pastel...winning some Art Spectrum Pastel Paper too!

Patricia Harris posed with her beautiful barn pastel entry.  There are a little over one hundred pastel paintings displayed in this magnificent show.  Hope you get a chance to see it!

Thanks for following my art journey!

Kim Werfel

http://www.kimwerfel.com