I am honored to have my demo published in the Artists Magazine Blog recently. This step by step demo is  taken from the new book, Creative Freedom, just released by North Light Books, authored by Maggie Price.
This link will take you to the free demo. I hope you enjoy it and find it a good resource of information.
There are 52 demos from many talented artists also in this book.
http://www.artistsnetwork.com/articles/art-demos-techniques/creative-freedom-a-free-demo

Creative Freedom | A Free Demo

Creative Freedom | A Free Demo

I've been published in a new book by Maggie Price and North Light Books

Due to come out in March, a new book authored by Maggie Price and published by North Light Books.

I have two paintings with step by step photos and text describing my process. This should be a great book. I can't wait to see it! I'm honored to be included with many wonderful artists! I'll keep you posted as to when it is available to order.

Add caption

Just received news yesterday, that my pastel painting titled "Devotion" (which was posted previously here in a step by step demo) has won an award! I will reveal the details as soon as I get the ok to do so. I'm very honored and grateful! The image of the painting will be published in an art magazine along with a brief article.

"Devotion" Pastel 24x18

A very cool contest to win vintage dresses for a year! Wow that would make some awesome costumes to paint models in  :D
Check it out! Link is below:
http://blog.shabbyapple.com/2012/10/why-because-we-love-you.html

Finished portrait "Devotion"

This is the final pastel portrait of titled "Devotion".  I continued laying in the remaining flesh tones on the chest, arm and legs, paying close attention to the interplay of cool and warm colors. The light was coming through the window and was a cool temperature. I laid in the background loosely, not wanting it to compete with the figures. The fabric in the foreground was laid in in cool colors and I repeated some of those colors in the background for color harmony. I tried to keep a more painterly feel by not blending and leaving the strokes visible. My goal for this painting was to portray the love and emotions of a Mother, (particularly my daughter) for her child. What a blessing a healthy child is! So thankful for my children and now our grandson, Ezra Michael.

http://www.facebook.com/jean.g.hildebrant

portrait paintings

Mother and Child step 4

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Here I have continued working on the heads and started laying in more of the background. I am using lighter tones than the photograph has in the background, wanting to keep a bit more of a light filled atmosphere. I don't want the space to seem dark and depressing. I use grayed out colors of green, reds, and violets to compliment the greens and golds in the main area of the painting.

Mother and Child step 3

In step three, I start laying darks, warm and cool colors, using the side of the sticks in brush-like strokes as well as cross hatching in other areas using the ends of the sticks. I am trying to establish the pattern of light and shadow. I am searching for the temperature changes particularly in the skin tones.

Step Two

Portrait Painting Demo

I recently was the demo artist for UArt sanded pastel paper at the NAMTA trade show. I started this on their 800 grit board. Here is the first stage, the drawing. I am working on 24x18 and I gridded the board to help keep the composition placed correctly. I have drawn this on in a sepia colored pastel pencil.

Summer Idyle

An older pastel portrait I painted, commissioned by a family in Oregon. This was painted on sanded paper. This little girl wasn't too pleased to be posing and wouldn't allow her pristine feet to touch the floor of this porch, even though it was very clean. I thought the expression and pose told a story about her and her Mother said she loved it, that I captured her perfectly, attitude and all. It was very rewarding to know that I had succeeded in creating a portrait that this family treasured.

Portrait Painting Class

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1598511041839&set=o.154654163597&theater

Portrait Painting Class

Come and join me for classes on painting portraits. It's easier than you think! We will concentrate on shapes and patterns of light and shadow. Don't be intimidated by facial features, they are no different than any other shapes we paint. Individual instruction and freedom to work from your own references. I look forward to helping you conquer your fears and have fun too.

http://www.jerrysartarama.com/blog/post/2010/12/08/December-Artist-of-the-Month-Jean-Hildebrant.aspx

Published in a National Geographic children's book

I have had the great pleasure and honor of having one of my paintings published in a National Geographicl childrens book by Susan Magsamen entitled "The classic treasury of CHILDHOOD WONDERS". It is a beautiful book and can be purchased on Amazon or any of the large bookstores such as Barnes and Noble.
This book is full of great poems, stories, songs and activities that adults and children can share together. Pictured here is the page layout which includes my painting "Little American Beauty". Prints of this painting can be purchased on www,FineArtAmerica.com or Redbubble.com

The Alla Prima Portrait Excerpts.mov

Sign up for Jean's Pastel Workshop

Drawing & Painting Portraits in Pastels or Oils
A series of four classes

Instructor: Jean Hildebrant
Tues. Mornings 9:30-12:30
July 6th, 13th, 20th,27th
$120 + supplies

Students at all levels are welcome in this portrait class where they will explore values,
shapes, colors and edges. Instruction will include structure and proportions of the head.
You CAN paint a beautiful pastel or oil portrait from your own large photo reference or one
provided.

Sign up by calling Arizona Art Supply at: (602) 264-9514.

Arizona Art Supply
(Phoenix Store)
4025 N. 16th Street
Phoenix, AZ 86016


Jean Hildebrant Fine Art
www.JeanHildebrant.com
480-529-9477

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