A Fun Underpainting Technique for Pastel Painting!!

I think pastel artists will enjoy this fun and creative underpainting technique. I'm always learning something new in art and I really like using the Neocolor II Water-soluble Wax Pastels applied as an underpainting.
This video has lots of other practical instruction for pastel painting so I hope you enjoy! Please feel free to ask any questions or share your art experiences. Happy painting my friends! Oh, and Please Subscribe if you like my channel.
PRODUCTS IN THIS LESSON:
Neocolor II Water Solable Wax Pastels: amzn.to/423GoOG
Fisher 400 Soft Pastel Paper (this is the surface I now use instead of UArt because it doesn't curl):
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[@rmuller366]

Lovely Susan! Thank you for sharing and teaching. You have an energetic calm in your teaching delivery and I appreciate it. After many years as a graphic artist and tech writer now in retirement, I’m returning to the old way of art on toothy paper using colored pencils, chalk pastels, and Sakura pens. I’m having a wonderful time watching all these great art videos created by people who love what they do. Kudos to you for mentioning another artist too, Karen Margulis, it shows how much we can learn from each other. Blessings to you!

[@monetcafe]

Rita Muller wonderful! I’m excited for you. It is indeed awesome to have so many online resources. I’ve learned from so many over the years that I try to give credit to many I admire ☺️💜. Keep having fun and happy painting!

[@rosered8234]

I hope you sorted out that flooding from the storm! I cant imagine your anxiety 😟 & apprehension.. This pastel piece is glorifyingly colour complimentary.. it was like little colour kisses of agreeing appreciation on the page . A colour dance of romance , while the grasses sway & the trees play . Loved it.. ❤️

[@catherinedixon37]

Enjoyed your instruction greatly. Just started playing around with pastels ...have done watercolor for years. It is a blessing that artist are willing to share with one another. Thank You so much.

[@warawiriarts]

Nice work

[@BrianTownsley-r1x]

It's always a challenge when painting plain air to not paint exactly what you see with all the greens and details but how to paint what you feel and use colors that make you happy. Keeping it fresh and loose. A painting that feels like it has movement is special.

[@billwesterman4583]

Isopropyl alcohol that you purchase in the drugstore IS denatured alcohol. The statement denatured means that it is not suitable for human consumption. The other form of alcohol that is available in most drugstores is ethyl alcohol which when supplied for purchase in a retail outlet is also denatured. Alcohol you can buy in the liquor store is not denatured, and you can purchase ethyl alcohol there by purchasing gin, or vodka. As a side note, isoproplyl alcohol is useful for artist that paint in acrylic, since it will aid in removing the acrylic paint from your clothes. I really enjoyed your video, you did an excellent presentation. You might try using either black or white tape though. Colored tape has a tendencey to fool your eye in the judgement of the picgment color and value that you have placed on the surface of the painting.

[@monetcafe]

Thanks for that useful info! I really appreciate it. Also, I now use white artist tape to adhere my painting surfaces to my board. It is less distracting for sure. :)

[@ИринаПлахотская-о6ш]

Спасибо за урок и чудесное настроение!!

[@mikenorton6899]

I'm an oil painter that's taken up pastels for travel ease. France is next month and your videos have jumpstarted my pastelism. Ha! A new word. But f really, I enjoy the closeness of having a stick of pure pigment in my hands. Only drawback for travel is needing more colors I like this one, the complementary underpainting is a great technique for adding punch!

[@feyrie]

Monet would be so proud of you honestly

[@monetcafe]

Awwww.... what a great comment! Thank you!

[@aremedyproject9569]

Stunning again. Lovely. ☺️

[@leigh-annh2544]

Thanks again Susan for another informative video and the opportunity to watch you create a beautiful artwork. I have been getting all hung up on advice about cool colours in the background and warmer hues bringing colours forward. I kind of agonise over this advice and it slows down my creativity. Watching you place your flowers with one colour was liberating because your picture still made sense in the end. Thank you.

[@helenestone6973]

I am a graphic artist also. I just started using pastels and absolutely love them. Learning so much from your videos. Pastels have opened up a whole new world for me!

[@venasm]

oh my god your painting is amazing full of soul and style

[@giuseppeacierno284]

Bravissima! Dipinto bello e fresco.

