I Just Discovered the BEST Blending Product for Soft Pastels! Plus Painting Demo!

[@folkerwulff]

You can use your Liquitex Clear Liquid Gesso as a blending medium as well, with a similar effect like the Golden. To make the gesso into a blending medium, add a few drops of glycerin and thin with a little water to improve flow. The advantage is obvious: You retain 100% of the underlying tooth to work over with more pastel, pastel pencil, or color pencil. Love your channel! Cheers from Germany - Folker

[@gigiartstudiowithartistvir3919]

I love using clear liquid gesso as a way to paint with soft pastels using my paint brushes for my underpaintings. Fun stuff!

[@anniedarkhorse6791]

Thanks. Golden is really expensive.

[@johnkanzler6646]

I was wondering that myself!

[@DianaMoon11428]

But won't it make the effect gritty?

[@folkerwulff]

@@DianaMoon11428 Yes, retaining the grit, that's the idea.

[@Lashay7]

I absolutely love her painting style!! She is one of the best teachers on KZbin. 🥰🥰

[@monetcafe]

Awesome @ILuvCaroline, I appreciate that so much! You're a sweetheart! Art and sharing the love of the Lord are my passion! Bless you!

[@monetcafe]

Check it out artists!! I love this new way to blend soft pastels!

[@DianaMoon11428]

Wow - the clear gesso tip is golden (no pun intended).

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @DianaMoon11428 lol

[@skylorkatz1758]

Thanks so much for this video! I've always loved soft pastels, but all but gave up on them because I couldn't figure out a good way, short of framing, to protect them. Never knew they could be mixed with a medium (besides water.) The clear gesso trick just blew me away!

[@venusf2655]

Wow you're a genius! I learned so much from this video, you gave so much valuable info and insight. I just got a box of Sennelier pastels, I think Airbrush medium and Clear gesso will take my paintings to the next level, thank you!!

[@monetcafe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Buckets41369]

This is exactly what KZbin is for. Thank you!

[@providencevalleyfarm5270]

THANK YOU for sharing this painting. I am Praising the Lord for this, and for you! It is Especially meaningful, not just seeing, but hearing how your art is a form of worship. It truly is and watching this I can see how you Glorify Him in what you are doing. Your message was so inspired, that I had to tell you how you've blessed me with it. I lost most of the function of my right hand 4 years ago, which caused a severe depression. Only the Lord , a lot of time, and the help of others is drawing me out of. The injury took away so much of my art, It made me as if I'd lost part of my soul. Then a retired art teacher encouraged me to learn a "looser" style, and to just practice & work with my left hand. Monet was mentioned at some point, which is how I found your channel a few months ago. You've really encouraged & inspired me and I am becoming reaquainted with my love for soft pastels! You are sharing your discoveries and techniques in a spirit that is truly food for the mind, soul and spirit. Hearing you talk about the Lord today really fills my heart w Joy again, and I can't wait till my hubby gets home with some airbrush medium! You inspire and bless those of us that struggle to learn again. When I hear you talk & watch what you do, WOW. Knowing that a gifted and accomplished artist like you spends so much of her time experimenting it renews my hope and inspires me to try again. May the Lord Bless You, with sincerest thanks, TreeZ

[@monetcafe]

Treez …. I loved love loved your message! Praise the Lord that he works through KZbin! My favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28 because it assures us that The Lord can work something beautiful even through challenges and tragedies. I like thinking about the fact that there wouldn’t of been a rainbow if there hadn’t been a storm. You keep that creative spirit sweetheart and know that God is working through you. Embrace the experience of painting and creating from the master artist… God himself. We are created in his image and I do believe he loves it when we are inspired by his handiwork. Keep learning, growing, and mostly enjoying the experience of art.

[@JDetailsLLC]

This was exactly what I needed. I was gifted two sets of soft pastels, and my first painting with them did not go well. It was pretty discouraging. I think I’ll try using them as paint! Thanks so much.

