12 Soft Pastel Techniques for Every Artist / PLUS Painting Demo

Get a wealth of soft pastel education in this one video where I share 12 Soft Pastel Techniques for every artist. This lesson is great for the Beginner artist, but also is loaded with content for artists of every level.
I also include a Bonus painting demo at the end using many of the techniques described.
Products in This Lesson:
Canson Black Drawing Paper: amzn.to/3IFSdDH
Posca White Acrylic Marker: amzn.to/3OD6HYU
Prismacolor NuPastels: amzn.to/3q0mZR8
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Check out the various topics in the Chapters listed here:
Intro / 00:00
Preparing Your Surface: 1:26
12 Pastel Techniques: 2:15
Erasing Pastels / 17:06
Pastel Surfaces / 18:57
Pastels and Water / 21:17
Painting Demonstration / 25:50
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[@DreamingCatStudio]

As a complete pastel novice I’m deeply grateful for all you shared here. Amazingly helpful. Thank you!

[@monetcafe]

You are so welcome! have fun on your pastel, painting journey!

[@allysonallysally9092]

This is one of the best half hours I've ever invested in learning. I've watched many, but yours may actually take the cake. Thank you SO VERY much

[@monetcafe]

Awwww..... gosh, that really blesses me. I put a lot into these videos and I"m always hoping they really benefit others. YAY!!!

[@marypartridge5154]

Hi Yes the spirit in me told me that you were with Jesus. Id like to take lessons with you and Bless you.

[@donnagoode6923]

I totally agree with Ally, and I couldn't have said it better

[@GTheMagician]

I’m telling ya, she’s really on point. Not dragging on or anything. GREAT illustration 👍🏾🙏🏾THANK YOU

[@debbiehagar6099]

Thank you. I am a beginner and appreciate the different techniques and advise on paper selection.

[@monetcafe]

Wonderful! So glad to hear you found this helpful! I appreciate the feedback!

[@MohamadEftekari]

Perrrrrrrrfect I was always "afraid of" pastels of all kinds. They are not controllable, are messy, staining, not pointy precise, dull coloured, ... . Now I feel much more comfortable with them. I 💚 🖍️s.

[@djrnmx87]

What an excellent video. I've learned so much and am anxious to try out the techniques. Thank you! 2 Corinthians 4:7 earthen vessels.

[@lovdolls]

I aways enjoy your amazing painting techniques.

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much 😀

[@franpietri5097]

Just found your videos. Great! Enjoying them . I’m a retired art/science teacher. Wish I had some of these to recommend to my students. Thank you!

[@monetcafe]

Glad you like them! feel free to share any of my videos with your students!

[@gillwingate5134]

Terrific tutorial, so glad that I discovered you

[@monetcafe]

Wonderful, so glad you liked it. Also, check out the video I just uploaded today. It is sort of like a part two to this one.

[@jharp2002]

You are such a fantastic teacher:)

[@monetcafe]

Wow, thank you!

[@pepperpoteater]

Many thanks for sharing your awesome techniques.

[@monetcafe]

Glad you like them!

[@jjmendez007]

Thank you very much for your wonderful and informative lesson.

[@judithehrhardt924]

Wow1 You bet Ill be back. So informative and innovative. Breaking out my pastels tonight!

[@rebeccawong1]

One great teacher 🙏🏻

[@monetcafe]

Awwww… shucks 😊😊😊

[@patriciadistefano7467]

Wow! Thank you so much for all this great information. Really appreciate it!

[@monetcafe]

Awesome @patriciadistefano7467, I appreciate that so much! I'm so happy to help!

[@yogibakshi2375]

Beautiful painting. And love the information.

[@christinebyrne9923]

Very good video. Really helpful for the beginner. . Loved all the different techniques.

[@monetcafe]

Glad it was helpful! Happy painting!

[@jeanrutka4517]

Thank you. I had no idea of the many ways Pastels can be used.

[@monetcafe]

I’m so thankful this little video has gotten so much great feedback. Thanks so much for your comment.

[@shashikantparbat7962]

Excellent video, very helpful for beginners with pastels

[@jayawardhane]

Excellent information and demonstration on everything about this medium! Especially for a beginner , Thank You!

[@monetcafe]

YAY!! Thank you! @jayawardhane Comments like this are part of why I do this. I love inspiring others, especially in their art journey! Thank you for your sweet comment!

[@karthikamahadevan6788]

Best video to introduce me about the pastels

[@monetcafe]

Wonderful, that’s what I love to hear!

