How to use Pastel Pencils - Complete Beginners Guide

Learn how to use pastel pencils for total beginners and be ready to take on your next projects!
Find full-length beginners projects and free ebooks here:
emilyrosefineart.gumroad.com
PENCIL LIST PDF (enter '0' to download for free):
emilyrosefineart.gumroad.com/...
Learn how to:
Choose the right pastel pencil brands for beginners
How to sharpen pastel pencils
How to blend pastel pencils
How to draw fur and hair with pastel pencils
How to AVOID smudging pastel pencils
I'll show you Faber Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils, Caran D'Ache pastel pencils, Stabilo Carbothello pastel pencils, Derwent pastel pencils and Creatacolor pastel pencils.
Learn how to use pastel pencils for beginners so you are ready to start drawing with pastel pencils for projects with fur, hair or projects that require blending.
Learn the best method for blending pastel pencils and how to stop pastel pencils from smudging!
Want more? I have loads of free content right here on KZbin, or, a full selection of professional classes from beginner to advanced on Gumroad:
emilyrosefineart.gumroad.com

[@deepoole820]

Emily, you have won me over from oils, I'm hooked now. Thank you for making such wonderful informative tutorials. Your work is absolutely beautiful.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Wow, thank you very much! I have to say that work you do in pastels will also strengthen your oil paintings :)

[@carolhestand2561]

Love your art. Thanks for the run down on the different pastel pencils!

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

You're so welcome!

[@susanbeaufort-dysart4455]

Excellent comprehensive guide. Thank you.

[@marie-suzannealtzinger2044]

Thank you so much, Emily, for a wonderful tutorial - and your work is amazing 🦋

[@smart2907]

brilliant video .. i am mostly a colored pencil artist and have been thinking about having a go with pastel pencils for a while .. this video was fantastic and answered all my questions .. i had not even heard of crystal paper before so thank you so much I will definitely be checking out your tutorials.. fantastic work and thanks again x ❤

[@cozicoops]

Wow.. super tutorial.. I’m a new subscriber and looking forward to seeing more videos and trying it out.. x

[@VeryaLiona]

Thanks for this very informative video! I'm getting back into pastel pencils after 10 years of not drawing. I still learnt a lot. ❤

[@thinkle6244]

fantastic introduction. Thank you!

[@isabellepayne8423]

Thank you Emily! I have never used pastels before and this was extremely useful. Off to order some now.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you Isabelle! I was the same....saw them used once and bought a whole set. 5 years later, here we are!

[@judycozon4081]

Emily thank you for great advice and instruction!

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

You're so welcome!

[@evak8210]

wonderful tutorial, thank you emily

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you so much Eva :)

[@Alfred899CE]

Super tutorial. Very informative, interesting and helpful. Thank you for sharing 👍

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thanks very much!

[@meandyouboth]

Fantastic tutorial, most helpful, thanks for sharing 🙂

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you so much!

[@Jolandaisvrolijk]

Emily, thanks voor you explenation, im gonna try it

[@rta3738]

Nice comprehensive video. Like that you recommend Pastelmat without equivocation. I think a lot of people use cheap paper to begin with and are disappointed in the results and just abandon their pastels as too difficult.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Yes...I know it's very hard to justify that amount on 'paper' but the method of working completely changes and your ability seems to double over night!

[@jessica9665]

WONDERFUL video! Thank you

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you Jessica!

[@loulouroy2918]

Très bien expliqué. Merci beaucoup.

[@kathleenramsey2966]

Thank you for.showing the proper way of using pastel pencils. I really understood how to use them and improve my pictures.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you Kathleen!

[@dollydaydream5442]

Very clear informative video, thank you.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thanks Dolly!

[@alina.kuptsova]

So useful! Thank you so much!

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you Alina!

[@joethepope3]

Just restarting art I’m an unbelievable procrastinator but your videos are amazing for me so thank you 🙏🏼

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

That's great to hear, thanks Joe!

[@CristiK0911]

I love your videos. I am a fan of your work. I can't wait to sign up for your website.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Enjoy the learning process!

[@gildaalmeida5589]

Excelente tutorial! ❤❤❤

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you!

[@elsle4689]

I liked the way that you explained

[@svetaivanova5560]

Thank you so much!! 🥰

[@sybilleger9662]

Thanks for sharing.