[@kikirover1]

Your videos inspired me to go and try pastel....love it! I even ordered some expensive pastels to go ahead and maybe making this my main medium for artwork from now on. It s really your hand making art without tools...I mean ..in pastel, your stroke is your stroke, your hand, your emotion if that makes sense , when using a brush the brush makes the stroke, there’s more distance to the paper. Anyways....love your work! Thank you for uploading these wonderful videos ! You are an inspiration. Love, Kiki 🤗🎨

[@monetcafe]

Kiki Kiki Wow, I love how you explained that and I feel the same way. I’m excited for your art explorations and I plan to keep making more videos that will hopefully help. Blessings.

[@terrigodfrey8260]

I'm new to this mixture of painting supplies and its outcome! And I love it!.

[@monetcafe]

Yippee!!!!!! Have fun

[@natashat2702]

the neo colors may nnot be archival however very light fast i just started pastels, i am so glad i found you i just love your personality and your work is absolutely stunning .... thank you

[@reaceness]

This was such a beautiful process to watch!

[@michaelr4848]

Wow! Found this today while searching for video on underpainting for pastels. It was a joy to watch this process. It is an inspiration. Thank you.

[@monetcafe]

👏👏💜☺️ thank you so much Michael!

[@carolclark4933]

WOW! This is absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing. I have only just found this and am discovering that Pastels are NOT just for kids!!! I bought some a few months ago and had no idea how to use them. Subsequently I gave them to my little grandchild to play with. Your tutorial has rekindled my interest and I can't wait to give it another try, with some of your wonderful inspiration.

[@monetcafe]

Awesome Carol! Pastels were actually used by many of the Master Painters such as, Monet and Degas. They actually keep their color longer than any other medium. Keep in mind that there is a huge difference between "Student grade" pastels and "Artist grade" pastels. Even though they can be expensive there is a big difference in results. Also, painting on a sanded surface gives better results than on plain paper. I had to learn all of this by trial and error, so I love giving these tips to help others. I am going to be doing some upcoming videos focusing on different pastel sets for beginners. Keep learning and enjoying this artistic journey :)

[@lylaweiss2285]

How lovely would it be if you designed fabrics with your art!!! 💖💖💖

[@charrhodes9288]

Hi I have just watched several videos of artists demonstrating colored pencil techniques (to be fair most where compassion of brands so not actually painting) But anyway watching you paint soon freely just made my heart soar.

[@monetcafe]

Awwww..... your comment truly blessed me :) Here's to making hearts soar!!

[@monetcafe]

YAY!!! Love it when that happens!!! Enjoy the fun! Feel free to join our FB group for Monet Cafe' Art if you like. :) Lots of other artists sharing their work and learning. :)

[@lanalawson4234]

I learned another new thing! I didn’t know you could add water when works with these. My 96 color set arrived and I’m excited to get going!

[@elizabethashman6120]

Stunning

[@lindabrown1310]

I just found your vlog. I'm loving it, what a wealth of information. New techniques I have not seen before! Keepup the great channel!

[@monetcafe]

Awesome! Thank you so much Linda!! I so appreciate your feedback. Have fun!!

[@anweshapradhan8369]

This is wonderful. I've always loved pastel works so much but never found good tutorials. Found your channel today and loved this tutorial.💙

[@monetcafe]

Anwesha Pradhan Oh, yay! I’m so glad you found my channel. I have so many videos from my years of learning and sharing with others. Have fun and happy painting!

[@marymary5494]

Stunning. Thank you.

[@dougg1075]

Really nice

[@TerrieJohnson731]

I love floral scenes and plan to study them first. You will be getting lots of flowers soon! I love this little painting you did, and I have a ton of 5x7 heavy cardstock...I now have a wonderful way to use it!

[@christyhannahlife]

Very beautiful.

[@vdbacon8329]

That's a field I would love to walk through. Great work, nice video. Thanks, Susan.

[@GriseldaMussett]

I like the depth of this painting, and the way you build your layers. Will experiment with water and alcohol too (gin and tonic maybe?). The colours really pop, the way you've placed them. A lot of this is illusionary, and brilliant. Thanks

[@monetcafe]

Thanks! and yes... I've actually heard of artists using gin or vodka for the alcohol!! Lol!

