Pastel Painting Demo and Uart Paper Review

Paper Choice matters! Join me as I paint a demo and share tips for using Uart sanded pastel paper. The subject for today's demo is a landscape with a river and reflections. I use an alcohol wash underpainting to start the painting.
Visit my blog for details and more photos. www.karenmargulis.com
Painting is available in my Etsy shop karenmargulisfineart.etsy.com

[@mjpete27]

I find it so interesting that a video this old can still give vital information for those of us who are interested in making headway in this complex medium of Pastels! I do believe Uart has a black paper now! This is the only thing that could be updated with this video! Really an amazing video, thanks Karen!

[@ElizabethBattle]

Good information is timeless!

[@donnagodlove986]

I generally use Uart as my go to - get the job done-. I too bought a roll of the 500 grit. Most of my paintings are either 5x7 or 11x15. I literally steam iron the paper. Board down, uart down -back up - steam iron on mid setting. Straightens right out.

[@poulos801]

Thanks Karen, this was great and very helpful. Lot's of wonderful tips.

[@Arianna1308]

Wonderful video Karen! You are not only a great artist but also a wonderful teacher. Your explanations are very detailed and easy to understand. I love your artwork!!!

[@KarenMargulis]

Arianna1308 Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@myfredandabby123]

Love all of your videos Karen. You are a wonderful teacher.

[@mercedesmcvey1776]

Wow, I learned so much from this one video, you gave so much, and it's free! What a service, so I cannot believe that anyone would criticize, god bless, anyway, it was absolutely perfect if you ask me, riveting! The best I've seen, actually. You are a gifted teacher, have a non intimidating demeanor that makes this information easily absorbed. I am so thrilled. Please know what an asset your video is. Thank you.

[@lyndagenet3170]

THANKYOU, I LOVE YOUR INFORMATIVE VIDEO'S. I AM JUST LEARNING

[@Coco2345ful]

You are an amazing person and teacher. Thank you, Karen...love you!

[@karenpiukkula2582]

Probably the best instructions I have seen.....Thank you so very much for helping us all out learning the process

[@karencarpenter296]

I love this video! I watch it every time I paint reflections. Thank you.

[@angiemelton8278]

Excellent video! So informative and helpful. I'm greatly encouraged to start using pastels!

[@aidaseuc6970]

Thank you Karen! Your explanations are clear and concise! You’re a great artist!

[@rannevermore7775]

I love your technical breakdown on step. You make it sound so easy and your instructions are easy to follow. Im inspired!!!!!!!

[@javakitty4189]

Karen, I'm a newbie to art and find that I am loving learning pastels. Your tutorials are awesome and thank you so much! I also purchased your tutorial print outs on etsy. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@gloriajzucaro6960]

I really enjoyed this most informative Vlog post, Karen. I noticed in the background your series of same-composition, different-color -tree landscapes. I have done about 28 of my own composition with trees in a landscape and love the freedom of picking your palette according to your mood that day. Thanks again for the lesson on Uart paper.

[@karenjohn5023]

I like your style of mark making with the pastels as it's very expressive. Thanks again for a great video!

[@JosephCator]

This was astounding. I'm looking forward to more.

[@Jancass5]

I'm now addicted to your Vlog! You provide so much info and I'm sure it will all help me become a better pastel artist. I humbly thank you for your efforts.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you for your kind words! I appreciate you watching!

[@cinnie2543]

So exquisite! And I have learned so much. I hope I do get to take one of your classes one day because I would love to know how you figure out what colors would look good in the base. This is one of my favorite paintings so far. I'm definitely getting better ideas of the paper too. Thank you.

[@MDEBonzes]

Thanks for the info about the uart, as well as the demo=you took a common photo and created a BEAUTY of a painting!

[@judyrosen5060]

Thank you so much Karen. You are a good teacher and I have learned so much from you. I’m very grateful for you time, your energy and you your kindness. ..... Judy

[@terrilynnstalvey1416]

👋 Heidi. She rings the bell oh my goodness she's so smart. I'm grasping the underpainting and reflections. Big help. Thank you 👋 Heidi. Love these lessons Karen thank you 🌺😀

[@claudiapattillo1726]

Karen, I am very new to pastels and I am learning a great deal from your blog and even more from the videos. Please keep doing them.

[@agold1702]

Thank you for sharing - this is SO helpful. In addition, I just bought 2 UArt sample packs and will be following your tutorial - excited to be using REAL pastel paper for a change.

[@caroleroot1958]

Karen you are the best teacher!!

[@craftydegrasse3679]

Absolutely love all your videos your a great teacher! thank you so much for sharing!💜😄

[@FrancescaMoose]

Thank you, Karen! A great video-I learned so much!

[@Knittywiz]

Outstanding demo, Karen!

