Painting Trees In Pastel

Many of you have asked me in previous workshops: "How do you paint trees?" Here is my approach to painting trees in pastel. Wondering what pastels to use? Get your pastel supply list here: mailchi.mp/0b9...
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[@tmikeporter]

the best pastel videos on the internet

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you very much Mike!

[@susantaja4129]

This man is the most sincere gentlest man. I want to be friends with him. What a unique and beautiful soul!

[@AlainPicard]

you are very kind, thank you. i hope you will enjoy the adventure of pastel and continue learning with me!

[@jeanpowell4344]

Loved this video. You’re a good teacher. I’m new at this at 79 yrs. old, but still learning. Thanks to the lessons I do better work.

[@dorothycook3801]

New to pastels also at age 79. Great teacher.

[@rhondawillington9214]

Thank you Alain for your wonderful tuition on painting those gorgeous Autumn trees. Thank you from all of us who can’t afford workshops or professional classes. I for one, really appreciate you sharing your wealth of knowledge freely. You are truly a generous and inspirational Artist ! ❤️😃👍🏻 Thank you!

[@AlainPicard]

Rhonda Willington you are very welcome! So glad you enjoyed the video. Keep painting and I truly wish you the best in your creative development. Blessings to you

[@rhondawillington9214]

Alain Picard blessings will come back to you 10 fold! xxx

[@jonmilstein9869]

I love the chunky color block effect you get with these, very inspiring!

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoy it

[@PattyOliva-oy1nj]

I recently came across your videos. Your teaching style and voice/presentation really speak to me. I want to thank you.

[@732jim]

Not only do I like this painting, I like the music as well. Sometimes I watch just to calm my mind.

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Amazing how you build layers....finally creating a scene more alive than a photograph....superb.Thank you

[@AlainPicard]

sujanith tottempudi thank you so much for the kind words!

[@rutbrea8796]

You are so sweet, after all these months you gave me a heart. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity in teaching us your expertise, I am grateful for you ❤ 🙏 😊

[@AlainPicard]

It's a joy to share the painting journey with artists like you, keep going!

[@danabarunas9682]

This is a wonderful tutorial video. I especially appreciated the sky sculpting you did at the end. You are so generous to present these fabulous videos for us on KZbin. Thank you so much.

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks Dana, I am so glad you enjoyed the lesson. I find it really fun to sculpt out the sky or any negative shapes that I can find to define the "main subject". It's a joy to share with you all.

[@hellendia]

I am so impressed with your method. I love the lose feeling of the painting and the colorful, vibrant layers, your well timed explanations, with the music and a calming voice, it is really a treat. I discovered pastels just few weeks ago. I am fascinated with them. Thank you for inspiring me and teaching so well.

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you Helen. Enjoy this wonderful medium, pastel is great fun!

[@LiveforHim73]

Beautiful! Just started learning pastels, again,. Did some when a child and have never forgot the thrill. Worked as hairstylist all my life. Now time to play with colors I can make myself to hang on my wall! Have watched several of your videos to learn what I need to start. Thank you!!!

[@juliebrims4771]

Omg! The difference it makes to keep going!!! I'd have been delighted with myself at 15 minutes in!!! Just magic! Thank you.

[@AlainPicard]

julie brims thanks that’s very nice of you. I love what happens in the last 20% of the painting process. Color accents come alive and subtle elements are refined. Its also important not to go too far though! All the best to you.

[@user-ls6ts4rz5o]

The painting is absolutely lovely. Your teaching and choice of music, makes it all the better. Thank you Alain.

[@AlainPicard]

You're welcome, it's good to be appreciated!

[@be291]

Wow time flies while watching your videos... Thank you very much for sharing your process of creating this masterpiece with us!

[@AlainPicard]

It is my pleasure!

[@danielleauer8402]

you are teach this beginner a lot in this, and I can not thank you enough. this is wonderful. Stellar work.

[@dv9476]

Through your painting process, I am learning how to trust what I see. Thank you.

[@AlainPicard]

I'm glad, that is such an important visual concept. Keep practicing!

[@Gnomesaying315]

This is absolutely beautiful! I've never tried soft pastels. This painting makes me want to try them. Thank you for the tutorial!