[@simonlawton9355]

Emily, I am an old Man, and dabble with watercolour but this Pastel work has intrigued me! thank you for your lessons x

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Hi Simon, well it's never too late to try something new! I've worked with people who haven't drawn since school and are now retired but ended up exhibiting their work!

[@lynnbradley6731]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you so much 😊

[@ozzie9308]

Awesome i am trying to learn to draw and came across your channel i have just subscribed

[@sarahstevenson2384]

Thank you so much for this really helpful video. I have just had some pastel pencils for Christmas and am just getting started with them so have found your video really useful.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Enjoy them! Can't recommend getting some pastelmat enough, even as a beginner. It made my life a lot easier when I was learning!

[@sarahstevenson2384]

Yes, sorry, I meant to say I use pastel mat for coloured pencils too, so I have some of that 😊

[@mrl2.06]

How mad, I saw your course advertised on pastel pencils. Your work is fantastic 👏

[@helgaleifsdottir5191]

Wonderful.

[@angelacaires8772]

Great video!

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thanks!

[@coyoteclockworkstudios3140]

I seal drawings, so I was fully prepared to seal pastels. I'm really enjoying some illustration board, so I will definitely spring for the Pastelmat. I've seen people do amazing horse work in pastel pencils and I'd really like to try some. Thank you for the video.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Hi, for most papers you are right that pastels would need to be sprayed, however on the pastelmat you don't need to! I love drawing horses, I get the big 50x70cm pieces of paper and do some massive full body drawings, can't recommend it enough! I have a few horse classes on Gumroad :)

[@JacquelineLeubin]

Fantastic!

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Many thanks!

[@sherrymadigan5315]

Thankyou!

[@greekveteran2715]

Faber Castell makes by far,the best pencils!! From lead holders like TK 9400/TK 4600, to Polychromos, A.Durer and Pastel, they are simply AMAZING! The best of the best!

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

I have to say I am rather biased towards them!

[@rkgraves8394]

I'm from the states so I've never heard the term "Putty Rubber". But I now will never go back to "Kneaded Eraser" it is from now on a putty rubber! Great tutorial keep killing it🤘

[@lindatannock]

We call an eraser a rubber here lol 😆. Obviously that word has different connotations in the US 😂

[@thechalkpastelartist]

I’m an Emily-Rose too 😊 absolutely gorgeous drawing!

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

No way! Haha, what a coincidence! Thank you, Emily :)

[@user-cy4vp7ks6s]

Thank you 🌺🌸🌹💚

[@GuyArab]

I think your videos are great and in this one, the way you inform us how to prepare the work and use the pastel pencils is really informative. I have Faber-Castell PITT pencils in a tin of 36 (and the same quantity in Carbothello), plus a few Caran d’Ache and Cretacolor, but overall I do prefer the Faber-Castell type. I store my finished work in a display book, purchased from The Works, which cost around £2, but are only available in size A4. I note you keep your pencils in a bubble bag, but to keep them safe I would suggest you ensure that the “bubbles” are on the inside to prevent them from being popped and thus offering no protection. For backgrounds, I thought about using PaPastels and wondered if you used them at all?

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Hi! Thank you so much, that's really kind. That's a great method of keeping small pieces safe, I'm sure you could source larger versions online, too. Yes, panpastels are a great way to introduce backgrounds. I tend not to add backgrounds as it's never been my style but blocks and pans work well :)

[@CristiK0911]

I look forward to learning a lot about pastel My name is cristina, and I am a fan of yours.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you!

[@HmmmYeahRiiiiiight]

You should have tips for lefties because that's a struggle with smearing. My art teacher gave me some tricks because he was lefty too

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

I’m afraid I’m not a lefty myself so perhaps my advice wouldn’t be as good! That said, for smudges, rest on crystal paper, it will protect your work as you lay your hand on top of it!

[@peteban]

Great tutorial How do you deal with the pastel dust created? Pete

[@wambuikariuki7940]

Wow

[@rafaellondono1882]

Maestra emilia, gracias por sus enseñanzas, no comprendo su idioma, pero siento su buena intencion .... abundancia, prosperidad, amor, salud, alegría, armonía,....para usted y su familia, hare krishna

[@monalisamackey783]

