A No Fail Way to Start a Pastel Painting

Do you ever freeze in front of a blank canvas or piece of paper? How do you get past this fear and start painitng? In this video I share my NO FAIL approach to starting and finishing a pastel painting. It is based on doing a value thumbnail and using this thumbnail to do a simple block in or underpainting. Join me as I use this method to paint a field of lavender!
SUPPLY LIST
1. LuxArchival sanded Pastel paper
2. Terry Ludwig pastels
3. Nupastels hard pastels
4. Diane Townsend Purple /violet softform pastels
5. Rubbing alcohol
6. Stiff paint brush
Subscribe to my channel and Patreon Page for more pastel and painting video demos and tips!
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➞ www.karenmargulis.com

[@jennifermilligan8424]

My favorite part is where you do mention that you aren’t copying the photo exactly, this is what makes it your own and unique. As someone learning to use the pastels more, this video was a fantastic instruction and one of the best I’ve seen: thank you!!!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for your kind words!!

[@ibelf2465]

Am I the only one that thinks even her under painting is great!? So much talent within you!!! Thank you for sharing your talents!

[@Danielle-nz9tn]

YES! At first I had no idea what the heck she was doing, then once the alcohol was added I could actually see the picture and thought it was already so much better than any painting I could do! (I guess that’s because the values were correct and the composition was there.)

[@jisuki6731]

Wow! I had never thought about alcohol wash for underpainting. Mind is blown 🤯 at how fast you moved through your process and made deliberate decisions on your marks with so much confidence but with care. Amazing to see the beautiful details unfold! I learned so much in this video! Thank you so very much for sharing ..subscribed & can't wait to work with pastels again! 🙏

[@aussiedevil123]

This is by far the best pastel painting presentation ever! Thank you so much

[@KarenMargulis]

Wow, thank you! I appreciate your comment!

[@isabelle.9]

I’ve watched a whole lot of art tips & tricks videos, but yours here takes the cake! It’s making me think I just might be able to get over my fear of the blank page and give me some confidence even in me earlier learning phase. Thank you for this!

[@heinrichlombard6416]

Lovely. I must say that I prefer your interpretation of the picture above the actual photograph

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you very much!

[@shahidfurqan2003]

Can I have your wapps number dear . I am graphic designer and Fine Artist. I need you wapps for interview on subjects. For you.

[@karinsteff-pedersen5806]

Thank you so much from me in Geneva, I love the way you paint and being so generous in sharing your knowledge.

[@KarenMargulis]

I'm so glad! I appreciate you watching!

[@sherrywoodwardart1488]

I am delighted to find this tutorial by one of my favorite artists! I have a small lavender painting that is so beautiful. I love your work and thanks for sharing your techniques.

[@marytesta3003]

Your dialog is fantastic. Letting me into your head a bit helps with the thought process. I really enjoyed this demonstration and lived the colors. Gorgeous. Thank you.

[@madeleine4725]

Omg Karen, your lessons are gamechangers for me. I learn so much from you. Thank you for sharing your techniques. Every stroke you put down makes sense. I am a really big fan!

[@michelechouinard4579]

Karen, your demos are amazingly helpful! You have a wonderful ability to help me understand the whole process.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@ibcontent]

Haven't painted in a year or more... getting inspired now! Thanks for an inspiration booster shot!

[@davidhallowell3457]

I love your approach…it makes great sense. I’m just exploring the idea of trying pastels, but I can use many aspects of your no-fail approach I’m my acrylic and oil work.

[@j.evadostie8642]

Such a great tutorial - this is my new beginner’s favorite. Today I will use this approach for my daily painting. Thank you so much!

[@KarenMargulis]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@ShuggaMug]

You're such a wonderful, patient teacher. Thank you for these demos

[@soniagibbs3366]

Absolutely fascinating to watch you paint. I’m a beginner using soft pastels and have learnt so much just from this one video. Thank you

[@wellingtonsboots4074]

Thank you, I have only started to draw over the lockdown, but I wanted to learn more especially working with pastels. Your videos are fantastic and have given me some very helpful ideas.

