BEGINNER Pastel Painting Lesson! & Check out my New Blending Tool!

[@edgarandrews3760]

New to pastels. Have done a lot of watercolor . Am 79 years young and thought I would try something new. Like your work!

[@monetcafe]

Hi Edgar, sorry I'm just now seeing your message. That's fabulous that you are trying something new. And 79 is a great age to get started with art! Keep it up friend!

[@kikeheebchinkjigaboo6631]

@@monetcafe are the pastel made mostly from iron Oxzide or actual stones and clay?

[@kennethmorss2384]

My sister in Christ.❤️Finding this was divine. I have been painting with oils for a while and have a new passion to try pastels. Thank you for sharing your gift with us. I'll be tuning in regularly. God bless (Proverbs 27:17)

[@monetcafe]

Praise Jesus! Thanks @kennethmorss2384! I can't help but shout praises to my Savior!

[@Rosabel718]

You are the answer to my whispered prayers.🙏🏽 I have been praying for guidance in my art , literally, and happened upon your channel. Thank you for being obedient to the voice of God and being an instrument in His hands 🙏🏽🙂

[@monetcafe]

Love your comment Rosabel.... so thankful my lessons help and let's keep shining and creating in honor of our precious Lord!

[@CindyMoe-w5s]

YOU are sooooo generous with info. Bless you!!♥️

[@zantic1063]

I just thought I would let you know this since I know that stuff like this means the world to an artist. My teacher was teaching us pastels but since we're doing online school she had no physical way of teaching us so she used this video to help us learn how to use the pastels she gave us

[@lokitheschnauzer]

I like the way you coach paintings, very confident and succinct. Thank you for introducing artists to pastel principles!

[@polygimik]

I love the talking part, i have to say. It's like being gathered round listening to a friend talking about how his day was, at the same time enjoying and learning something about art.

[@128cherylmarie]

I also love how you incorporated in your teaching the different pastels and just to get the short sticks or how you like to use the round tip versus the square tip. I think it's really excellent in the different paper that you talk about in order to save money, but you also give great demonstrations. Thank you!✨❄️🕊️❄️✨

[@monetcafe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@annevanderlaan6441]

I found you in the middle of the night. You are a sister. Things have been difficult and you lifted me.

[@karyngarland9414]

Brand new to pastels. What a wonderful teacher! Thank you!

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much!

[@bonsaigarden5748]

I am so glad I found your Chanel, so enjoyable, I came a cross Pastel actually by accident many years ago, and I fell in love with it, the illusion it creates just takes my breath away, so earthy, so natural, so satisfying...thank you for the video..

[@barrylindeboom3053]

Love this painting! Makes me think of the scripture, "The heavens declare be the glory of God!"

[@monetcafe]

Hallelujah!!! Sometimes I name my paintings from scripture verses. That would have been a good name for this one. ;)

[@JanDBurton]

Thank you Susan for so many good tips. Also, I've cut up old suede boots (cleaned well first) and an old suede coat and used these small pieces for blending pastels. These produced lots of blending tools and I never run out! God bless.

[@monetcafe]

Wow.... how cool and that sounds like a great blending tool. I love practical solutions! :)

[@lucillefemine]

You transformed that scene into a spiritual beauty. That's great you can use just plain drawing paper. Very encouraging.

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much Lucille! What a beautifully expressed comment. 💜💜💜💜

[@vicmurai1033]

Susan, your painting looks better than the reference art that you used. You are certainly an accomplished artist and an extremely competent art instructor. Thoroughly enjoyed your video. Merci bien.

[@susannaraubenheimer6174]

I'm only starting and this video was very helpful. Thanks a lot!

[@monetcafe]

Glad it was helpful!❤️☺️💜

[@MegPaoli]

absolutely beautiful

[@LulluNatic]

This is one of the things I like about art, you can make it better or more beautiful than reality.

[@kerry5459]

Gorgeous! You have just inspired me to purchase a pastel set, looking to expand from watercolour and this really appeals to me, Thank you!

[@eliseshaw3341]

So pretty love your light touch

[@128cherylmarie]

Thank You so much for this you tube Video,especially about interpreting color.changes,Values.