[@karthikamahadevan6788]

@@monetcafe Is there any soft pastel course for beginner Monte how to start with

[@berolinastrassmann]

✉️ PS: you could add a drop 💧 or two 💧💧 of gum Arabic, or watercolour binder to your pastel puddle, which will ensure the pigment stays stuck to the background. It will not move or fall off when adding the next layer. But...use only sparingly, just a little bit can be effective 🏒 as you want the ensuing layers of pastels to stick to the background too. Pastels are almost pure pigment -which is the basis for watercolour, which is why this method works well. Thanks again for the lesson and the demo, Susan!

[@kirtisawant9288]

I love how you mentioned almost everything one needs on their pastel journey. You are a good teacher. Thanks a lot and keep educating!

[@kirtisawant9288]

P.S. I was mind-blown to learn about the water techniques!

[@stephaniepatterson7269]

This was a great concise tutorial. Thank you!

[@monetcafe]

I appreciate that so much!! If you haven't already, come on over and share in the fun on my Patreon page!!!! www.patreon.com/susanjenkins

[@ericalanwestacotthari4160]

Hi Susan thank you very much. I was walking with my 2.5 year old boy and found some pastel colors in an old box on the side of the road, so we took them home and he made his first pastel painting 2 days ago and I my first today, thanks to some of your ideas, it came out to my satisfaction. Best regards from Winterthur, Switzerland

[@samchartrand8226]

This is a great video for a beginner like me. Thanks a lot

[@monetcafe]

Wonderful! I am so glad it was helpful.

[@pjlewisful]

This was packed with such good info. & tips! Thanks!

[@monetcafe]

Yay! So glad it was helpful PJ.

[@susannekalejaiye4351]

wonderful help. I cant wait to try dusting for fields of wild flowers. Also look forward to trying the various water techniques.

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @susannekalejaiye4351! I'm so glad you liked it! Happy Painting!

[@patriciapastor1866]

What a great video! Thank you so much!

[@janicegilstrap1559]

This lesson was amazing!!!!!❤

[@monetcafe]

@janicegilstrap1559 I appreciate that so much!! If you haven't already, come join me on my patreon page! www.patreon.com/susanjenkins

[@atoml03]

Thank you, thank you and thank you😀

[@monetcafe]

You are so welcome Nalin!

[@milesoster3122]

Coming over from drawing I was aware of many of these techniques, however I had forgotten that I could use these with pastel so thank you for the reminder🙂 great video

[@sarahjacobsartlessons2583]

Thank you for this video! I am an art professor set to do a pastel demo in my Drawing II class tomorrow, but with this massive winter storm coming I was looking for a video as a back up in case campus ends up being closed. I am so impressed with the range of techniques you covered and explanation of papers and pastel qualities. Even if campus is open I am glad to be able to share this with those who can't make it in. Thank you so much!

[@monetcafe]

Thanks Sara! I am so glad my video is helpful, and I always encourage others to use the lessons in anyway that helps them. I’m in Florida, so we don’t get many winter storms, lol.

[@markjones1542]

Thank you for your inspirational and informative art videos ❤

[@monetcafe]

You are so welcome, Mark. I have a cousin named, Mark Jones.

[@markjones1542]

There are a lot of us about Susan ❤️keep up your beautiful artwork. Thanks once again😊

[@fraufuchs9555]

This video is fantastic, so informative. Wow. I just love it. Thanks so much for that.

[@monetcafe]

You are so welcome! Thanks Frau!

[@esthernunn8494]

thank you, you're a great teacher! I'm genuinely scared of color. you helps a lot

[@monetcafe]

Happy to help, Esther!

[@jenfultz2807]

You can preach, sister! Thanks for your tutorial on soft pastels. Just what I needed.

[@Pottymoon]

No preaching please! 😊

[@mq3525]

Very valuable information for a complete beginner as myself who is thinking about trying soft pastels. Thank you so much

[@monetcafe]

Glad it was helpful!☺️❤️

[@Linda-qq5mg]

Thank you for this very informative and wonderful video.

[@cleolaurashoemaker]

Outstanding class! Thank you so much! It gave me hope to be able to improve.

[@monetcafe]

You can do it!☺️☺️☺️💜

[@henrikussengers5150]

I really enjoyed watching this video and like to come back to it again when I have some practice paper so I can do it at the same time when watching it again. Thanks for creating this video

[@kimberlykohr257]

I have been taking a pastel class and have been struggling to appreciate the medium. This has been sooooo helpful and has changed my mind on pastels. Thank you.

[@bethpayne7721]

Fantastic video can’t wait to see your other ones

[@sabinelloyd8532]

Another great video, filled with information

[@sandraneale128]

Wow! Just trying oil pastels. This is so important for me. Thank you so much.❤️🦋

[@dancurry1901]

I'm not excitable but I think I can learn how to do this and truly enjoy the process. Thanks.