[@carmelarugel4722]

Such a happy painting. Thank you for making this video. You’ve inspired me to take out my pastels from years ago that barely have been used.🌹☘️🧚🏿‍♂️🧚‍♀️🌸🌼🌺🌻

[@artpaintingpeinture]

Bonjour, c'est magnifique! Merci beaucoup

[@cherylginsberg162]

Great video. I loved the under painting and watching your build up of colors layer by layer.

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much Cheryl. It's blessing me so much to know others are learning from my videos. I'm always still learning myself. Happy Painting!

[@simaabedini843]

Hello, just opened the box of my Unison , it felt sweeter than open a box of chocolates. Love them so much . I have used workable spray , was great . Also spray after ward , is not a good idea as you mentioned . 👏🙏👍🎨💕

[@monetcafe]

Sima abedini ..... oh that's exactly how I feel about getting new pastels! Thanks so much for sharing your excitement. I love knowing there are others here in Monet café who have the same love of art.

[@karennaturallyartby]

I enjoyed this very much. Thank you for sharing.

[@TerrieJohnson731]

My Inktense Blocks, and Water-soluble pastels will take me out of a creative funk faster than any media I own. Tomorrow I am doing a watercolor or a pastel painting. I may work them in tandem so that I can be a purist and let my watercolor layers dry naturally. I am not one to use the hair dryer-especially when it involves a lot of wet on wet as this one will. I enjoyed this video and I am learning fast about underpainting. Forever practical, covering the paper with color initially will save a lot of pastel over time, not to mention the beautiful effects I have not enjoyed yet. I love the underpainting aspect of Pastel....a lot! I reposted my underpainting exercise with no photo. It's revised, improved and time to turn the page. It's my sketch-test-idea book after all ;-)

[@maureennecleirigh6002]

Thank you. Was planning a 'field of flowers painting and you have given me some great inspiration.

[@pambutler5437]

Hi Susan! I bought Neocolors a year ago and then they got buried in all my other distractions. I'll definitely go back to them now. As a society we don't hang our paintings for generations as in the old days. I'm not worried about archival quality any more. Like you said, "Just have fun". Thanks for this great video. I loved your choice of colours. Not the norm and this piece really stands out. God bless.

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much Pam. I hope you try the Neocolors again. I'm learning to like them a lot. Yep... Let's just have fun and enjoy this wonderful journey of art! :) Blessings and I hope to upload another video very soon :)

[@libbyfuntera8497]

Simply stunning Susan. I will try the underpainting with watercolour on AS sanded paper.

[@maryjanelucido4729]

Hi Susan I love your work. Just getting into pastels. I recently took a lesson at the local library and it was fun. As for using the alcohol in the process I have heard of artists using vodka and it works out well also.

[@monetcafe]

Mary Jane Lucido yes I've heard that too! I've never tried it though some I don't drink vodka. I don't think red wine would work very well.... ha ha!

[@durdanatabassum6057]

Love your technique, thank you for sharing.

[@chrisrutkowski4247]

Great tips! Thanks!

[@treelinktree]

Thankyou so v.much for this post

[@villeneuvelouise6063]

Thank you so much Suzan for this video from which I learn a lot. Your painting is beautiful.

[@monetcafe]

Villeneuve Louise thank you sweetheart! I love that you are learning.

[@twicebittenthasme5545]

Lovely. Thank you for sharing!

[@daisydog8127]

Beautiful

[@418SurferGirl]

Pretty funny - I once took a sip out of my water cup which I was using for watercolor!

[@MrQuuze]

Thanks for nice idea.

[@MarieHalle]

A very clear and progressive tutorial, so inspirational. Thanks.

[@clydejohn5642]

Wow your Painting is wonderful. Making the process appears effortless. You indeed are a talented Artist and a wonderful teacher. Thank you for the lesson. Blessings and salutations.

[@monetcafe]

Thank you Clyde! You should join our FB group "Monet Cafe' Art Group". There are so many artists (of every level) sharing about pastel painting and learning from each other :) It's a private group so you have to ask to join, but if you just answer the questions and mention that you heard about the group from me (and my youtube channel) you will get accepted. Happy Painting!