[@winksartistt3817]

You are one of the best painting tutors on you-tube

[@Schatzie10s]

Great demonstration and your work is lovely. Also enjoyed your color studied on the wall. Thank you

[@myfredandabby123]

A wonderful video as always. I wish I had teachers like you years ago. But since I can't turn the clock back, I will move forward now with much more confidence thanks to you.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you Joan. I so appreciate your support !

[@sallyrosser4590]

Looks likes others have already talked about focus. Your art is great and demos are so helpful Karen! Thanks

[@cherylbanfill9114]

I really enjoy your channel. I first found you on you tube. Please keep your videos coming for those of us that are very, very new to pastel. Thank you so much.

[@TOSncc1701]

Amazing video Karen! You are a wealth of information and watching you paint is fascinating and so instructive. I have never tried U-Art paper but I will for sure now that I have seen how well they seem to hold several layers. Your words on using the best paper we can afford is well noted. I have I guess the bad habit to think because I am new to pastel I shold practice on cheaper paper...I have to change that. Also I like your taking a "crummy reference photo" and making it your own creation. I realize that I need to move forward on this instead of only trying to replicate the picture I have taken. I still have a lot to learn!! But it is so much fun! Thanks for everything!! I can't wait to see your next video!! :-D

[@Sbebuli]

I really enjoyed this demo. Beautiful painting.

[@1Thedairy]

Karen I find your video demos really helpful and relaxing to watch. I am new to pastel so I found choosing the right paper or sandpaper a bit of a minefield. The papers can be expensive to purchase so in the end I tried out several different samples. The Canson with its honeycomb surface gave a more impressionistic looser effect, the sandpaper gave a much closer texture but blended very well. Fabriano, I found, was similar to the Canson only it had a more irregular texture. Then I tried Uart (400 grade) which I loved as it had a good open texture but blended quite well too but most surprising of all was Somerset Antique velvet which had an open textured but blended superbly, which is great because I live in Somerset in the UK. I thought this would be more suitable for portraiture but I'm going to give it a go for landscapes. M Katherine Hurley recommended the Somerset white textured NOT which is lovely too. So I feel I'm beginning to make better choices now. Thank you once again.

[@terrilynnstalvey1416]

👋 Karen, this was so helpful. Uart is a dream to be realized. Love your work and help. Makes things clear. Love the idea about underpainting and you use both. I love it. 👋 Heidi and Jenny. Thanks for sharing you alleviate fears a little at a time 🤗😁❤❤❤👍👏👏👏👋

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you very much for your feedback! I appreciate you watching!

[@3243_]

Nice video, Karen. I look forward to more of your instructional videos. Keep up the great painting!

[@daleshawn1910]

Thank you very much! I love your videos and have learned so much.

[@barrydunn3801]

Love your work , thanks so much for sharing.

[@beckyclick-rex4399]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I'm just starting to try pastels and didn't like the paper but wasn't sure I was ready to spend money on "fancy" boards. I purchased a small set of half sticks and it came with a sample of sanded card. OH MY. what a difference sand can make. Loved it. I'll have to try some of this Uart. I had a jar of watercolor ground and tried that on a journal page. It worked great.(or at least this novice thought so ;)

[@hulyatuncel922]

Wonderful, Wonderful Karen.Thank you so much.

[@ikennaihegbu7692]

thanks for sharing, I am very new to soft pastels,,, your videos helps me a lot

[@neldaflygare3595]

Really enjoyed this video, learned so much, thank you!!!!!!

[@oldnorse6306]

So amazing artwork!!

[@ninamomcilovic7518]

hi karen, you are really amazing your videos helped me a lot, thanks! :D

[@Linda-qq5mg]

Thank you for this wonderful video!

[@josephmargle3491]

Very good reflections loved video.

[@ElizabethBattle]

Yay for crummy photos! You made can excellent case for them...and for quality paper.😊

[@KarenMargulis]

Yes! Thank you!

[@Jere4319]

Karen, I enjoyed your video and eventually I will work with pastels. Have them! :) No time to do much painting at present. I'm appreciating that pastels can be used similar to watercolor since that and acrylics is what I basically use. With doing watercolor I did use the book method to flatten it out and I had problems with not getting that perfectly flat surface to work on after it dried. What I do is tape one fourth inch completely around the paper to a rigid surface such as skinny plywood, cut to sizes I work with or plexiglass (sp?) When I am at a point to stop and let it dry, I then used a hairdryer in a circular motion and close to the paper and it worked every time to get that perfectly flat surface I like to work on. I'm no where as advanced as I'd like to be but I teach at a community center a couple of enrichment activities and I feel that everyone does indeed have to find what works best for them so if you don't like this idea; No Worries. I do use artist quality materials. Like you I found that the cheaper stuff just doesn't cut it. The whole process goes much smoother if the 'tools' are of good quality. Thank you for most informative and inspiring videos. I look forward to seeing more of them. A whole lot of change and busy going on right now so with work it's difficult to find that time to paint and I'm fooling around a little but it's not to my satisfaction. Just one more thing I would like to add is that I read someplace that one could try finding small increments of time to paint. (I do to some degree, even if it's not so good as I'd like because I simply need a brush in my hand or to do something creative)

[@KarenMargulis]

Jere Condon Hi Jere, Thank you for watching and for your very helpful comment. I appreciate your tip about flattening the paper. I will give it a try!!