[@monetcafe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chrissiebury5339]

Thank you. I’m feeling as though I might have a go especially as i have to go to the art shop today! I’m trying different media at the moment.

[@ginidrouillard108]

sooo pretty and soft, love your interpretation of the little photo

[@Debnfl]

Your work is so impressive. Beautiful! Thank you for sharing! I want to try pastels. After years of oils and acrylics I hope I can transition to something new. We’ll see!

[@monetcafe]

Yay!! You can do it! I have many artists who have only worked in oil and acrylics transition to try pastels. Fortunately, many of the principles are the same... it's just learning to manipulate the new medium. Have fun!

[@milesoster3122]

These are my favorites from you, they are all great but this type allows me to lears easy to use templates for landscape painting that can help get theball rolling once you get one template down you can then feel comfortable to do thing like it and alter. Thank you for these types

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @milesoster3122! I'm so glad you liked it! Happy Painting!

[@joycemccullough7856]

Thanks for sharing. Very beautiful!💞

[@heathersmith4698]

This is my first video I have seen of yours! I am so inspired by you! I too draw at my kitchen table.

[@monetcafe]

Wonderful Heather!!! So glad you're inspired!

[@KathysFlog]

Thank you so much. I'll be getting my pastels out later today.

[@monetcafe]

Yay!!! Hope you have some painting fun, Kathy!

[@adriannakacaa6772]

It’s so beautiful! I love the colors and the feeling of this painting.

[@reneekroyer5104]

Love these tutorials, Susan. I am amazed that you can do such a great job on drawing paper. I started doing pastels about 30 years ago and got SO frustrated trying to lay color down on paper that was not sanded. I have been doing oils, water color and now acrylic paintings over the last 30 years, but would like to get back into pastel painting as that is my favorite medium. I was wondering just HOW you got the color to stay down and not flake off, or fall off? You said to use a very light touch . . . I think that makes the difference. I have a LOT of quality drawing paper, so I'd love to try this technique on that before buying the expensive sanded paper. I also need to get some pastels and I have seen some Panpastel demos that really made me want to get back into pastel painting as there is less pastel dust. Love all of your tips for blending too like the Dollar Store shami, insulation tubing, etc. Great tips. God bless you for sharing your talent with us all.

[@monetcafe]

Thanks Renee, I do find that Pan Pastels have less dust. I have a decent assortment but always forget to use them. I used to get so frustrated trying to paint with pastels on unsanded paper, but I think I've gotten better at it simply because I've gotten better at painting. You don't have a lot of wiggle room for mistakes. I like using Prismacolor NuPastels in regular sketch books and the harder pastels seem to work a little better. Hope that helps and keep having fun!

[@zinabuchinin8119]

@@monetcafe hi Susan. Thank you for the video. How you keep pastels from dusting off your work when finished? . I try to spray with alcohol

[@sylviavanzoeren9947]

Bought some pastel crayons last week. What a joy! Thanks for the great support!

[@Mrs.Karen_Walker]

Beautiful. God bless you.

[@schnukele]

Thank you so much for this :) You are sharing so much good information and keeping things simple.

[@monetcafe]

Lisa Hornbeck That’s the kind of feedback I love to hear. It really helps me to know what the subscribers want. Thank you so much.

[@Player-Dabek]

I really tried with this but so good 👍

[@chrisgreen502]

You are so talented, I truly enjoy all of paintings, wonderful video.

[@zoro_1ain]

Amazing video!

[@namregd]

Can't believe the number of layers you managed to get down on regular drawing paper! Excellent video, thanks very much 😊👍

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much 😀

[@TocTocTrax]

very impressive painting! Vibrant, fresh and lively composition. Thanks for sharing!

[@jamesaltman6719]

oh I love all those colors in your painting as matter fact I do tooo Thank you

[@MelodyLovesMusic]

Beautiful !!

[@suefortin6811]

Thanks. Always get great ideas

[@ElizabethBattle]

Thank you, Susan.

[@monetcafe]

Thanks!! Any medium hardness pastels will work. Rembrandts for example 👍🏻☺️💜

[@margitkent2349]

Absolutely stunning and inspiring ....