[@lesleyhughes9461]

Thanks for reply - for an ‘old’ video it stands up well! Glad to hear music has improved though%!

[@LeyLey41]

haha coffee & H2O or hand cream & toothpaste...true story...great video

[@rosemarshall6845]

Beautiful Susan. You’re an inspiration!

[@carolinebellis9018]

This was such a wonderful video Susan. I’ve now subscribed. Love the style, the use of colours. I’m just learning pastels (self taught via KZbin and books). This is so helpful. Thank you.

[@monetcafe]

Wonderful Caroline! I guess I've been passionate about sharing videos with pastel instruction, because I have been self-taught myself. I know many don't have the means to go to workshops, etc.... so it's nice to learn from the convenience of our homes. You may like to join our FB group: Monet Cafe' Art Group. It's a private group, but just answer a few questions and you'll be accepted. There are so many other artists in the group helping each other. Happy Painting!

[@karzanfaridon6100]

Perfect ,

[@decaralimpa1912]

I loved! Very much beautiful.

[@3Windles]

Hi Susan, just discovered your channel. Very informative. At the start of my pastel journey and can see you have lots of invaluable tips and tricks to share. Thank you 😊

[@monetcafe]

3Windles wonderful!!! Pastels are such a great medium! Have fun and join our art group on Facebook if you like... “Monet Café Art Group” . Happy Painting😉💜

[@WBanduMedia07]

Truly Professional...Thanks

[@graciousmom4127]

Super love the colours! ♥️😍 Make some more of pls?! 🤔

[@Brontesister1]

I only just bought my first set of soft pastels to try this medium out. Found this brilliant and inspiring video while looking to learn about how to put these down. This is so very helpful as well as hugely inspiring.....thank you!I'm wondering though - if one doesn't finish with a fixative and is not going to frame a finished piece under glass, it will surely smudge ans spoil. I am a complete novice, not even started yet!

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much for your wonderful comment. I have not been uploading videos this past month because my home and art studio flooded during hurricane Irma :( I am trying to get things back together though and think I'll be painting and sharing videos here on my KZbin channel within a few months. Here is a video I did that might help you with tips on how to protect and store pastel paintings. Also, feel free to join our FaceBook group called, Monet Cafe' Art Group. You have to ask to join, but just answer the questions and mention that you heard about the group from me personally. It's a great group with artists of every level sharing and learning together

[@barbarawilliams7012]

You, along with Karen Margulis, are really helping me to relax and try new things with confidence - so glad I found you. I have not seen these Neopastels in UK but I have quite a lot of Inktense (blocks and pencils) in my art stash and wonder if I could use those in the same way to get background without clogging up the tooth of the paper (I use sanded or Pastelmat). I also have Faber Castle Aubrecht Durer watercolour pencils Which might work? Thank you for everything you give us.

[@monetcafe]

Karen is one of my favorites and I actually have learned a lot from her myself.

[@quahkooieng355]

Enjoyed just by looking at your drawing. Love it so mhch. Wonder when can I learn to draw half that good.

[@kereenrodrigo4795]

Thanks for sharing, this is so beautiful.

[@chrisrutkowski4247]

I still don't fully understand how/why/which colors to choose for underpainting. I'd love it if you did a video on that!

[@monetcafe]

Hi Chris.... I am actually going to upload a video today that may help to answer that question. But underpaintings can have different approaches. My main goal with them is to get in big shapes and values. Often I like a warm (complimentary color) underpainting, but sometimes I will just get in a basic value study with one color. It sort of depends on the mood and style of the final piece. I'll try to keep that question in mind with some of my upcoming videos, but check out the one I upload today... (probably by around 4pm eastern time zone)

[@PursuingHeaven]

According to their website Caran D'ache Neo 2's have excellent lightfastness - only a few have fugitive lightfast ratings. I would use them with just about anything but yes they warp the paper, but any soluble is going to do that with enough moisture added

[@scooterose100]

so beautiful!!

[@trinidivasd2829]

Hi Susan, i love the first painting in this video, are you going to make a video on how you did it? I'd love to see it!

[@monetcafe]

TriniDiva SD .... hi there and thank you for your comment! Actually I did do a video on the painting at the beginning of this one. Let me find the link and I will share it with you here.

