Learn My 5 EASY Tips to Paint Like an Impressionistic Artist! - Painting Tutorial

In this pastel painting tutorial, you will learn my 5 Easy Tips for Painting with an Impressionistic style! We will explore the secrets of creating art with an impressionistic flair. So grab your pastels and let's embark on this artistic journey together.
PRODUCTS SEEN IN THIS VIDEO:
As always, use what you have. There is no need to by new products (even though we always want to!)
Colourfix by Art Spectrum (Rainbow Pack):shrsl.com/43yic
Neocolor II Wax Pastels (comes in various quantities):shrsl.com/43yie
Schminke Pastels (the set I used is no longer available):shrsl.com/43yij
Reference Image from Unsplash.com: unsplash.com/photos/WVEBqXRGcy8
Below are five tips that will elevate your artwork to new heights.
1. Loose Beginnings: Embrace the freedom of loose beginnings. I often like to create a loose and dreamy underpainting. In this lesson, I use Neocolor II Wax Pastels to set the mood.
2. Exaggerate Color: Dive headfirst into a realm of vibrant hues and embrace the exhilarating power of color. Don't be afraid to intensify and exaggerate the shades in your composition, for it is through this vivacity that you can evoke emotions and create visual impact.
3. Less is More: Discover the magic that lies in the art of restraint. Resist the urge to overcrowd your piece with unnecessary details. Instead, allow negative space to breathe, allowing the viewer's imagination to wander as they find their own connection with your artwork.
4. Work the Whole: Unleash your artistic prowess by treating your artwork as a cohesive symphony. Avoid focusing solely on individual elements; instead, harmonize the various components, ensuring that each stroke contributes to the overall narrative and beauty of the piece.
5. Color Harmony: Like a maestro conducting a symphony, guide your audience's gaze through a symphony of colors that harmoniously dance together. Seek balance and unity, exploring the relationships between hues, and infuse your artwork with a captivating sense of harmony.
Remember, dear artists, that these tips serve as a guiding light rather than a rigid roadmap. Embrace your own unique style and allow your creativity to flourish. Soft pastels grant you the ability to weave a tapestry of impressions, transporting both yourself and your viewers to a world where the strokes of color sing and come alive. So, with passion in your heart and pastels in hand, let the artistic adventure begin!
If you recreate from this tutorial and share on social media platforms, please be sure to mention this video and tag me. I love to see your work! You can tag me on Instagram @susanjenkinsartist and on Facebook @TheArtofSusanJenkins
▽ My AMAZON Shop / (for Many Products Featured in Videos) 👇
➞ www.amazon.com/shop/monetcafe...
(I earn money from qualifying purchases at no cost to you)
▽ My Patreon Page 👇
➞ / susanjenkins
▽ My Etsy Shop 👇
➞ www.etsy.com/shop/TheArtofSus...
▽ Visit my Website 👇
➞ www.susanjenkinsfineart.com
▽ My Instagram Link 👇
➞ / susanjenkinsartist
▽ My Facebook Page 👇
➞ / theartofsusanjenkins
▽ Facebook Group 👇"Monet Cafe' Art Group"
➞ / monetcafeartgroup
▽ Monet Cafe' Art Store (with Fun Tee Shirts and More) 👇
➞ monet-cafe-art-store.creator-...
#pastelpainting #pastelpaintingtutorial #painting tutorial #pastelpainting #pastelpaintingtutorial #paintinglessons

[@monetcafe]

Hello Artists! Give me a shout out in the comments and let me know what you think about this lesson! I'm always trying to make things better for my artistic subscribers and followers!

[@TammyHouser]

When I'm following along with you, my mind tries to guess where you are going. When you veer off of my expected track... that when I'm learning new things. I still don't understand how you choose your colors to be "more" for the impressionistic look but I'm learning that, as well.

