Roman Apartments - Pastel
by Ben Kotyuk
Original - Not For Sale
Price
Not Specified
Dimensions
12.250 x 17.250 inches
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Title
Roman Apartments - Pastel
Artist
Ben Kotyuk
Medium
Pastel - Soft Pastels
Description
What struck me was the contrasts. The warm light against the cool damp shadows. The smooth texture of the still finished walls against the exposed old brick. Finally to be able to live in a contemporary interior surrounded by two thousand year old ruins.
I had to do this pastel painting over a few times because I couldn’t achieve the warmth and coolness I wanted. As it turned out, I needed to change the base color paper I was using. It was a good early lesson. Luckily this was my third or fourth pastel.
Uploaded
May 18th, 2012
Statistics
Viewed 621 Times - Last Visitor from Beverly Hills, CA on 03/28/2024 at 9:53 PM
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Comments (19)
Mafalda Cento
Ben, what a privilege it is to glance through your portfolio. Your work is outstanding. I have so many favorites. However, I chose to ponder on this one in particular, because it brings me back to my city. I relate to the texture and the colors. You’re a master in handling the pastels. I wish I was at least twenty years younger because I have so much desire to learn and explore this medium. Thank you for inspiring this fan.
Ben Kotyuk replied:
Mafalda, First off, you’re never too old to do anything. If you really want to. I spent my design career drawing for other people. I was lucky I was able to retire at 55 and when I did I took a six year break from drawing. I didn’t put pen to paper. I did other things. I was 61 when I started to “play” with pastel. My advice would be not to try to do a masterpiece. If it’s not looking the way you want, dump it! Keep it “easy breezy “ as they say. Have fun. One day it will all come together. P.S. If I remember correctly I did this painting over at least four times.
Katrina Gunn
Lovely use of color - looks like the do-overs were worth it
Ben Kotyuk replied:
Katrina, Thank you for your comment. It was a good early learning experience, I was lucky.
Natasha Denger
Ben, I am the same way, I love to work at details, but I am trying to loosen up sometimes. I think 90% of my work fully detailed, and nothing I can do about that, I love details. Regards, Natasha
Ben Kotyuk replied:
Natasha, I think a big part of why I like detail is the time and effort it takes. When I set up to paint I don’t want it to go too quickly. When I was working there was always the pressure of a deadline. Now I can take my time and work in a relaxed manner. I still work the painting in a straight line. I guess it’s an old habit. Detail takes time and that’s a good thing. Regards, Ben
Natasha Denger
Love this work! fav+
Ben Kotyuk replied:
Natasha, Thank you for your favorite and comment. I am also a fan of more traditional art. I went to pastel to loosen up, but I keep coming back to the detail, maybe that is just how I like to see things. Ben
Danuta Bennett
Truly amazing piece! VF
Ben Kotyuk replied:
Danuta, I always had a fascination for things accent, the mere fact that they are still standing, I find amazing. Thank you for your vote and favorite!
Hanne Lore Koehler
Wonderful work, Ben!! Love the stunning contrast of warm sand tones against the blue sky! Your railing detail is marvelous! Thank you for your thoughtful comment. v/f
Ben Kotyuk replied:
Thank you Hanne, for your vote, favorite and comment. I did the railing last, they made me a nervous wreck. Fine lines with pastels are not easy, a sharp edge gets wider instantly, pastel pencils in this case do more to remove color than put it down. I thought for sure I would ruin the painting. Finally I decided to just press the edge of a soft stick pastel against the paper in very tiny movements. There is actually more than one color on those rails. When I finished I was grateful I didn't wreck the painting, but I felt like I wanted to pass out. No fine railings since!
Karen McDonald
This work is tremendous, just like I remembered them while touring through Rome. Excellent and favorited
Ben Kotyuk replied:
Karen, Rome is one of my favorite cities, I've been there many, many, many times. Thank you for the favorite!
Pamela Pretty
fantastic painting-wonderful composition!
Ben Kotyuk replied:
Pamela, Thank you again for comment. Rome is such an amazing city, everything seems like a real life painting.
Sandra Phryce-Jones
Love the build up with colour........wonderful light
Ben Kotyuk replied:
It took work to make me happy, this was my third try. Thanks Sandra for your comment!