[@Lashay7]

I’m about to sit down and try this. However I will be using oil pastels

[@michaelaprile3100]

Thanks for this video. It taught me a lot. Michael

[@besshong4637]

I realize beauty of land after watching it.

[@monetcafe]

Awesome @besshong4637, I appreciate that so much!

[@juanmanuelalmirabauta9526]

Amazing

[@marciagklarosk5161]

Thank you very much for charing the information and your process! I am just wondering if it might be necessary a kind of some fixative product at the end, due to the powder nature of the soft pastels.

[@monetcafe]

I never apply fixative at the end of a painting because it darkens the final result. I usually keep my paintings in clear plastic bags with a piece of foam core for support and it stays nice and protected (and safe to handle) prior to framing. I use the company www.clearbags.com (under the photo and artwork section). Hope that helps! OH, and I have some video on the topic if you go to my channel and type in "storage".

[@crisphil2488]

@@monetcafe How do you package your paintings for shipping to clients? And then what do you recommend to them when they want to have your work framed?

[@johnfearon4212]

Lovely!

[@wuznotbornyesterda]

That's the first time I have seen the fake chamois used. Great idea! I suggested on someone's group they should try thin deerskin from gloves or suede to make little panpastel sofft tool covers when they kept chewing up the foam ones. Idk that it would work, as I have not tried it. I haven't ruined mine yet. I think the cloth you have might be great for covers. Watching you and a few others makes me want to try the sticks I inherited from my mother's house. She got them from a yard sale years ago. I haven't tried them to see what they are like, probably hard. 😕 if they aren't very good, I guess I will turn them to dust and use them for pans.

[@ntong4952]

Impressive!! ❤️

[@naliniismail4260]

Just got a gift of a small set of Sennelier oil pastels, and am dying to try them out ! I have used watercolours, oils and acryllics for years. So I really appreciate seeing your video. Since I live in Sri Lanka, I don't think any good paper for pastels is available. I have some watercolor paper, cold pressed, pH neutral, for watercolour, acryllic and gouache - will that be suitable ? I loved your tutorial - thanks a lot. Nalini Ismail

[@monetcafe]

Hi Nalini, I’m so glad you’re learning from my tutorials. I don’t paint with the oil pastels, but so many of the principles in my videos will work for them as well. I often use watercolor, paper or pastel painting, and I apply clear liquid gesso to it to get a little bit of texture. I’d suggest you experiment a bit with small studies and I hope you have fun!

[@denden760]

I just found out how to become a patron and did so. It was a little difficult to find out how to do this so maybe you could add a simple link on your home page to make it simple for everyone, AND, get more Patrons as well!! :)

[@monetcafe]

Thanks so much! I have it listed in the descriptions of each video, but it’s down towards the bottom. I think I’ll move it close to the top. Thanks so much for letting me know, and I’m so grateful you would like to become a patron! Bless you !!!💜❤️☺️

[@maankawas5957]

Wonderful work and lesson! 😍👏👏👏 I use oil pastels (still a beginner), but I found the tips helpful. Do you have some video lessons for oil pastel? Thank you so much

[@monetcafe]

Hi Maan, so glad you like the video! I don't have any oil pastel videos, but some of the same artistic principles apply. Have fun!!

[@avitabos2547]

Thank you for the wonderful video!! I hope I can do something good with these tips! 😊

[@monetcafe]

You can do it!

[@janc734]

I've tried many mediums (mostly do watercolor though) and am very intrigued by soft pastel painting. I'm really loving your videos. Anyway, I have a question- I know that the harder pastels are used for detail work, but how do you decide when to use the very soft pastels and the nupastels? Seems like the softest pastels would clog the paper's tooth much faster? "Clog" is probably not the right word but I'm sure you know what I mean. And-gorgeous painting!

[@monetcafe]

You’re exactly right about the soft pastels clogging up the tooth of the paper. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to use the harder pastels first, and gradually progress to the softest ones for the final layers. I don’t always work this way, and often make my choices based on the best color choice. But it’s a good thing to keep in mind if you know you’re going to be adding lots of layers.