[@lynatno1]

Thank you Karen. Really enjoyed that one. I do use Uart but wish there was a slightly darker colour to use as a middle value. Your blogs and now the vlogs are SO instructive. I like your presentation style and the occassional appearance of Heidi the pastel dog. I used to have a huge grey lurcher and had to wash his face every day because I hugged him so much he became multi coloured.:) I did notice that the focus changes on the camera, its a tiny thing but you did ask for feedback. I love your work, long may you continue Karen.

[@KarenMargulis]

Lyn Evans Thank you Lyn! I appreciate your watching my videos and for your feedback! I did notice the focus AFTER I had finished. I will make sure it doesn't happen again. As far as Uart color....I will often tone a full sheet using thinned acrylic paint and I can get any color/value I want. Then I cut it into the sizes I want to use.

[@Supersup.campos]

It's really nice work. Perfect.

[@jillrobbins4488]

I love your videos!!!!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching Jill!

[@victorialewkow5730]

Thanks for a most informative session.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you for watching!!

[@LeoraLaGraffe]

Thank you so much for these wonderful Vlogs, they are so helpful and for each person who comments, there surely are a hundred more who also benefit from these videos. It makes me so happy to see your blogs in my email box each morning, and each of your Vlogs feels like Christmas morning to me! You are doing such a good deed by posting these. Thank you. I was curious, when you use alcohol for the underpainting, do you usually use the 70% concentration, or the 90%? I saw they have both those formulations at the local drug store and wondered which you would recommend. Really, again, just thank you, from the bottom of my heart!

[@KarenMargulis]

Leora LaGraffe Leora thank you very much for watching and for your kind words. I appreciate it! I use the 70% alcohol! Great question!

[@JDana-ll6qz]

Karen, I discovered your videos the other day when I was looking for help painting water/reflections. EXCELLENT videos! I used to use Kitty Wallis sanded paper(belgian mist), but it is discontinued now (at least here in Canada), and after trying to find Uart sanded paper here in Canada I have found only one place to order Uart - can't wait to try! Would you say the 400 grit Uart is similar to the Kitty Wallis? I want something comparable toothwise. Can't decide between 400 or 500.

[@nrceng]

Love your videos

[@ellbrennan2717]

Hi Karen, I'm enjoying your new videos. Nothing beats seeing an accomplished artist at work. It really helps me to understand the "how to" in a way that just words cannot truly describe. I do have a question for you: can you tell us about the grey support board you're using?

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you very much for watching! I am using a piece of black foam core board. I use black and white foamcore. It just depends on what I have on hand.

[@azong98]

THANK YOU. GREAT TEACHER AND ARTIST

[@howlingwind1937]

Thank you for the video I learnt a lot from it, do you ever use a spray on sealer on your pastels, and do you use pastels on canvas and if so do you use a fixative on the canvas. Sooo many questions and not enough time. Cheers!

[@tamrahug6265]

Love your videos. Do you spray your completed paintings with a fixative?

[@AparnaDeshmukhArtSpace]

Your vdos r too good. Your works are a treat to the eyes. I would like to ask you one thing. Do u use a fixative on your works ? If so how do u use it ?

[@LynxDN]

Thank you for posting yet another great vlog. So many papers on the market, so really appreciate an in-depth look at this (and look forward to others....) You covered so much today - alcohol underpainting, pastel underpainting etc - brilliant. One question, which you have probably answered before - fixing? Quite a number of layers in places - do you fix before framing (as I know - to my cost - it can change the colours). This is probably why I don't do great pastel pictures - too scared to add a number of layers, although have tended to use cheaper paper - your advice on this noted!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you for the great feedback! I am glad you enjoyed the demo. I don't ever use a final fix on my paintings. I find the papers grab the pastel very well. I do give the back of the painting a whack to remove any stray dust. I store them layered in between glassine paper until they can be framed.

[@LynxDN]

Karen Margulis Thank you for getting back to me on fixing. I think my problem in the past has been poor quality paper that doesn't "hold" the pastel in the same way as the ones you use. Yet another reason to use decent paper, as I have ruined a really good painting by using fixative....!