[@ingridbalcarkova9357]

Hello, today I tried the impossible. Try painting like the Impressionists, and even more so with acrylic on canvas. Although I've done well and liked other pictures, this turned out to be an absolute disaster. I can see that I still have a lot to learn. it is very difficult, although impressionism seems like a simple painting. Thanks for your lesson :-) Your picture of cliffs is wonderful 👍

[@diegrid8279]

Your colors always seem to shine directly into the heart... 😊 Normally I'm not so interested in painting landscapes, flowers, nature... otherwise more in animals or portraits... BUT when I see your paintings, I get incredibly desire to paint a giant meadow full of wild flowers 😊😊😊 sunny greetings from Freiburg South Germany, Ingrid ❤🌼🌻🌺🌿🌹🙏

[@monetcafe]

Oh, that is so sweet! You just made my day. Bet it’s beautiful where you live Ingrid.

[@agold1702]

You are not afraid of color, that is certain! Thank you for your fearlessness!

[@monetcafe]

So nice of you… Thank you so much

[@mendyhand3895]

SO GORGEOUS! I’ve never thought to use the neo color 2’s in that way…great idea! Blessings! 🙏🏻👍🎨

[@krakentowa8727]

Thanks so much for your generous instruction. I’m just starting pastels at 49 yrs old, having done quite a few yrs of watercolour. Money is tight, so after buying a few pastels and some paper I’m very appreciative of any teaching that’s offered publicly. So thank you…..from Perth, Western Australia.

[@julierutherford3150]

For me this is one of your finest paintings. Absolutely beautiful, Susan, love it! ❤

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, sweetheart! It’s one of mine too!

[@karenlavigne1108]

I love landscapes & water. Love your channel

[@sreedevi92]

I really wish you did more landscapes like this. Beautiful painting.Thank you. ❤

[@monetcafe]

Thank you, I will! ☺️❤️👏

[@sandraharris8386]

Thank you Susan. I’m very, very new to pastels, and this is inspiring. I’ve always loved the impressionists.

[@monetcafe]

I'm so glad! Have fun Sandra!!

[@yogibakshi2375]

Beautiful painting Susan. Love those pink and red flower's in the folliage.

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much 😊☺️❤️

[@suef6901]

You are such good artist and teacher. Just beautiful! Thank you! ❤😊

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much!💜☺️❤️

[@alanthornton3530]

Using the Neo ll pastels for an underpainting is a good idea! You've created a beautiful painting & I'm really impressed, so glad I found this video :)

[@alexandrasanches-fearsnomo3422]

So well explained! What a delight, as always! 🎉 big hug!😊🎉❤

[@scottlandwehr563]

Thanks for sharing. Love the inspirational bible verse at the end!

[@suefortin6811]

I hope one day I can pick the colors that blend like you. I am practicing. Thanks for all the great information. I love to watch you paint

[@zoridahall4732]

Artistry just took place, awesome tutorial, thank you, loved it,,,Zoe

[@birgitblume4980]

Great video and beautiful painting!!! 👍

[@BanxArt]

I love it - I like how you start with the lavender in the sky and depart from the original colours - plus - those soluble pastels! My wife may never forgive you as I order yet another product! Your tips are great, loose and free - I'm raring to get back at it. God bless you back!

[@monetcafe]

YAY!! Thank you! @BanxArt Comments like this are part of why I do this. I love inspiring others, especially in their art journey! Thank you for your sweet comment!

[@vague_1255]

Your channel is a 💎 gem. I started learning pastels with your videos. Thank you

[@monetcafe]

Wonderful! i’m so excited for you! Hope you learn lots, sweetheart!

[@elainelogan2023]

That was beautiful Susan! Love the scripture at the end - thank you!

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much!

[@judywilliams1863]

I am 78 and self taught. Enjoy watching your videos and learning so much from them. I have painted in oils with lots of detail for years and it’s hard for me to do anything different. You have been so much help. Thanks!

[@monetcafe]

Wonderful! I love to hear that, and it’s never too late to learn!

[@atsunnyside2158]

Even your underpainting is truly beautiful!

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much. I actually really loved the underpainting myself. It makes me want to just work with the under painting product some more.

[@Souldesouse]

Always lovely to watch ❤

[@monetcafe]

Awesome @serine79, I appreciate that so much!