[@monetcafe]

Yippee!!! and YES... you can learn and you've got the right attitude about enjoying the process. And if you do then you've achieved the greatest part about painting :)

[@dancurry1901]

@@monetcafe I've been able to draw well all my life and have painted in watercolor and a little in acrylic with my first oil finished last month. I've sold a few which makes me think I should have applied myself:). I'm 71 and am so far behind on learning techniques (no classes really) that I'm way behind. So I will be trying to use many of your techniques. Were you accomplished from the start or was your ability learned? I won't keep bothering you, promise. Its our 51st Anniversary today and Debbie thinks I need to get busy with this:)

[@nursevrmakdemirbas5102]

what a beautiful video a lot of information in it thank you so much for sharing ❤

[@135talmont]

I loved this video! Thank you for all the great tips. I have several books on pastel How-To, but your audio along with the visual made it much easier to understand each technique. I’m anxious to set up my grid and apply the techniques. I’m also excited to try the water! All of these tips are going to make a difference in how I paint!

[@karenetaylor9743]

Learned so many basics here!

[@monetcafe]

Yay!!!That makes me happy Karen!

[@parniasmindpalace]

this really helped me.thank you so much💗

[@elmariejansevanrensburg2952]

You are simply amazing.

[@lindysmith378]

Thanks for such good tips especially why not to seal your painting at the end and about the various papers to use.

[@nawalabuljadayel2754]

Wow, I had pastels and never understood how to use them thank you so much🥰🥰🥰

[@monetcafe]

👏🙌🏻😊💜

[@Nasauniverse001]

Posca pen. I have recently had a leaky roof and the bathroom tiles got stained in the grouting, I had an inspired idea and used my white posca pen to touch up where the stains were, great result.

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @janisdolan5703 WOW! Nice!!

[@beece2413]

I’m a watercolorist, but after watching this I’m very tempted to give this a try. Thanks for sharing❤

[@monetcafe]

YAY!! Thank you! @beece2413 Comments like this are part of why I do this. I love inspiring others, especially in their art journey! Thank you for your sweet comment!

[@weemsgalleryandframing2436]

Great video for pastel beginners

[@alaskangypsy]

Absolutely the perfect tutorial/demo on techniques! Thank you!

[@dianerademaker1896]

Thank you Susan. You taught me so much!

[@SusanJenkinsArtist]

Yay!! That makes me happy!

[@TheMolliekittie]

You’ve helped me so much! You explain things in a way that I understand and still manage to keep my interest. Thank you for sharing your talent.

[@linili3518]

Love the vivid colours of soft pastels tat pop up with grt painterly effects!

[@reneerose9730]

Excellent tutorial!!!! Very impressed. I did start smiling when you almost started preaching and said ‘preach sister!’ I’ll def be following

[@monetcafe]

Amen sis!!! Can't keep my love for Jesus inside... gotta preach about His love and grace!

[@Belladotta]

Very interesting, I have painted with pastel a year and this lesson gave me so much more than I couldn´t imagine. Thank you so much. I hope to find a course where I can practice live with people, not via the internet.

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @Belladotta I'm so happy you found it helpful! Your comment blesses me. Thank you

[@gillphillips135]

Love this video! Thank you Susan. I've had go at the different types of strokes and just now at the demonstration picture.. This is so helpful.

[@arunapendse6296]

I love your videos. They are so rich with information about techniques! I am a beginner in pastels and your demos have hooked me to this medium. Thank you so much!

[@donnagoode6923]

this makes me want to go get my pastels and just make an abstract using all these techniques. Very useful video, thank you Susan. The last one just takes the cake !

[@lopamudraray4571]

Teil colour is gorgeous yet so soothing.

[@paulettehackman7057]

Really terrific. Such generosity of knowledge! Thank you.

[@akosaeyw]

Thank you... Really worth watching your tutorial...

[@sharonmcgeein8772]

You are a wonderful teacher! You explain the aspects clearly and give clear examples. Thank you 😁

[@alicewolfe9698]

Thank you so much for this super helpful video! I am fairly new to pastels and have watched many videos and read many books that include many more or less useless details, but this was incredibly helpful and interesting every step of the way. Thank you again!

[@crystallujan1008]

SUCH a good tutorial for newbies like me! Thank you!

[@lynnejonsson3575]

Best applicable Art Lesson ever on Pastels. I feel like an artist now and the quality of my art creations is so much richer. Thank You!

[@monetcafe]

Wow, thank you Lynne.... and you ARE an artist! Yippee!!!!

[@chiloza760]

Thank you so much, Susan! I love what you do!

[@ratherbebuying]

You Rock Susan@! I am new to soft pastels, and your instruction is so clear and concise that I am encouraged to go forward with using your techniques! I will also be following you in future videos! Thank you!

[@Loveandlight428]

Really nice to see someone explaining the technical stuff in soo much depth. Thanks:)

[@darleen3461]

Thank you so much for this great tutorial! I really feel like I've learned a lot and I can't wait to try the tricks you've been showing ❤️

[@monetcafe]

Wonderful!!! That makes me so happy!

