Deana Goldsmith

Through my pastel drawings I try to bring the viewer into a vintage world, where nature comes to play. Each still life begins with an idea, old object, flora or fauna. From that I begin building my composition, playing with different perspectives. Shadows and reflections are a very important part of each piece so lighting is key. Next I sketch out my composition onto sanded Pastelmat paper. I begin my drawing using the old masters Flemish layering technique for oil painters. The first layers are laid in with Panpastels and pastel sticks. Working the pigments into the tooth of the paper with my fingers. Final detailed layers are done using pastel pencils. The layers are so thin that hardly any dust is left on the surface of the paper. This gives the drawing a soft painterly look. No fixatives are used, this vulnerability adds to the presence of each piece. I also take pride in my framing using only acid-free archival materials, solid wood frames and museum anti-glare glass.