Current Issue:
Summer 2002
Happenstance
pastel by Connie Sonnenberg.
Connie has note cards and giclée prints available of various pieces of her work.
- Pastel Journey - by Connie Sonnenberg
Twenty-five years ago I did a portrait of a horse for myself from a how-to book. Following the instructions I bought the oil pastels it suggested. My previous artwork medium was oil and acrylic but I loved the picture of the horse just the way it was and wanted to reproduce it. Happy with the results, I framed and hung the picture in my home.
While I returned to teaching horseback riding, one day I brought the how-to picture to the barn. The same day, I received orders for several horse portraits. With overwhelming enthusiasm I ran out to buy pastels but knew little about what to buy. With the oil pastels I bought, I was unable to recreate the desired look.
Once I discovered soft pastel and pastel pencils I knew it would literally change my life. Between the array of colors to choose from, the simplicity of blending and the freedom to portray detail, instantly I knew this was the medium of choice.
Since my rediscovery of pastel and return to instructing riding, I have found my niche. My commissions keep me busy and have been unbelievably fulfilling. My favorite part of the process is the delivery of the portrait. My clients hug me, they cry - how rewarding is that?
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