[@monetcafe]

TriniDiva SD .... OK, here is the video of the demo for the painting you inquired about… kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKjcmoSYj7GHj7M

[@laurencek8566]

Magnifique...merci! 😍

[@fishingalot247]

Wow

[@BrianTownsley-r1x]

7:30 am Thursday June. 2024. Love the video but always afraid of overworking my underpainting. It's the same as finishing a painting, knowing when to stop. I guess it all just happens with experience.

[@monetcafe]

It can take some practice, for sure. But you can do it! Don't give up! Happy painting!

[@dorothyoz5355]

Ambidextrous wow...

[@elainelogan2023]

WOW I have had those neo-colors for years and didn't know what to do with them!! YAY you just showed me! I just got a set of Mungyo 32 colors for 3.99 from Jerrysartarama! so off we go!! thank you I am subbed!!

[@monetcafe]

Elaine Logan oh!!! Yippeee!!!! Love when I learn new ways to use things I already have! Have fun!

[@Kristie-ws9uu]

Hi there! I love your tutorials they are wonderful to watch it and I have learned so much! I thought maybe I could teach you something about denatured alcohol! I went to the pharmacy to ask for denatured alcohol and was informed that it is just regular rubbing alcohol and the reason they call it denatured is because they have put additives in it so that people can't drink it. And that is the difference between alcohol from the liquor store versus alcohol from the pharmacy. So I guess we could use drinking alcohol as well on our paintings but that would then be alcohol abuse LOL LOL just thought I'd share LOL😁😁😳😀

[@monetcafe]

Oh ha ha ha!!! That is GREAT info Kristie! Thank you so much for sharing. I never even knew people could drink the regular alcohol! I'll definitely have to share this information next time I use alcohol in a video. So I guess I could actually paint with Vodka or any clear alcohol too! Tee hee.... Thank you so much!!

[@JENNAZ1991]

Monet is one of my fav painters!! So glad to find your channel:) but I haven’t used oil pastels for ages..

[@monetcafe]

Yang Zhang yay! Glad you found my channel too! Just so you know I use soft pastels and not oil pastels 👍🏻💜 hope you get to try!

[@JENNAZ1991]

@@monetcafe Good to know! Thanks for making these amazing videos with passion

[@dorislee4373]

I struggle keeping my pastels clean is there any way to restore them,and I am loving your way of keeping it loose

[@monetcafe]

Using cornmeal is a great way to clean your pastels. I believe artist, Karen Margulis has a video on cleaning her pastels. Let me see if I can find it for you. :)

[@estajohnston8049]

@@monetcafe I keep a Tupperware container with rice handy, and put my dirty pastels in it and give it a shake. Miraculous!

[@Dave-zb9dq]

Thank you for showing a beginner how pastels work, as an underpainting then layer upon layer. 😊 D

[@418SurferGirl]

Hi Susan! I was able to subscribe to your you tube channel. It's the best one in my opinion. I wanted to ask you if you have ever tried or worked with Pan Pastels? Though I love traditional pastels I thought I would try them

[@monetcafe]

Yes, and I actually have a video on using them. I really want to play with them more though. We have quite a few artists in our FB group (Monet Cafe' Art Group) who use them with beautiful results. If you are not a member, then you might want to join to get some help with Pan Pastels. Everyone in the group is so willing to help. :) Happy Painting!

[@brendawhaley7094]

HI im from cocoa was living in ocala, my sister her husband and i moved to tnn still lots of family other places in fla love your wk im new at this

[@jimkroyer5280]

Hi. Love your video. Just wondering if you spray it with some kind of fixative at the very end? Before you have it matted and glass framed to keep the pastel dust from clinging to the glass?

[@monetcafe]

Jim Kroyer I actually never spray my final pieces with fixative because it darkens the final work. I sometimes use a little fixative during the working stage because it adds a little bit more texture to the surface. I keep my final pieces in clear bags that are archival and safe for holding and viewing the artwork. I use a company called www.clearbags.com

[@mitalibarman4918]

Mam pls instuct little more slowly. I am beginner. So it is help ful for me to capture the tips and techniques u share

[@monetcafe]

Thanks for that suggestion. I actually have started creating videos specifically with beginners in mind. I have a playlist with all of the videos that should be helpful for beginners. :) Have Fun.... here is the link: kzbin.info/aero/PL_UsFfaI-KlqXkgk-rljunTmRnuS1s75W

[@sallyryan8556]

Thank you, Susan! That was a really lovely and informative video. I was wondering if it was black that you used around the flower centers and maybe a bit in the trees?