[@abbydarcey]

I'm currently taking an art class and I've been so sad at how muddy and timid my pastel works turned out. Watching your video today was so helpful. I realized I was way too focused on blending my pastels instead of using them the way they want to be used! Thank you so much :)

[@ritatownsend7408]

Same here. I was taught to put down an under painting so full of pastel that when you finally got to painting in the actual subject it just became a mess.

[@Bfdifan-j8x]

@@ritatownsend7408 use rubbing alcohol and a stiff brush to seal the hard pastel under painting. Then you can apply more layers.

[@ritatownsend7408]

@@Bfdifan-j8x Thank you!

[@saumyabhalerao5845]

The scratching of pastels is so satisfying to listen to. 😀

[@paolo6293]

You're amazing! Love to watch you make your marks. Inspiring. Many thanks for your generosity. Hope to see you in a workshop some day!

[@juliebolton2446]

A genius with colour and mark making and so lovely to watch.

[@mikeanderson7045]

Such a beautiful technique...learned a few things. Thx for teaching

[@AlainPicard]

You are so welcome!

[@nevenailic7983]

Thank you for your kindness❤.Beautiful painting🍁🍃🍂

[@KatheeRN]

I'm a very new beginner..love how u paint...I can only learn from utube...u r amazing and inspirational...

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you for your kind words Kathee. All the best to you!

[@tslilbearshoppe9870]

thank you for showing the ref photo and your work at the same time! :D

[@AlainPicard]

You are very welcome Toni Art!

[@pameladiez4933]

I love your art work.stunning.i love how all those different colors came together,to create a beautiful piece of art.i love pastels so much.thanks🤑😁👍🌟☕

[@joaneklein4280]

Looking at this again 2 years later. Your mark making is so wonderful!

[@mcrawford5877]

So appreciated this video after having painted pastel for awhile. The negative painting has challenged me, but after watching this, I’m going to try again! Thank you for your videos.

[@AlainPicard]

So glad it helped, and has given you new ideas for approaching your own art. Keep painting!

[@carolferguson5467]

Have missed your videos so much! Just love watching you work, your mark making just fascinates me! I hope to one take a class with you. Thanks for such a lengthy video. I'm sure your time is quite valuable !

[@AlainPicard]

Carol Ferguson i love to make marks! I hope you will try as well!

[@Beautiful_Dreamer]

Thanks again for a superb tutorial, Alain! Always appreciate them!

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks Irini.

[@danafalkner6726]

Refreshing by seeing the looseness of this work...thanks!!--so nice!!

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you Dana!

[@victorialewkow5730]

Thank you for this most informative lesson. Particularly helpful for me was the emphasis on utilizing negative space in constructing this work. Off to my studio to give it a try!

[@anaconda470]

Wow. I used the soft pastels for the first time in my life today. I followed your lesson. I am stunned by the beauty of your picture and quite happy with my results. I really like your style.

[@mellowbats]

Excellent lesson on one of the most difficult subjects. Thank you!

[@AlainPicard]

So glad you found the video helpful. All the best to you!

[@RanchoZabara]

Alain, it was obvious from the beginning you knew what you were doing and how to get to your objective. Very nice piece and very good step by step. I don't do much pastel, primarily oil painter but do enjoy doing the occasional pastel. Alas, often on a large newsprint pad so results less than stellar and layering practically non existent. I enjoy the loosening up it provides so it serves its purpose.One of your tips that really struck home was the sculpting out of certain forms. I also sculpt and know that this is an excellent technique in many mediums. Also the tip for beginners especially about painting in large masses (not leaves). Great work and will tune in again.

[@AlainPicard]

Max Nelson thank you for your kind words. Pastel and oil techniques have alot of crossover. You should definitely try a pastel on a sanded surface instead of newsprint! Its an entirely different experience and result. All the best to you amd thanks for tuning in!

[@emanvel56]

I’m an encaustic painter but still love your process how you build the colors and depth. Well done.

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you Emmanuel, glad you enjoyed it. It's inspiring to see artists of different mediums tackle the painting process. Sometimes we get a new idea to implement in our own process and medium!

[@poonamsethi4166]

Enjoy every moment while watching your videos.