[@gypsysnickerdoodle4354]

Did you ever do that reflection video? I haven't stumbled over it. I used to drive me NUTS that -for several years!- we would drive between ATL/Alpharetta & Toronto every six weeks, & there was never a class/workshop running that I could take while we were down there. Love your videos

[@shodan-master-mind]

thank you it s magnificent

[@danielleauer8402]

on the paper you asked for tips, do like they do in watercolor paper, place a towel over it and iron it to flatten it out after it dries

[@christinecloutier4015]

Thank You so much for your new Vlog. It is highly appreciated. I want to Thank You for your generosity in sharing your knowledge. I have a question. Is there a special reason why you are using a black support for the demos?

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you for watching Christine. No special reason for using the black. I have white and black and use whatever is available. The black boards do look cleaner to me though.

[@sallyrosser4590]

Hi again Karen, I was wondering if it's okay to use your method of painting first with the alcohol if I'm using self~treated paper (I applied two gesso~pumice layers) Will the alcohol do something weird to the gesso~pumice layer? Thanks, Sally

[@Cali544]

your vidéos are great thanks for sharing

[@Megzamani]

Watching many. Thank you

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you! I appreciate you watching!

[@chainsawkitten3766]

I've been tempted by that McKinley GA set...but it looks like it's two thirds violet shades in the online photos...

[@alexloweh1]

Brilliant 👍🇬🇧

[@otonart]

love it!

[@tinlidtoo6615]

Loved the comment about using a poor photo encourages your artistic expression. I've been caught up looking for the "perfect" photo and then beating myself up because I can't represent it accurately enough 😣

[@vivienlawson7256]

Thanks so much beautiful 🇦🇺

[@KarenMargulis]

You’re welcome 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@brittanymiller5464]

What do you seal with? Do you just leave the pastel as-is?

[@KarenMargulis]

I don't use a final fixative spray. I keep the painting protected under glassine paper until it can be framed. Thanks for watching!

[@deniseshaw3871]

How does this fair with Pastelmat ?

[@latination2013]

what are your thoughts about pastelmat for portraits?

[@KarenMargulis]

Hi Jay, I love Pastel mat paper. I don't do portraits so I can't comment specifically on that but I do enjoy using pastel mat for landscapes! Thanks for watching my video!

[@Megzamani]

I bought a bunch of hard pastel sticks they have a number and a dash and a p. Can you tell me the manufacturer.

[@KarenMargulis]

There are a few hard sticks with numbers so it is hard to tell without seeing them but it sounds like they could be Nupastels. Head to the Dakota pastels website to look at photos of all the major pastel brands.

[@Megzamani]

@@KarenMargulis watched the Dakota video. Head spinning now. Never seen so much colors. Looks like I need a art store trip. Thank you for the reply.

[@josephineherrera8508]

Uart now has black paper too, right?

[@KarenMargulis]

Yes they call it Uart Dark and it is a very dark gray to almost black depending on the grit.

[@annarutt1812]

Why do you have to have an underpainting? Why the alcohol wash, for instance? Thank you!

[@3243_]

+Anna Rutt Actually, you do not have to do an underpainting. That is up to each artist. Some artists like to do them to set the colors and also the forms they are trying to capture in their drawings or paintings. I myself like to tone my boards a light color, such as yellow ochre, cool pink, or a neutral gray, for my oil pastel drawings in order to help in capturing the light conditions or the mood of the scene. Sometimes I will use a complementary color (say, red, as the underpainting for the green trees, shrubbery, or grass in a picture) as an underpainting for the objects in my picture, just to help establish a color vibration.

[@celiptak]

Hi Heidi!

[@mikel4510]

I so wish I could teach my dachshund to ring the bell. Or bark. Or whine. Or ANYTHING to let me know he needs to go out. Yuck.

[@UConceptPublishing]

I wished the camera would have been in focus with the painting and not with the wall. you might want to turn off the auto-focus to avoid focus changing overtime you move the hand in/out of view. I will try the Uart papers!

[@KarenMargulis]

Janet Garcia Thanks for watching Janet. I am getting used to my new camera and figuring out how to do the best videos possible. I appreciate your suggestions. I know the videos will improve as I learn more!

[@UConceptPublishing]

Looking forward for more of your videos. ;-)

[@jltate3699]

wish you positioned the camera so we could see the work in progress at a better angle.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching. We are learning and trying to do a better job filming!

[@MathinusG]

Thanks. Pity about the focus changing on the Art.

[@user-gd4nx4tj3s]

版画创作灵感来自美国洛杉矶

[@sallyrosser4590]

Hi Karen, please please focus your camera because your paintings and techniques are so worth watching but..... just a little aggravation sets in waiting for camera to focus! Sorry but being truthful ;~D

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for the feedback. The camera was new so I was learning how to use it . I have stopped making videos until I have time to do a better job.