Blue Dancers (1980) Original Mixed-media Painting by Nicholas Robertson

Two dancers in pastel, before departing for a French holiday I was unsure of the colour combinations and left it unfinished. A visit to Chartres Cathedral and its wonderful blue stained glass windows was an inspiration pointer to the colours I eventually chose.

I apply the pastel in successive layers to achieve a soft structure with some areas having a more robust textured element. I use artists hogs hair brushes to manipulate some of the work to give it density. A Studland coloured board was used as I like the rigidity and fine surface.

This work is on a Studland board, no varnish finish is applied because of its absorbency. So the painting should be framed with a mount and under glass. I recommend at least a 60mm wide frame, narrow frames on large paintings do not sit well and have a tendency to warp.

Materials used:

acrylic and pastel on Studland art board

Details:

• Mixed-media painting on Panel / Board / MDF
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 54.5 x 76.5 x 0.4cm (unframed) / 54.5 x 76.5cm (actual image size)
• Signed on the front
• Style: Unspecified
• Subject: People and portraits