[@monetcafe]

Sally ... thank you so much for your comment. Actually, I hardly ever use black. I believe the dark on the flowers is a really dark burgundy, and in the trees it's a dark purple or green. Your comment is great, because one of my next videos is actually going to be talking about how color is affected by what is around it. Hopefully, I will be uploading it within a week. Blessings! And happy painting!

[@sallyryan8556]

That's what I thought about the black, Susan, but it's impossible to tell on my laptop. Very good to know that you chose the dark values of your other hues. Again, thanks so much for sharing!!

[@jeanspinks2741]

Hi Susan, I just love your work. I am very new to pastel painting, only completed two pictures, but love the whole process. How do you protect your painting if you want to put it in a frame please ??

[@monetcafe]

Jean Spinks ..... thank you so much for your comment! I'm really having fun sharing these videos. I actually made a video on Tips and techniques for pastel storage. I hope this helps and happy painting! kzbin.info/www/bejne/foetnqita7RnrLM

[@reshminair5502]

Beautiful :) Thank you for sharing tips

[@martyl7066]

Thanks for the wonderful tutorial. Question: Do you know if pastel particles are toxic for us when using soft pastels? Because I have noticed that many other professional pastels artists keep saying that the pastel particles could be toxic if we breathe them. Well, I have noticed by watching your tutorial that you are contining to paint with pastels in the Verticle Position? That means a lot of pastel particles are flying all over the place. I have seen the pastel particles falling down? I'm using soft pastels but, now I'm very concerned about continuing using the soft pastel...:-( I'm so confused. Thanks!,

[@monetcafe]

Hi Marty, I've never had any problem and I've been using pastels for nearly 20 years now. Some artists actually wear a mask if they are concerned about toxicity. Also, the pastel particles typically fall straight down and I don't notice them in the air that much. I am careful not to blow on my surface thought and typically take my paintings outdoors when finished and give them a good tap on the back to dislodge and loose particles. Some artists also wear plastic gloves or use "Gloves in a Bottle" to keep the dust off their hands. It works pretty good. Hope that helps :)

[@martyl7066]

@@monetcafe Thanks for all the tips and all the amazing tutorials.

[@desireeh1967]

Why do you use the pastel sticks and no pastel pencils? I am Quite new with pastel painting ☺️

[@monetcafe]

That's a good question Desiree..... 2 reasons actually. First, the pastel pencils don't get the coverage that a larger stick does and lends towards drawing rather than painting... and second, because pastel pencils have to have to be sharpened they must be a bit harder than the soft pastel sticks and don't have super vibrant color. The best pastel stick are made with very little binder and are close to being pure color. Hope that helps!

[@desireeh1967]

@@monetcafe what brand do you recomend?

[@moke9774]

If you don't use fixative. How do you keep your material on the painting while framing?

[@sasabelle5671]

I love your work, I am currently looking for someone to draw a logo for the company I’m starting

[@springroll38]

If you don't spray it, how could you protect it? I don't mind the piece getting darker from spraying, what other reasons are there not to spray it? Where in the video that part mentioned? I can't find it.

[@monetcafe]

If you don't mind the painting getting darker then you can only benefit from spraying fixative. I find that it not only darkens the painting, but flattens the color a bit. There is a new fixative product that doesn't darken the final quite as much. It's called "Spectrafix". Happy painting!

[@carolineullrich7323]

started to watch your work. Once you started to speed draw then I had to stop, it becomes very frustrating. When you don't see the full process it's really frustrating. Otherwise on a positive note, love the end result, color mixture and how you use and mix the different media together.

[@patw7408]

Caroline Ullrich You can slow the video down. Top right hand corner.

[@charleenpicone2531]

Beautiful! Also what is that music

[@SusanJenkinsArtist]

Charleen Picone It’s actually one of the selections of KZbin audio files they allow me to use. I can’t remember the title, but I will try to find it for you.