[@kathandterry2]

I really love the colours the vibrancy the way you achieve luminosity! That you also a lovely gentle style of yours

[@AlainPicard]

Kathy Greene thanks for the kind words!

[@debramoss2267]

Beautiful, inspired. I only received pastels yesterday, for my birthday and I'm hooked! I especially love the movement, can almost hear those leaves, brilliant work and thoroughly explained, thank you!

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Debra, thank you for your kind comments. I wish you the best as you acquaint yourself with pastels! It's a wonderful medium, enjoy the colors.

[@artistundersail3530]

To watch you paint, is to watch through a kaleidoscope as the colours drop down upon one another and begin to take shape and form. Magical. Excellent show of how you layer and create. Much to be learned here, will watch this many times over. Many thanks for sharing your knowledge and techniques. Cheers, Val

[@AlainPicard]

ArtistUnderSail thanks for the feedback and encouragement. That is the beauty of pastel, layering to create brilliant combinations of color and texture. All the best to you.

[@karenfalconerart]

Thank you, Alaine! I'm new to pastels and I love your loose technique. You've been very helpful!

[@jimmiesutton8468]

Very nice handling of the materials, Sir! enjoyed !

[@AlainPicard]

Jimmie Sutton thank you very much!

[@janclark8089]

This is a terrific demo. I’m new to pastels but am obsessed!

[@AlainPicard]

Welcome to the pastel party Jan!

[@joytaves7418]

Thank you so much for sharing your talent! I attended a class last night; landscape with trees watercolor underpainting with pastel to complete. It was a dismal failure for me. The teacher told me to start over. I remembered this tutorial and knew it would help me learn to paint trees.

[@Bfdifan-j8x]

How’s the painting going? There is quite a learning curve with pastels. Keep painting!

[@asimnajam2964]

Amazing.. It's like i can watch you drawing for hours and hours, nice music in the background, sound of the strokes of pastels on a paper and off course your voice. Thank you for making such a brilliant video.

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you very much Asim. Glad you enjoy the experience!

[@barbaraonisko7441]

Just stunning…great teaching skills Alain. Im just starting pastels. Lov the loose, messy style…thanks 4 your gift..

[@AlainPicard]

You are so welcome, enjoy pastel!

[@desireeyoung2814]

I am brand new to pastels, and your channel has quickly become one of my favorites. I am in awe of how you are able to so artistically interpret the source material, ending up with a painting more beautiful than the original! Thank you for providing us with this wonderful resource.

[@AlainPicard]

That means the world, thanks! Enjoy this wonderful medium of pastel!

[@LindaRUDYK]

This is really amazing. I am an artist and paint every medium except pastel. I think it’s my new favourite (Canadian)😄. Have a happy day! Linda

[@jillnemani1285]

Pastels are my favourite medium I enjoyed this so much ..Thank you Alain 🙋🏼‍♀️👍🙌

[@thalaagdal2457]

Juste époustouflant ! Ça donne envie d'essayer. Merci pour ce bon moment.

[@shelleybrandon2825]

Thank you! I struggle with the simplest of landscapes like this as I liken them to nearly abstract. Your technique makes it much easier to understand the development in how I WISH to create a landscape!

[@AlainPicard]

Shelley Brandon I am so glad you found it helpful. You can do it!

[@rajbharadia3643]

Tap tap tap and the magic happened, especially when you used the brush! Amazing lesson, amazing inspiration! Thank you so much....! Subscribed!

[@AlainPicard]

Appreciate it Raj, all my best to you!

[@personthatmakesstuff4186]

First time watching your video! At first I wondered where you were going with it and what you were doing but it magically was transformed into a beautiful painting! Loved the process!

[@AlainPicard]

Beverley Bigelow thanks for watching! Im glad you hung in there with me through the messy middle. Gotta keep things suspenseful, right!? All the best.

[@udbhashmukherjee8452]

I loved your work.

[@pastryqn]

just beautiful

[@fredasidaravicius232]

Hi Alain, I loved the finished painting. Makes me realise how far I still have to go to achieve beautiful pastel trees.

[@AlainPicard]

You can do it! Don't give up, and enjoy the journey Freda!