[@stones7589]

Susan- I got the Neocolours last year but other than mark- making, I wasn't sure how to use them! I love your tutorial on how to use them as an underpainting. It is just genius and I can't wait to work them into my next pastel piece!

[@monetcafe]

Wonderful! i’m so happy my video showed you how awesome they are as under paintings. have fun sweetheart

[@ernabraun3400]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @ernabraun3400! I'm so glad you liked it! Happy Painting!

[@user-pc5ou9ep8s]

You are absolutely wonderful and a great teacher!!!!

[@monetcafe]

Awesome @user-pc5ou9ep8s, I appreciate that so much!

[@heuno8487]

You are amazing. Thank you so much for this video. It has helped me alot with my studies ❤

[@sherryburnett6088]

Beautiful 😊

[@hannettesmit5896]

Thanks, Susan! I did my very first pastel painting! I used our beautiful blue mountain range as backdrop, the green fields rich with the new young crop of wheat, stretches of yellow flowers and at this time of the year red aloes are full in bloom all around us. Thanks for your inspiration. God is GREAT! ❤

[@monetcafe]

Oh that sounds so beautiful Hannette! Congratulations on your first pastel painting. I’m so happy for you.

[@sarinachapman8791]

You are wonderful! This was sooo beautiful! And the scripture at the end really encouraged me. So glad to have found your channel! God bless you as you continue doing this beautiful work that glorifies Him and blesses all of us!❤

[@monetcafe]

How sweet!! Thank you so much and God bless you.

[@cameoindia4425]

This is stunning. I have learnt some valuable techniques today. Thank you

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @cameoindia4425! Your comment blessed me.

[@RejuvenateYourHealth]

I am beyond thrilled that I just found you on KZbin! I have been frustrated with other mediums and can't wait to try pastels, especially with alcohol! I'm self taught and so appreciate that you shared you are too! Thankful for your positive Christian perspective, which is unique for art tutors. I've already subscribed on Patreon and can't wait to get started!

[@monetcafe]

How wonderful! I just loved reading your comment and bless you for becoming a patron of mine! Yippee!!! Hope to get to see some of you work!

[@chandanapathak1602]

I wish i could give you a dozen likes

[@lesyashulga9341]

Dear Susan, it was so quiet and peaceful landscape. These days I feel another energy inside me. I've been working on my new project. Your lesson was a kind of retreat for me. Thank you.

[@monetcafe]

Wonderful! I love your messages Lesya❤️

[@lesyashulga9341]

@@monetcafe Thanks, Susan.

[@brainformer2007]

wow, that's just amazing. Thanks and blessings from Ukraine

[@louquevedo9312]

Awesome! Praise God❤

[@flag1941]

Amen

[@bonybee1700]

wow it's beuty painting flower

[@denisebirkett2129]

Hi Susan, Love this video it's so encouraging and informative. Thankyou for the tip of Water Soluable Wax Pastels I'd never heard about them before. Beautiful scene I believe is called Cape Cornwall on the tip of South West England. Which by the way is also a Celtic area.

[@monetcafe]

Bless you for that info! How sweet of you☺️☺️

[@kaylaherincharles]

Wow! I clicked on this video thinking that this was done with acrylic paint! I am very shocked to see how you accomplished this beautiful painting! Well done! I actually have a few of the supplies to actually attempt to try this myself! I love LOVE the impressionism style of painting, and want to practice it. Is there a varnish or something that you can put over the painting when done to protect it? Also, have you attempted to do this type of painting with pastels on a canvas? Thank you so much!

[@monetcafe]

Hi @kaylaherincharles, I never spray a fixative on a soft pastel painting since it always darkens the final image. To protect my final painting for shipping or storing, I place them in a clear plastic bag I get from www.clearbags.com/bags/flat/flap-tape/crystal-clear. I buy the bags a bit larger than standard sizes so I will have room for the painting and a piece of foamcore board cut to the size of the painting. Here is a video of my process:www.youtube.com/watch I have had some success in painting with Pastels on canvas by applying coats of clear gesso to the surface. Be sure to use clear gesso and not regular gesso because clear gesso has little bits of sand and works great as a do it yourself Pastels surface. I have to apply two or three coats of the clear gesso to counteract the texture of the canvas surface. The final painting does come out textural with quite a bit of pastel fall off, but this technique can work, even though it's not one of my favorites. Hope that helps!