[@KarenMargulis]

Glad they are helpful! It is my pleasure to share!

[@monamahmoud1943]

I love it... and those green stems added at the end made a big difference ...

[@ericwilliams2122]

That is utterly brilliant, thank you for making it all so understandable⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@iantucker4070]

I love your balance of realism & abstractions, beautiful!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you so much!

[@hairyelement]

Thank you so much for sharing even though you are experiencing a great hardship with your mother in law. Prayers for you and your family. Your work is joyous and sunshine to many 🙏🌻🌞

[@susantaja4129]

Beautiful as always. I learn so much from watching your mark making! Thank you for your generosity!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you so much!

[@cfshy]

Such a great guide for a beginner. Thank you for the tips!

[@christyellis3278]

I agree that this is the best demo I have seen. The use of the blue green for distance, the four shades of a color , and the blocking in of the value shapes first all seem to be secret knowledge I was missing! Thank you so much!

[@KarenMargulis]

Wow, thank you!

[@susannaraubenheimer6174]

Love the way you explained and inspired me to try pastels again. Thank you so much!

[@denicemoussa277]

Thankyou so much for your sharing. I have started creating abstract acrylics and have thought about soft pastels. I will definitely incorporate them into my process.

[@lisabarnes6919]

Wow! Beautiful 😍

[@Fr0g_e]

So grateful for your videos! You have reminded me of the fun and free flowing movement of art ❤️

[@loviegilbert4428]

Beautiful ❤ Thanks for this lovely video.

[@m.hartyfool]

Your narrative is very educational. I appreciate your comments. Thank you.

[@monetcafe]

That was awesome! You’re the master!

[@KarenMargulis]

Awww thank you Susan! That means a lot to me!!

[@nieastillhere1398]

I took a class long ago with Gary Jenkins. Are you related?

[@PeterRattfeldt]

Beautiful painting and a very good presentation.

[@janetkelsey7663]

Wonderful! Thank you, Karen!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching Janet!

[@cryprid9776]

I started using this approach about a year ago when I first found this video and it really helped a lot!! I even added my own extra part to The No Fail Approach (3:04 - 4:17) where instead of taking the original photo down, I would go in and digitally blur the details until it's primarily the colours and vague shapes. This way I can also colour match while looking at the grey scale as well. Plus, this has helped me understand how to mix-match and blend colours together to achieve what I want since I am working with extremely low budget supplies. Thank you so much for sharing all of your helpful and beautiful art videos. You have not only helped in my art journey but also in my journey to improve my physical and mental health, especially through the pandemic. Please take care and remember that you will always shine the the starlight you are. Blessed be.

[@freebird8993]

Absolutely fascinating, thank you

[@josetjos]

Thanks so much Karen for your willingness to teach. I've just begun to try and creat pretty things with pastels and found your channel. Your work is so encouraging. God has blessed you!

[@KarenMargulis]

You are so welcome! Thank you!!

[@isleboy7]

Thank you very much for your enthusiastic demo. I feel very encouraged!! I love your ways!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you so much!

[@odilecadiou18]

Love -love you make so easy ......my favor one .Thank you Karen

[@jeanlecoq5140]

Thank you for all the information as you painted. That really helped.

[@louisefrewin575]

Thank you so ooooo much!!! Got some really expensive pastels and was too scared to use them. You have led me into a whole new adventure!!!!!! Love what you do xxxxxxxx

[@KarenMargulis]

You are so welcome!

[@mountainsno]

Thank you. Fantastic tuition and work. Really beautiful piece.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you very much!

[@oldlady1946]

Always enjoy seeing the outcomes of your pieces. Truly amazes me. Thank you.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you very much!

[@terrelspears3856]

Thank you! I love this!

[@marilynobrien2889]

Love watching the transformation. You are so good at explaining your steps. Makes sense even for the beginner. Thank you!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@tomdalbo2192]

Art watercolor demo

[@sabinelloyd8532]

Another excellent tutorial. The foreground was particularly interesting to me.