[@Kimby1982]

Watched this video again with my cup of coffee this morning in preparation for your workshop in Westerville that I am taking!!!!! Your painting process is amazing to watch and I am so excited to meet you in person and learn from the Master!

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Kim, thanks for the note of encouragement, and i look forward to working with you soon! That's exciting. I'm glad I can help, stay tuned, and keep painting! See you soon

[@fishingalot247]

Wow thank you for this video. It helped so much to see how you kept pushing on when it looked like a mess at first. That's been my problem, I lay down the colors and I think how can I chisel this into what I vision, but watching you as helped me so much. Very talented and great teacher

[@AlainPicard]

thank you for the kind comments! I am glad you found the video helpful. Every painting seems to have an awkward stage, and pushing through to the next phase is an important learning experience. Also trusting the process when you get more experienced with the stages of the painting. You can do it, keep painting!

[@doreenlorenzo2501]

Showing the reference material is so helpful.Beautiful work.

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you very much Doreen!

[@jjmendez007]

Thank you for sharing a slice of your talents. I believe I learned and have gain more confidence in my desire to delve into pastel painting. Your approach in showing and explaining adds a very relaxing touch too. Thank again.

[@AlainPicard]

You can do it!

[@suchlights2215]

This is so delightful 😍Absolutely love your technique and use of colour.

[@mayawyn8672]

It is such an opportunity to be able to watch how you work. I enjoy the intentional gestures and powerful marks not to mention the thrilling use of color. I always pick up some good tips in your dialogue. Trees remain something I have to work on although they are becoming less of a hard challenge and more of a good mystery…. lol…. but… you always offer new ideas about loosening up and fearlessly reaching for the joy in it all and that is why I continue to come back for more. Thank you for the video and instruction.

[@AlainPicard]

You're welcome Maya, I'm so glad you enjoy. Keep painting!

[@karenwhite4786]

Beautifully done

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you Karen!

[@hedonisticmind]

Very abstract. Love

[@juliebabb3365]

Thanks for another in depth tutorial! Love the way you interpret color.

[@AlainPicard]

Julie Babb you are very welcome, i am so glad you enjoyed it!

[@wsieci4204]

You are such an charismatic and handsome artist ;) i love how You create and smile towards camera! :) Thank You for being a happy Man !

[@rubysaleem7269]

Wonderful demo … thankyou 🙏

[@dulcieogilvie5786]

Wow……again. Such a soothing and wonderful video. I will be trying this one. I love your style. Hoping to make it mine one day!!

[@johnroot3555]

Wonderful. This is so very helpful for me, a septuagenarian novice at pastel painting. :)

[@AlainPicard]

Wonderful that you are trying a new medium at your young age! No better time than the present to create. All the best John!

[@Giolaura47]

Me too ;)

[@autmntooley7186]

I grew up watching Bob Ross on PBS with my dad and watching you has the same lovely feel.

[@AlainPicard]

Autmn Tooley thank you so much, what a compliment!

[@beckychappell6377]

So great! I love watching you work. Thank you!

[@AlainPicard]

Becky Chappell you are very welcome! Thanks for the encouragement. All the best to you!

[@scottfoster9452]

Beautiful!

[@daviddeutsch1811]

An excellent video. Thank you, Alain. I learned the importance of negative space and the value of working in soft pastels and charcoal.

[@artaddict2313]

Great video and painting!! Very mythodical with the music and your voice. Great Workshop, I have just started in soft pastel last 3 months or so, so Ive been trying to "loosen up" will definatly try this workshop tonight!

[@AlainPicard]

Glad to hear you are trying pastel, you'll love it! Have fun.

[@ritahorton3805]

Art Addict love your video. Love your technique.

[@ritahorton3805]

Love the painting!

[@cocothebastard8464]

Nice work.

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you!

[@kathyhall668]

I've always wanted to learn pastels . You would be the best instructor .. loved this!

[@AlainPicard]

I'm so glad!

[@jeekim4621]

I love every steps how you starting with massive shapes with your big movements to how you sculpting the details! I really want to know how you preserve and keep the painting as well. Thank your for such a great demonstration and inspiration!

[@dianthus63]

I'm new to pastels. After watching your amazing talent for making little marks of color blossom into a magnificent picture … I'm starting to think this skill doesn't live inside of me. Just wow!