Hi Emily, Thanks so much for this video! I am a beginner with pastels and find this information very helpful. I was wondering… when you finish sanding your pastel pencil as you did with the yellow pencil in the video, do you keep all the powder for each colour in little containers and use them for maybe an under painting or blended out of focus backgrounds? It would be a shame to waste the powder that accumulates from the sanding.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Hi, I don’t usually use it, I have to say, as I just sand onto one piece of paper. It can also be tricky to paint with on the pastelmat, I’ll try and make a video about it! It sort of ‘sticks’ to the paper in awkward patterns. However, I do use it for the transferring of drawings, I’ve got a video about that and I sometimes use the dust to make the imprint 😊

[@monalisamackey783]

@@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820 Thanks so much! I will look through your videos for the one on the transferring of drawings using the powdered pigment 👍🏻🙂

[@gillinacook1477]

I would love to see your process with curly fur please.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thanks Gillina, I'm currently filming some full length portrait classes so curls are in those but I'll get a cut out for KZbin as well :)

[@janecameron7498]

I have a set of Derwent pastel pencils, I m a beginner adult colourist and would like some advice about using these in adult colouring books. I see that you don’t recommend the Derwent ones, but it’s what I’ve got…unfortunately 😅😅😅. Any advice or video recommendations from yourself or any of your viewers, gratefully accepted.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Hi Jane, sorry I didn't see your comment sooner. I would say that pastels probably aren't a good choice for normal paper, as they won't 'stick' to it. I would get some regular colour pencils for those books or your lovely work will smudge everywhere! If you want to use your pastel pencils though, then order some pastelmat as this will provide you with the best surface to use them on :)

[@paintingwithterrie5171]

So the video i watched before yours, the teacher was using a blending tool. Do you NOT use a blending tool? Do you know if some type of liquid is used in the blending process like it is acrylics and oils? How do you blend a full page background? Still so many unanswered questions from a beginner.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Hi, you can use your fingers or for a big background try sofft tools by pan pastels

[@valeriegehling4358]

Could you tell me exactly what crystal paper is? I live in Germany & don’t seem to be able to translate it.Could I buy it on Amazon if so perhaps tell me & I may be able to transfer to the German site. Thanks

[@lndlcy]

Hi is crystal scrapbook paper ok or is there a cheap brand I can look for as Amazon isn't coming up with anything helpful aside from clairefontaine Thank you for your great thorough straightforward tutorial your very generous in the knowledge that you pass on

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Hi! I don't know for sure as I can't see the paper but most likely the scrapbook stuff is just the same :) You can also search for 'glassine paper', here's 100 A4 sheets for £13: www.amazon.co.uk/Glassine-Paper-Sheets-Artwork-Pack/dp/B07WGFXML9/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=glassine+paper&qid=1692904141&sr=8-5

[@hannahalexander7005]

on canvas

[@isabellepayne8423]

Thanks Emily, do you also need sticks or will pencils be enough (beginner)? Many thanks.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

When you start out, the pencils are enough :) You might find you enjoy the sticks, especially for larger drawings but you certainly don't need them :)

[@jessicasadeghi4083]

Hi, I got your list of pencils, the one’s in your download, I don’t seem to find the numbers I was wondering if you could list them by color names not numbers.

[@user-pd6iw9mu6l]

can you put pastel pencils on chalk pastel

[@doryrice4906]

Great introduction to pastel pencils! Thank you. But I can't find your pdf of your recommended Pitt pastel pencils for wildlife. Could you please put in a link. Thanks!

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Hi, thank you so much for the reminder - I always miss something! I've added it now, just enter '0' and you can download it for free: emilyrosefineart.gumroad.com/l/pastelpencilguide

[@doryrice4906]

@@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820 Thanks! I've got it!!!

[@lndlcy]

Hi can you tell me if colouring pencils can be used with pastels Btw I tried to download the colours to buy as single pencils but was unable to find the list once I downloaded the file

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Hi, thanks for letting me know about the PDF, I'll take a look and see what's happened there! Hmmm...so in general, no, they don't work together. This is because pastels use chalk as the base, whereas, coloured pencils are wax based. The two substrates won't mix and so you'll end up with a disjointed piece of work. Of course, if you're looking for two mediums that don't mix, like wax and watercolours, then go ahead! :)

[@thatsaniceboulder1483]

What magic voodoo talent did I just watch? 😳

[@susih.7210]

hi emily, what do you do with the pastel dust?

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Hi! So I don't always make use of it but you can use it for transferring: kzbin.info/www/bejne/joKmZK2do7WBnsk

[@lndlcy]

Is crystal paper and tracing paper the same thing

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

No it isn't, the crystal paper has a wax like finish to it which allows it to 'repel' the pastel and not disturb the drawing :) It's a great material to have and can be reused many times.