[@catherineribeiro3963]

You are amazing, thank you very much for helping us!❣

[@debpaolucciojanomethreadar2357]

I think this exercise will be very good for training my left hand.. thanks so much!

[@monetcafe]

Wonderful!!! I’m so happy about that. You can do it , Deb!

[@claudiaMI1]

Loved it! Thank you!!!

[@heinrichlombard6416]

I loved this video. ❤️

[@hassiehoneycutt8856]

Your videos are helping me So much! Not speeding through and the basics of everything!!! I love pastels ! Thank u

[@JA-ed1tj]

Wow! What a wonderful tutorial! I am researching to see if I want to use pastels. This certainly helps in my decision making.

[@Uddaybhaikabaap]

Hi Susan 😀 I don't know how to thank you for this valuable gift you have me on Dussehra today( it's an Indian festival which is celebrated by everyone with love, it's based on Ramayana epic written by Saint Valmiki, 200yrs before it actually happened by ) I loved every second of it and being something which everyone would need,I don't have to express my gratitude to u, I'll just say u r the best elder sis I've got even though we've a large age difference but who cares about it, I think the bond is more important❤️❤️ Keep posting more 😊 Stay safe and inside 😊 Love from India ❤️ And Happy Dussehra to u as well 🙏🏻

[@monetcafe]

You always make me so happy my friend, and I agree that we have a special bond. I think it’s so wonderful that I can connect with people like you through Art. Blessings brother!

[@pjlopiccolo8709]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos. I actually did the 12 square techniques. So fun and informative. I just got my Canson Mi-Teintes paper and Rembrandts and as a beginner these videos are so so very helpful!

[@dianaholvik2554]

Thank you. This was an amazing learning video. I'm just starting out with chalk pastels. This has given me lots of info and ideas.

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @dianaholvik2554! Your comment blessed me.

[@iameaglelady1]

Great video on the basic techniques and surfaces to use. Thanks!

[@giovannanaidoo6194]

Your videos are such delight. I’m blessed to have come across your amazing talent. Thank you so very much for sharing your knowledge and not holding back on the tricks of the trade. You are a Gem! May success follow you always 🙏🏽😍

[@kathleenramsey2966]

She used a wonderful way of showing different methods of using pastels and how to use them and what for. Different arrangements. I found that extremely interesting. I loved it very much!

[@donnacheresnowski1969]

Your video was full of great info and demos. I loved it. Just getting into pastels and you covered many of my questions. Thank you.

[@paulavonbestenbostel7645]

One of the first videos I've seen. Super newbie here. I think I've hit the jackpot here with Susan Jenkins. I'm really looking forward to watching some more basics and techniques videos before looking into her Patreon site.... I'm scared of being so new and not being able to keep up, I do find u very fast, but I suppose with a full-length video, it won't be so fast... I hope¡!! So, a big thank you was what that ramble was about.

[@monetcafe]

YAY!! Thank you! @paulavonbestenbostel7645 Comments like this are part of why I do this. I love inspiring others, especially in their art journey! Thank you for your sweet comment! You're always welcome on Patreon, of course. I have lots of content and extras there. Along with real time lessons and tons for beginners. :) Happy painting!

[@kurtwolf777]

Thanks for sharing your love/talent for pastel painting. I just bought @ set and didn’t have a clue what to do with them. Your tutorials have been very helpful and I can’t wait to try them. Diane

[@josephgilbert6250]

Wonderful tips, plus a bonus bookmark painting! Thank you.

[@adriansoegandi2440]

so inspiring and very useful tutorial Susan. I learn a lot from it. God bless you with the gift of teaching.

[@karenmccomish148]

I’ve just found your video after searching for a video on pastels for beginners. I loved yours, you have explained things so well.I’m going to refer back to it as I try out my first attempt .

[@barbarascott1774]

Thanks so much for this great lesson I have learned some new techniques

[@monetcafe]

Glad it was helpful! Keep having fun Barbara!

[@oarsquare5154]

Many thanks! You are both a gifted teacher and artist. I have learned so many useful pastel painting techniques.

[@gwenboswell7181]

New to this channel.Thank you.I'm totally inspired.Can't wait to buy my pastels 😁

[@monetcafe]

Wonderful! You can do it!!

[@berolinastrassmann]

This video just popped up today. What a treasure trove, Susan! Thanks for so much generosity in teaching this. I am new to the medium and am still struggling to find my way into it. This will be super helpful.

[@nanvaughn2258]

Thanks for this video! It has helped my paintings become more textural and lively. You are a great teacher.

[@peaceandlove61]

Good to know these things, Susan! Thanks!

[@veronicavankregten9758]

Fantastic video Susan. Thanks so much!