[@AlainPicard]

Barbara Lindow it took me a few years of development to get the skill really flowing. Don’t give up! It comes with practice and courage to make those marks. All the best!

[@dianthus63]

@@AlainPicard Thanks for the encouragement. I'm going to keep trying … and trying … and …. well LOL!

[@AlainPicard]

@@dianthus63 sounds like a great plan! Just have a glass of wine after working hard as a reward!

[@robindurso6911]

Thank you. Loved it.

[@joebrown7570]

It's my first time seeing you, and I must say ,I'm a fan already. Your work is fantastic

[@davidmarten7753]

I have just discovered your channel. Thank you very much. I am beginning to use pastels again and this is wonderful!

[@AlainPicard]

that's great, I hope you enjoy! You can join me this week for a live online workshop if you are available. You can find out more here learn.picardstudio.com/workshop-fall-22

[@tamarabrown717]

Loved this, my girls were standing by watching too! Thanks again for such a great learning experience last year at your workshop in Charleston. Blessings!

[@AlainPicard]

Tamara Brown so great to hear from you!!! Blessings to you and your family, and thanks so much!

[@crystalthursby2808]

Beautiful, you have a wonderful way about you that makes a fantastic teacher. Thank you for this full video to follow, greatly in-depth and visually stunning.

[@AlainPicard]

Crystal Thursby thats very kind of you. Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@68cristian]

quite magnificnet. thank you for sharing.

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you liked the painting.

[@Arnaldobaezjr]

Thank you so much for the wonderful video, I've learned so much from watching you. I do love the music while you are painting, so peaceful!!!

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you Arnaldo, I appreciate it, and wish you the very best in your painting!

[@hermajestyqueenmarcia]

Thank you.. very much for sharing your vast knowledge and talent.please excuse me for offering unsolicited request in agreement with some others here.i too am elderly, and I find the music intrusive when I'm watching you even when you're not speaking.i like hearing your thoughts and training though. I hope your days offer you the time you crave for expressing your lovely talents.. 🌞 Marcia in Modesto

[@stormysampson1257]

Alain: You are a dancer. Your marks are part of the dance and timing and rhythm show in your art style. Very cool to view. What music do you listen to?

[@marcelacastillo2580]

I enjoyed it a lot.

[@triptiagarwal4664]

Thank you so much for generously sharing valuable information !!

[@AlainPicard]

You are very welcome, I'm so glad you enjoyed. All the best to you!

[@sharynlightfoot3806]

As always...so inspiring and helpful! Thank you!

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Sharyn, you're welcome! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@rutbrea8796]

I see a little too much orange on the ground where there should be more limon green, but now I see the working with pastels more convincing. I am a oils lover, but pastels are very interesting and challenging. Thank you, although this video is old, I am not sure if you, the artist, would read this. You are a good instructor on pastels.

[@1DaTJo]

Beautiful

[@stevenforbes5376]

Alain thank you man lcan t believe anyone would have any conplaints with any of your free yes free you nay sayers rock on man from us Aus pastel try hards thank you mate

[@AlainPicard]

Hey thanks for the good word, Steven, appreciate it! Great to make the connection all the way in Australia! Have fun and keep painting!

[@Tililiish]

I love your voice. And your work haha

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you! 😃

[@Tespen42]

Wonderful..love the mark making style you have and the wonderful relationship of the colors. Negative painting brought it together!

[@AlainPicard]

Don Smith thanks alot! I really enjoy painting the negative shapes. It almost feels like cheating at times! Very effective. All the best!

[@Angelica-bt4hh]

Thank you for such a wonderful lesson. Much appreciated! 🎨

[@AlainPicard]

You're very welcome Angelica.

[@caromilonga8395]

Bravo et merci pour tous ces conseils

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you very much!

[@FlowWithMeTree]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, passion and joy! You are an amazingly talented artist. I would love to take your workshop someday. Abundant blessings.

[@AlainPicard]

treana ferraro thank you for the encouragement! You are very kind. Keep painting, and I hope to see you at a workshop someday!

[@alinabenartzi]

Beautiful! you have such a fantastic style! thank you for sharing!