[@traceyelliot-reep4124]

Thank you that was so instructional and beautiful !

[@tanyaperrin8844]

Beautiful.

[@maggiep90]

so helpful. makes me excited to get back into pastels!

[@JC-il4or]

Such a gorgeous demo. A point around 23:17 surprised me as suddenly depth appeared. It was almost Disney-like and a light bulb went off about the process!! Thank you for being such an excellent teacher!!

[@KarenMargulis]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@jeanettebarnard944]

I just love your style. Wonderful.

[@RatherBeSailing]

Fabulous work!!!

[@desireeyoung2814]

Thank you. This demo was very informative and the results are beautiful!

[@KarenMargulis]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@cynthiagiven8258]

Thank you so much. I’ve learned so much

[@kittymuse4005]

really gorgeous! thank you for the lesson in discipline!

[@marjoriemankin6983]

What a great simply stated dem!! ! have taught children and adults for over 50 years... sharing the joy of oils, acrylics collage and most recent water color.... but not much pastel!This was so fun and exciting!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful creative expertise!!!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you for watching!

[@fotoalive]

Magnifique ! Really well worth to watch all of it ! Im beginning, Thank you so MUCH for sharing your Amazing talent 🙏

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you so much!

[@CrazyOldFolk]

So happy you care about those who wish to learn and give of yourself to them. One class act, in my book.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you very much for your kind comment. I appreciate you watching!

[@jillkama7614]

You are so fantastic! Thanks for all your videos, I am learning a lot

[@KarenMargulis]

Glad you like them! I appreciate you watching them!

[@michaelklein5242]

I also will try that sanded paper. Those are the scratchiest sound pastels I've ever heard! A great sound effect while working on something!

[@amandahilburn]

Great instructions! This is beautiful ☺️

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks so much 😊

[@annevers2074]

Thanks Karen, I really enjoy watching you paint. I have learned a lot from you.

[@KarenMargulis]

You are so welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@ameliabarreda1117]

Genial. Parece fácil pero tu sentido del color y la forma son excelentes. Y mucha técnica, gracias desde Argentina

[@glynisthomas6969]

OH MY GOODNESS. I fell asleep, cause I was so tired and you were wonderfully relaxing to watch. I never saw the mess, it was always interesting to look at. So enjoyable. So inspiring. SUBSCRIBED. Thank you.

[@KarenMargulis]

You are so welcome! I am happy to share with you!

[@haroldwalpert1990]

I loved the way this painting turned out.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you!!

[@aervinnylelpalan720]

This is soo helpful

[@dancer4560]

This under painting is something that was never used when I took art classes way back when. I always loved pastels. One thing I noticed on my old paintings,-pastels-oil watercolor-, is that I need to concentrate more on learning value. You are doing an excellent job on reinforcing this. TY

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you very much for watching!

[@marcelacastillo2580]

Preciosos trabajos, gracias!

[@Lisapizza789]

This is great. Thank you Karen. Love it.

[@KarenMargulis]

You are so welcome!

[@amp4038]

What an excellent tutorial. Comprehensive and simply explained.

[@KarenMargulis]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching!

[@gingerdearing4520]

I love your instruction and your style. Thank you!!! Making notes as I watch 😊

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@mariajosedamazziocastro]

Precioso!! GRACIAS 😊

[@sharonkerlo556]

I have to say that I was just mesmerised watching this beautiful landscape come to life before my eyes. Initially I was just looking for some guidance in how to use pastels as I was curious about them so thank you very much I’m going to give them a go 🙂

[@KarenMargulis]

Wow, thank you! I appreciate you watching!

[@donnagoode6923]

Brilliant!

[@user-tj3yz4ic2m]

I learnt so much, Thank you

[@happysoul_97]

Thanku Karen, you inspire me❤️

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you for watching!

[@Catherine-rt9un]

Gorgeous!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you! 😊

[@ggjj999]

Fabulous!

[@aj1426]

I've been following you on instagram for years, marvelling at your gorgeous technique, so happy to see a demo!!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks so much 😊 I'm happy you found me on KZbin!