[@vickie6228]

Nice, informative lesson, thank you! What kind of drawing paper is that? It looks very toothy, like Mi-Teintes pastel paper.

[@monetcafe]

It's a bit like Canson Mi-Teintes and perhaps not quite as toothy. Probably more like the smooth side of Mi-Teintes. Here is the info on the paper: Strathmore Artist Papers / 500 Series / Velvet Gray . Hope that helps!

[@vickie6228]

Monet Cafe' with Artist Susan Jenkins ok, thank you so much! I think I’ll try it.

[@lokitheschnauzer]

Hi Susan, I am new to pastel painting. I did oil painting for a while and am wondering if pastel applies the same principles? Namely, dark colors first and light colors last? I kind of feel it doesn’t matter because pastels feel like crayons, and the different colors don’t cover each other very well over layers. Thank you!

[@monetcafe]

Yes, good news, they DO behave like oils in that we typically lay down the darker values first. And even though you don't get the color mixing quite the same as oils, the layered colors do combine a bit to make beautiful results. Trying a few simple pieces is what I always suggest. Oh, and the good pastels can get expensive, but they are worth it.

[@lokitheschnauzer]

Thank you so much for your wonderful tips!

[@kathleenalarid1150]

I’m not quite sure how to put my paper on my drawing board. Should I tape around it similar to a watercolor. It looks like you might be taping the back of the paper and then taping the tape to the board. How do you keep your paper from moving around without using your hand because of all the color on your hands.

[@monetcafe]

You are right in that I often put tape on the back of my surface with just about half of it over the edge. That way when I turn the surface over I can add tape to the top of the previously applied tape and be able to paint all the way to the edges. Works great.

[@judicleghorn7582]

Lovely video, and very useful information! I see you don't wear gloves. Do you worry about absorbing that pigment through your skin? I worry about the toxicity. Or do you use Liquid Gloves or another barrier cream? Thanks!

[@beatricevelez1876]

toxicity!! 🙄

[@LifeinGlow]

Lovely tutorial! (Cute Oreo 😍)

[@andilepine1529]

Do you use velour paper?

[@90sDRgirl]

Can you use the kinds of pastels on regular canvases ? or just paper ? Thanks :)

[@acutee2]

Every time I order from Dick Blick or Jerry's Artarama things arrive broken, damaged or worse dried out paints! I buy second hand or in person only now.

[@MadzkiesArt]

Amazing artwork..

[@mitrasalehreyhani3131]

Is it hard pastel pencil you are using for background?

[@monetcafe]

Yes I believe that is a Prismacolor NuPastel Stick. It’s most likely the color called Spruce blue. I like using it for sketching and it’s a good dark for trees.

[@kaframes6397]

Hello! Do you put some product on it after finishing so it doesn't get damaged when framed of manipulated (damage i mean like more blending while manipulated with hands)

[@mitrasalehreyhani3131]

Hi. Can I use oil fixative for pastel too?

[@tsuttonart]

My daughter left behind an old Art Studio art kit and thought I would try pastels. I'm a painter so I wanted to try pastels and don't know the first thing about them. The ones in her kit feel waxy, like crayons. Is that how they are supposed to feel? They aren't labeled like the oil pastels in the kit. The just say Art Studio on them. How can I tell if I'm using crayons or pastels?

[@marlenejones6266]

I have a lot,of watercolor paper and I love that medium too but is it possible for me to use my watercolor paper too for pastels? I have a decent set of pastels but cannot afford 179 dollars for anything artsy.

[@arrow9293]

You use regular drawing paper but it doesn’t matter who your audience is. What type of paper would you suggest for projects where postage is a concern? I don’t want the recipients to be unhappy when they receive it. Trust me the recipients really need art right now as they are having a very tough time. I don’t want to give them the wrong impression. I have the Reeves soft pastels (not from Michael’s).

[@beccab2151]

You can get paper that's specifically made for pastels

[@suzanneboily5224]

Which pastels do you recommend brands.

