
Bringing Jeff Teravainen to Life in Pastel: A Detailed Portrait Journey
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Creating a pastel portrait is a labour of love, requiring patience, precision, and an eye for detail. My latest piece, a portrait of actor Jeff Teravainen, was no exception. Spanning approximately 20 hours over several weeks, this drawing was a meticulous process of layering pastel pencil strokes to achieve depth, realism, and expression.
The Reference and Inspiration
Jeff himself selected the reference photo for this portrait, which was taken behind the scenes of The Dog Cried Wolf (2018), a film in which he played a significant role. The image captured an intense moment, with dramatic lighting illuminating his face from both sides. I was immediately drawn to the interplay of light and shadow, as well as the subtle details in his expression that conveyed a depth of emotion.
The Materials
For this portrait, I chose Pastelmat No. 6 Anthracite paper, a surface that allows for multiple layers of pastel without excessive blending. I worked exclusively with pastel pencils—Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils and Stabilo Carbothello Pastel Pencils—as they offer the precision needed for detailed work. While I typically use only pencils, I occasionally incorporate soft pastels in the background to create a softer, more atmospheric effect.
The Process
As a perfectionist when it comes to pastel drawing, I build my portraits layer by layer. I started with the initial outline, transferring the proportions accurately before moving into shading and tonal work.
- Base Layers – I established the background colours and foundational skin tones, starting lightly and gradually deepening the values.
- Refining Shadows and Highlights – The contrast in the reference photo was crucial, with strong lighting on either side of Jeff’s face. I carefully adjusted the highlights and shadows to match the mood.
- Eyes and Facial Details – The eyes are always a focal point in my work. I paid particular attention to the reflections, ensuring they captured the light realistically.
- Hair and Textures – Using light, controlled strokes, I rendered the texture of Jeff’s hair and facial stubble, adding dimension and realism.
- Final Touches – The last phase involved refining every detail, softening transitions, and ensuring the overall balance of tones.
The Result
This portrait was both a challenge and a rewarding experience. The lighting, textures, and expression came together beautifully, capturing the essence of Jeff Teravainen’s character in that moment.
Below are a few images showcasing different stages of the drawing process:
I hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at my pastel portrait process! If you would like to follow my art journey then head over to my Rachel Maytum Art Instagram and YouTube channel. If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to share them in the comments.