[@barbaramain6381]

Good day from Australia. I’m delighted to have found you after recently deciding to try my hand at pastels. A great tutorial, many thanks for your kick start! Warm regards!

[@KarenMargulis]

Wonderful! Welcome to the wonderful world of pastels!

[@sanctuarynaturals]

I’ve never used pastels, and this was my first stop…I made the right decision! So much here that can translate into any medium, but so nicely done and makes me want to try my hand at pastels! Subscribed!!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you and welcome to the wonderful world of pastels!

[@aditishaligram8984]

Hi. Can I use paper for acrylic paints for this pastels also

[@michaelklein5242]

Thank you, and I never thought of using rubbing alcohol before! This should be better than the mineral oil I have used thus far.

[@marionoleary7260]

Wonderful …so informative thank you

[@renzo6490]

What stops me is my apparent inability to see beyond the photo. In this, I am sure that I'm not alone. It helped that you, at one point, removed the photo from sight. It stuck me as a brave and confident move. Like sky-diving for the first time in tandem with a veteran of the sport. Then, letting go of his hand to direct your own career.

[@KarenMargulis]

I also find that working from small photos helps give me freedom with my subject! If I can’t see details I don’t get hung up on copying what I see!

[@beatrixpendragon]

I love purples and this is so pleasing to watch. I'm glad I found this channel as I'm starting to get into pastels.

[@KarenMargulis]

I'm so glad! Welcome to the wonderful world of pastels!

[@rodolfolargo5248]

Beautiful!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you!

[@phyllisdahl269]

First one I've ever tried you are so excellent at explaining the process.thank you sooooo much

[@KarenMargulis]

You’re welcome 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@saminsoleymani7377]

Thanks! So beautiful and so helpful. I have learned a lot.

[@KarenMargulis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wesleyrocks1738]

Beautiful. So helpful . Great teacher.

[@KarenMargulis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anniego9]

Excellent demo thank you❤

[@artgirl6784]

Very nice work! Love this!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you very much!

[@artbytammylassiter6885]

Thank you for all the details you add to your tutorials. I painted nt first large painting today

[@KarenMargulis]

You are so welcome!

[@kayvallance9560]

i thoroughly enjoyed your teaching style. i've only used oil pastels one time and thought i disliked them all together. you...you have convinced me to try again. also, i really appreciated your 'no fail way to start'! that process applies to just about all art forms.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you so much 😀

[@azong98]

Thank you so much! Love your work and you are a great educator

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you so much!

[@dellasnyder1617]

You are a born teacher. I have worked with watercolor for many years (about 20 and counting) and now am loving pastels. I sometimes do a watercolor underpainting, which gives me some wonderful unexpected effects on sanded paper. And sometimes i do a pastel underpainting washed down with alcohol. It just depends on how I'm feeling that day.. love your approach to assigning a value to each shape in your thumbnail. That was really helpful to figure it out! I have subscribed to your site and plan to work my way through all of your excellent classes. You are a jewel.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you very much for your kind feedback! I really appreciate you watching my videos!!

[@rochellearuti]

OhMyGosh, thank you!

[@soupbonep]

I loved that. It was informative and interesting to watch the layering and evolution of the painting. You had some great tips on the lighting and values for the sun's effect on the landscape. 🙂

[@KarenMargulis]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@CarolAnnsArt]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent. I just got my first set of chalk pastels and the results are - lets just say - horrifying. The pastels are such fun to play I hope, with your help, to improve. Thank you again for such informative and inspiring instruction.

[@BeyondMyIntuition444]

Absolutely beautiful! Love lavender. Thank-you! for sharing your art techniques! I`m beginner in using oil pastels. So happy to find your channel.🙏💞🎨✨

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you so much!

[@bettedubois9925]

Wonderful !

[@KarenMargulis]

Many thanks!

[@sallyjoligocki5011]

I just bought some soft pastels. I was not sure how to use them. Now I have some idea. Thank you for sharing.

[@KarenMargulis]

You are so welcome! Have fun with your new pastels!!