[@paintingwithterrie5171]

Could you please tell me what paper you use. I was unable to understand as you have a thick accent. Thank you.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Hi it’s Clairefontaine pastelmat paper

[@roscmon]

I'm searching all over for OIL PASTEL pencils. I can't find them. Do they only make chalk pastel pencils?

[@nicoles6884]

They can’t make oil pastel pencil because they are too soft and would not hold shape. I just learned that the other day 😭

[@elaineyoung9672]

Hi I have just been browsing Amazon for pastels and spotted a set of oil pastel pencils. Sorry I didn't make a note of the manufacturer.

[@mahuabakshi547]

Same here😢

[@jacquelineleubin5004]

Thank you!

[@paintingwithterrie5171]

And what is the putty rubber used for?? You didn't explain that.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

It’s for rubbing out mistake or lifting off some pastel if it becomes too thick. You can rub it or press it onto the page 😊

[@MegadoseTheOutsiderArtist]

What is the difference between the crystal paper and regular wax paper? Your crystal paper looks like wax paper and couldn't we just use any kind of paper to lean on to not smudge it or would that pick up the dust and move it if you moved the paper?? I'm new to this and I literally just found your channel. I bought pastel pencils and I do not know how to use them..... YET! 😊

[@ellisvandooren1175]

Had the same question…i’m also new to this and asked myself if something like baking paper would do the same trick…

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Hope your pastel pencil journey is coming along well! I would think it’s the same as a wax paper yes 😊 normal paper would smudge your work so be careful!

[@MegadoseTheOutsiderArtist]

@@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820 yea.... Regular paper "recycled" type paper smudged it bad! Lol

[@kelliecox-riede7432]

Hi, Emily! Thank you for the video! Question, once you are done with your drawing and are ready to ship it to a customer, how do you keep it from smudging and/or protect it from things such as rain or liquid spills? I know that glassine paper will protect it during shipping, but should I seal it like I do for an acrylic or oil painting?

[@thoseartyfolk]

@@kelliecox-riede7432 hi I know this is a month old but I'd use Winsor and Newton fixative to reduce smudging. A couple of light sprays is better, don't saturate it though because it can dull and flatten the colour.

[@gamer9596s]

Op

[@zuheyr1]

Thank you, but pastel mat paper? They are so horribly expensive

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Hi! Yes I agree it is expensive which is so annoying! I have a new comparison of the velour paper on my channel, which is somewhat cheaper. The other types of pastel paper are, sadly, very hard to draw on in this style which is why I just can't recommend them, even for total beginners. That said, I used to practice with plain paper and a normal HB pencil to get better at creating textures, being steady with the pencil and understanding values. It's the cheapest way to practice and works!

[@zuheyr1]

@@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820 I am so glad that you responded, indeed I was thinking of kraft or ingres paper. I will be following your advices. Please help on this subject. Preparing your own paper with marble powder etc I think are out of scope for most of us.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

@@zuheyr1 I have to say I haven't tried making my own - yet! When I have tried the more 'gritty' pastel papers, I haven't found it as nice to draw on for the style I create. It creates a lot more texture and grain, where as I go for a smooth finish. I reckon homemade papers would be better for larger pieces with fewer fine details though. Also, keep your eyes out because I recently got some pastelmat that was discounted down by 40% so it's always worth a look!

[@zuheyr1]

@@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820 *Thank you thank you**

[@tusk242]

Too fast when speaking and the pop ups quickly disappear

[@jemmavonhoff1548]

I had the video sped up 😂 Great video by the way x

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Haha, what suits one doesn't suit another! Thanks for the feedback

[@leftpastsaturn67]

Useful tutorial, thank you. Just one criticism, the constant 'eerrmm' and 'errr' is grating, to me at least.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thanks so much…and you’re so right! I was starting to notice this while editing. Really sorry about that, I’m trying to train myself out of it! 😂

[@leftpastsaturn67]

@@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820 No need to apologise at all, I appreciate that narrating videos isn't the most natural thing in the world to do, and I'm glad you took the feedback in the way it was meant. I've only done a few Pastelmat pieces so far, despite having been an illustrator since the 1980's, and your tips have proven invaluable, so thank you!

[@leftpastsaturn67]

@@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820 p.s. Just found your Instagram account and gave you a follow, beautiful work.