To view a recording of the demonstration, click here

Captivated by the human form, figurative and portrait painter Sandra Jones expresses her homage through meticulous rendering and bold palettes. Employing painterly brush strokes of crisp and soft edges with hard shadows that cling to her beguiling subjects, the resulting piece commands the viewer’s attention to both detail and spiritual expression.

​“My determination is to capture my subject in a moment of introspective solitude and personal resolve,” Sandra explains. “The essence of the painting is the mystery of femininity - the sweet fragrances of strength, confidence, grace - conveyed through vibrant color and vulnerable emotion.”

Sandra Jones will be demonstrating two techniques for underpainting a pastel painting. Underpainting - particularly in a landscape - can help establish blocks of color quickly so that the artist can move on to the finer details of the composition. Method One involves using watercolor on substrate-appropriate pastel paper, and Method Two uses rubbing alcohol for a quick and even blending of the pastel. 

If viewers would like to paint along, here is a quick list of supplies:

• Watercolor paper OR sanded pastel paper

• Watercolors (liquid) - tube each of Ultramarine Blue and Yellow Orchre

• Small spray bottle with rubbing alcohol (70-90%)

• Jar of rubbing alcohols for dipping a 1-inch brush

• Soft or hard pastels (NOT oil pastels)