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Writer's pictureRachel Maytum

Creating a Pastel Portrait of Chad Michael Collins: A Step-by-Step Journey

Capturing the likeness and essence of a person is both a challenge and a rewarding experience for any artist. Recently, I took on the exciting task of creating a pastel portrait of actor Chad Michael Collins, known for his roles in the Sniper film series and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Using a reference photo of Chad standing next to a striking large red Canadian maple leaf while wearing sunglasses, I explored how pastels can bring depth and vibrancy to a portrait. Here’s a look at the process I followed from initial sketch to final details.




Step 1: Gathering Reference Materials


I began by selecting a high-resolution image of Chad standing beside the large red maple leaf, focusing on the striking contrast between him and the vibrant leaf. The leaf's shape and color provided a stunning element to the composition, allowing me to combine Chad's features with the beauty of nature. I made sure to omit the door handle from the composition, allowing the focus to remain on both Chad and the maple leaf.


Step 2: Choosing the Right Materials


For this portrait, I used Clairefontaine Anthracite Pastelmat paper, which has a lovely texture that holds pastels well and provides excellent colour vibrancy. This paper allowed me to achieve rich, deep colours in the portrait while offering a nice contrast for Chad’s complexion. My palette included various shades of red for the leaf, mixed with peaches, greys, whites, blues and black to achieve the desired effect for both the leaf and Chad’s features and clothing.


Step 3: Transferring the Outline


To ensure accurate proportions, I transferred the outline of the reference photo to the pastel paper using black carbon paper. This method allowed me to capture the key features and outlines with precision, setting a solid foundation for my pastel work. I focused on the contours of Chad’s face, pattern of the shirt and the shape of the maple leaf, establishing a clear guide for my portrait.


Step 4: Going Straight In with Pastel Pencils


Instead of laying down base layers, I jumped straight in with the pastel pencils, starting with Chad’s face and shirt. This approach allowed me to capture the finer details from the outset. I began by outlining the major features, paying close attention to the nuances of his expression, the sunglasses and facial hair.


I carefully layered various shades of soft peach, light brown, and warm tones to create depth in his skin tone and blues, white and cool grey for the shirt. The precision of the pastel pencils helped me achieve a more detailed representation of Chad's features and clothing right from the beginning.




Step 5: Developing the Features


With the facial structure and sunglasses established, I then focused on Chad's shirt which was particularly detailed, featuring a distinctive pattern that I was eager to capture. I used a mix of pastels to create the intricate details of the fabric, blending colours to mimic the texture and design while keeping it harmonious with the overall portrait.


Step 6: Adding Shadows and Highlights


Next, I introduced shadows and highlights to add dimension and realism to the portrait. I deepened shadows around the nose, cheeks, neck and added the facial hair, while applying highlights with light peach and cream pastels to areas like the tops of the cheeks and the bridge of the nose.




Step 7: Incorporating the Maple Leaf


The vibrant red maple leaf was integrated into the main drawing, adding another layer of complexity to the composition. I used a combination of reds, oranges, and darker tones to create the leaf’s depth and texture, ensuring it complemented Chad’s figure without overshadowing it.


Step 8: Creating the Background


For the background, I employed looser strokes with a mix of reds, peaches, greys, and whites. This dynamic and soft backdrop evoked the feel of the Canadian maple leaf without distracting from Chad's figure. The interplay of colours added warmth and depth, perfectly framing the subject.



Step 9: Final Touches


In the final stages, I stepped back to evaluate the portrait as a whole before adding fine details. I blended certain areas for smooth transitions between light and shadow while sharpening the details where needed, especially around the nose, mouth, sunglasses and pattern on shirt. I also made sure the maple leaf's vibrant red stood out against the loose background.


For protection, I will carefully wrap the completed portrait in glassine paper. This method ensures that the pastel remains untouched and retains its vibrancy over time, allowing me to keep my work in pristine condition.


Conclusion


Creating a pastel portrait of Chad Michael Collins was an enjoyable and enriching experience. The combination of his features, sunglasses, clothing alongside the vibrant red Canadian maple leaf and the intricate details of his patterned shirt allowed me to explore the versatility of pastels while capturing the essence of this talented actor.


If you're looking to create your own pastel portrait, my best advice is to take your time and enjoy the journey. Pastels are forgiving, allowing you to build up colours and make adjustments as needed. Don’t hesitate to experiment, and remember that practice is key to mastering any artistic technique.

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