[@alescographiks]

Susan have you ever tried Spectrafix? It's a casein fixative and not toxic. I haven't used it myself yet but wanted to try it with graphite and charcoal. It is supposed to be good for pastel as well.

[@LeeArt249]

Spectrafix is great and doesn't darken your work , maybe very slightly but really doesn't change the colors! It also doesn't glob like some of the aerosols do!

[@karensaraf2459]

After you finish your painting, what do you use as a fixative that does not change the color of your painting?

[@monetcafe]

Fixative used at the end of the painting will definitely darken it, so I only use fixative occasionally while in the working stages to add a bit more tooth to the surface if needed. I never spray at the end, but store my finished paintings in plastic bags. I have a video about storing this way. I think it's called, Pastel Storage, or something like that. Happy Painting!

[@barriestark6129]

My first time watching your video, LOVED it and learned so much!! Just curious as to the after care of a pastel. As in, if you were to sell it, say at an art festival, would you mat and frame it? Can it be put on a backing board and put in a clear plastic bag? Will it smudge if its not 'fixed'? Love your painting!!

[@monetcafe]

Barrie Stark Hi Barrie, thanks so much for your comment. I made a video that has storage techniques for pastels. These are also good ways to package them for a show or just to share with others. 👍🏻 kzbin.info/www/bejne/foetnqita7RnrLM

[@barriestark6129]

Great video, answered all my questions! I can't wait to try your technique with the clear gesso on watercolor paper! I have been painting with watercolors for about a year now, and of course have a few that I just can't seem to get the way I want them, so I'm going to try this gesso and pastel over them to see if I can fix their issues! Getting ready to do a few art festivals, and that is why I asked about the packaging. Great information here and on your page, and thanks so much for answering! :)

[@ruthswords1132]

Hello! I absolutely love watching your tutorials, they are so informative and inspirational! I have a question though, can you please tell me what size paper you use for this painting? As a newbie I was wondering if it would be better to work larger or smaller or if it even matters! Thanks so much and I am looking forward to more tutorials!

[@monetcafe]

Hi Ruth.... thanks so much for your sweet comment. I think this piece was a 5" x 7". I like to work in standard sizes such as 5 x 7, 6 x 4, 8 x 10, 11x14 and 16 x 20. This way it can be framed with a standard size frame instead of getting it custom framed at a frame shop. Of course it could still be custom framed as well. As far as what size to work on when you are just starting, I would say small sizes are fine, but pastels can be a bit chunky, so it might be good to work in an 8 x 10 format as well. I hope to be uploading a video soon and if I remember i'll try to address this. blessings and happy painting !!!

[@franciscaviani786]

Very nice, I want to start using pastels but don't know what kind to get. Need help?

[@monetcafe]

Mount Vision has a nice 50 piece starter set, but if you just want to try without spending too much at first then Unison has a 16 piece (half stick) set. Another option is the 40 piece (half stick set) from Sennelier. I know it sounds like a lot of choices, but the good thing is that if you like it and keep with it all of these are good for your future pastel palette. Joining our Facebook group would really help you. There are SOOOO many giving and caring artists of every level willing to answer questions and critique your work (in a nice way). It's called "Monet Cafe' Art Group". You have to ask to join, but just answer the questions and say that you heard about the group from me :) Here are links to the pastels I mentioned.... Unisons: www.dickblick.com/products/unison-handmade-pastel-sets/ Sennelier: Scroll down for the half sticks / www.dickblick.com/products/sennelier-soft-pastel-sets/ Mount Visions: The last choice (workshop set of 50) /www.dickblick.com/products/mount-vision-soft-pastel-sets/

[@TheDivera]

Did you use just water pastels?

[@monetcafe]

Yes, often I use just plain water. And it works great. It just takes a little bit longer to dry than alcohol.

[@yasuewho480]

The Caran De'Arche have really high ratings for (archival) lightfastness, so I don't know why you wouldn't use them for professional work. Maybe your friend is thinking of an older art supply from them? As with any material, it's a good idea to check the ratings on individual colors. Yellows and some pale blues seem to be the most suspect, but this brand is one of the best even for those as far as I know.

[@monetcafe]

Thanks for that affirmation!!! 👏👏😊💜 I appreciate that .