[@artgirl6784]

Is This oil pastels that you are using?

[@Chadsolderbrotherbrad1111]

❤🎉

[@JCcreates927]

Could use derwent inktense for the underpainting.

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @JCcreates927 absolutely!

[@reneekroyer5104]

Hey Susan, love your video, as always. Just wondering . . . how would you add in an animal (say, a horse) in the foreground of this painting? How would you make the horse look impressionistic? I'm really struggling with a painting I'm doing now with very impressionistic red rock formations/mountains in the background and a horse (large in size, up front and center as it was in the photograph) . . . how does one make a large, up front and center horse in a painting look impressionistic? That is my dilemma. lol I'm thinking maybe I need to make him not as up front and center and ignore the details that are in the photo? That is what attracted me to the photo as I know the photographer and know the area he was hiking and a wild mustang appeared just as he was shooting. It was just a wow photo and I'm having trouble interpreting that into an impressionistic painting. Any suggestions? Thank you and God bless.

[@monetcafe]

Hi Renee.... it can be tricky adding animals (or people) to paintings. The reason is you have to get the values, color and light source to match what is happening in the scene. My motto for impressionism is "less is always more". Resist the urge to give too much detail and avoid hard lines and edges. I agree with not making the animal centrally located. Hope that helps a bit.

[@reneekroyer5104]

@@monetcafe Thank you Susan for your suggestions. I appreciate it.

[@bettychilldres9860]

I AM INTERESTED in learning to paint loose style impressionism. But susan... don't you ever paint with acrylics at all? That's what I'm looking for. Thanks for your reply. 😊

[@rosaliefunk1629]

Schmincke has the softest of pastels. This is a lovely painting. Did you use a very light touch throughout the painting? I love your under paintings. What grit was your paper? Thank you. You are a beautiful soul. ❤️

[@monetcafe]

Yes I did use a light touch for the majority of the painting. And I’m not positive on the grit of the surface, but I would equate it to around 400 grit. Thanks so much for your sweet words and happy painting!

[@user-vz3ed6vz7k]

Isaiah 40,31 was the vers reading this morning, thank you so much for your work and this encouragemet

[@monetcafe]

Praise Jesus! Thanks @user-vz3ed6vz7k! I can't help but shout praises to my Savior!

[@inspiredKREASHUNS]

Wait. I thought impressionist paintings were done with acrylic paints? Thanks

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @inspiredKreashuns Impressionism referrers to the style or a technique in which the painting is done. It can be done in any medium. I hope this helps! :💜

[@inspiredKREASHUNS]

@@monetcafeYes it does. Thank you!

[@traceykampes8364]

An impressionistic painting is one thats not detailed rite? Being a perfectionist thats where i have trouble

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @traceykampes8364 yes that is part of it. Loosening up can be a challenge, but once you do, it's soooo freeing! Happy painting!

[@glennlaurents9439]

It isn't oil on canvas nice but its just pastels, dusty, messy and pastely pastel

[@monetcafe]

Thanks for that input, @glennlaurents9439! I'll have to keep that in mind!

[@pauljack7170]

full of women that explain ... whatever .. need to talk .. only men that make something worthy to learn are very parsimonious with explanations

[@monetcafe]

Praise Jesus! Thanks @pauljack7170! I can't help but shout praises to my Savior!

[@pauljack7170]

@@monetcafe could u stop this stupid vice to always use His name ? religion is clear about « DO NOT MENTION THE NAME OF God in vain » u become like arabs with inchahal'ah

[@Atom9830011696]

U ends very beautifully by GODs message. 👌🏻👍🙏🏻

[@monetcafe]

Praise Jesus! Thanks @thedarndestthingbymikelang485! I can't help but shout praises to my Savior!