[@monetcafe]

Suzanne Boily even though the professional brands can get expensive, I definitely recommend getting those above the student grade brands that you can find craft stores. Some of my favorites are, Unison, Mountain Vision and Sennelier. I also recommend buying half stick sets as often as possible. This way you get double the colors for your money. I have loved using a particular set lately that has just about every color and value you need for a full painting. It’s the unison 120 half sticks set. It’s around $300 for the set, but you can find smaller half stick sets to get started.

[@renigalea767]

Love this. Have just joined your Facebook group and hoping to learn lots more. By the way, how did you stick your paper onto the board?

[@monetcafe]

Reni Galea awesome! There’s so much great information in the Facebook group. Also, I’m not sure about this painting but I typically attach the paper to the board by putting a piece of artist tape on the backside with the sticky part facing toward you, and then putting another piece of tape on the front and place it where you like.

[@josephineherrera8508]

What do you use to fix your paintings once you finish them?

[@coopergurl90]

love this! but for a beginner like me, how do i seal the pastel to the paper after the painting is done?

[@valeriebrooks1478]

Fixative for pastels. But you can use hairspray, which is cheaper. The lacquer in it "fixes" the chalk!

[@robertbradshaw9367]

Why are some of your videos private?

[@monetcafe]

Some of them are videos I’ve made that are no longer relevant, and others are ones I’ve created that I’m not quite ready to share yet. 👍🏻

[@sandrajones9250]

Looks like you use a very light touch. I think I am pressing too hard as my fingers get sore.

[@monetcafe]

I didn't always have a light touch, Sandra. It's taken me years of practice to lighten up, and it really does make such a difference. You can do it :)

[@kristinm784]

I had two cow friends during Covid!!! They let me pet them all over

[@monetcafe]

Awwww :) Cows are the sweetest!

[@1DaTJo]

Dear Susan, this is beautiful! Thanks 🙏 I have a request - could you please show us how you would paint trees with longer trunks and sparser foliage?

[@monetcafe]

That’s a great request, since I typically paint trees very full with foliage. I think that’s because of where I live and my reference material. I will make a note of that request and hopefully have a video ready soon.

[@1DaTJo]

Monet Cafe' with Artist Susan Jenkins wow your response is so great, thank you! I can’t wait to see your next video. In Australia most of the trees are scraggly and sparse, so your video will be such a help. 💕🌷💕

[@monetcafe]

1DaTJones wow, now I am more inspired. My heart is so tender for what has happened in Australia and we have so many members from down under. I can only imagine what you guys have been through. Here I am used to the lush trees of Florida and it’s certainly not that way everywhere in the world. Thanks again for the beautiful suggestion for a video.

[@1DaTJo]

Monet Cafe' with Artist Susan Jenkins Thank you for your kind words and gracious heart. 💜🌷 We have had a very hard time here and it’s still tough - it’s autumn (fall) yet it was 38 degrees Celsius two days ago. Most people I speak to say it’s been the worst summer of their lives and I concur. It’s so hard I’m considering moving to a different country! Your pastel lessons are the highlight of my days, so I feel very blessed to have your direct responses here. I’m pleased that you feel inspired to do a new painting with Aussie-type trees. Brilliant! Blessings from Sandy xx

[@TheChickwithguns]

I love having a sister in Christ to help me.

[@monetcafe]

Amen Jessica! So good to have artistic Christian friends!

[@rosanesilva6830]

Gostaria de mostrar à você oque tenho aproveitado de seus vídeos/tutoriais sua opinião seria muito importante.

[@barbararivera2380]

😃

[@rayemartineau8644]

💓👍👀 3/22/22

[@sweetdreams9865]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉

[@mblhermans1503]

Wow, you can talk

[@monetcafe]

I thought that was the point with an instructional video. You can turn it down if you like.

[@deestewart3350]

So good to watch but so much talking 😮

[@monetcafe]

whoops... sorry, perhaps just turn it down.

[@drgrahambeards9776]

Better with the sound muted

[@monetcafe]

Thanks for that feedback. I have gotten a better microphone over the years and hopefully it’s better now.

[@juneosborne1979]

Please could you slow down your speech you speak so quickly I can't, keep up

[@peggypegg9890]

I have headache why you speak to much ohhhhh🙈

[@monetcafe]

Turn the volume down and enjoy the painting process.