[@canadaverydry]

Beautiful demonstration once again! Your colors are so vibrant and full of happiness!

[@monetcafe]

Thanks so much sweetheart 💜❤️💜❤️😊

[@ClaudiaHenrichs]

Großartig!!!!! 🎉 ❤lichen Dank für den super Tip.

[@Valdo1289]

You are amazing! Thank you so much for your fabulous tips

[@monetcafe]

You are so welcome!

[@BO-ny5mm]

Thank you for fantastic video! 👏 I am going to revisit soft pastels and try again definitely after watching this video 😍

[@monetcafe]

YAY!! Thank you! @BO-ny5mm 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!

[@nickgermano621]

I use to airbrush Tee shirts on the beach around 1982 83 yes you can make your pastel compositions look like a Renaissance painting. I am going to try that this weekend.

[@looxie]

Thank you for sharing! It blew my mind that soft pastel can mixed with other medium to create a whole new effect! Wow! 😱❤️

[@marge8406]

Thanks so much for the very informative video. I will try the airbrush medium.

[@monetcafe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@colourfab]

I came back to watch this again after seeing it when you posted it. I've downloaded it. Fantastic information!

[@honestlychrissy]

You’re a fantastic artist and teacher, but you had me sold at WORSHIP! 🙌🏼💖 That’s exactly how I feel our art should be, worship to the God of all creation. Keep letting Him guide your blessed hands! ❤❤❤

[@monetcafe]

Praise Jesus! Thanks @honestlychrissy! I can't help but shout praises to my Savior! Bless you and thank you for watching.

[@nanwright2366]

thanks!!! so much info!!!

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @nanwright2366! I'm so glad you liked it! Happy Painting!

[@natalykenny2069]

Thank you, Susan!!!! Another great tutorial. We all love you!!!!❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏

[@monetcafe]

You are so welcome sweet Nataly!!!!

[@nancyclaiborne1350]

My sister shared this with me-- sooooo beautiful! Thanks for the ton of information you've given me.

[@haroldaber5651]

Wonderful video. I look forward to seeing more videos from you. Blessings, Hal

[@jenniefrench1338]

Well the air brush medium has a very high amount of isopropyl alcohol in it but it also has an acrylic binder. Being since it helps keep the nozzle from gumming up too much alcohol might break down the binding of acrylic spray paint.

[@inam1900]

Beautiful work thanks so much❤ for sharing it with us

[@candicewoodard8575]

Thanks so much for airbrush med demo. Just ordered some.

[@a.r.4416]

Love your testing! Could you kindly do similarly with oil pastels? Hugs

[@monetcafe]

I don’t use oil pastels unfortunately. I’m sort of stuck on soft pastels.☺️

[@pastryqn]

Wow! You amaze me. This is fabulous!

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, Judy!

[@Momcat6]

This is so helpful! Thanks for sharing your findings. Your painting is lovely!

[@monetcafe]

You are so welcome!

[@Jenny-yl2hw]

Thank you Susan, another wonderful tutorial..

[@monetcafe]

Awesome Jenny rae, I appreciate that!

[@cindijennings2285]

Beautiful!! I wonder if Floetrol would behave like the air brush medium because I think people use that also for spray painting. Just a thought.

[@monetcafe]

Interesting thought! Will have to check that out.

[@paulinerunkle8752]

Many helpful tips in one great video!

[@SagacityLost]

I like that this WAS actually something new and not just click bait. Thanks! Ordered. 😁

[@monetcafe]

Ha ha!!! Right! I know what you mean about those types of headings.

[@carolhestand2561]

Cool! Will have to try this. Thanks!

[@jumanas4012]

Thank you so much , i almost gave up on pastels ❤

[@rohi881]

I never have been drawing with pastels, but your painting is so inspiring, that I will try that with the airbrush medium. Awesome!!!🤩🤩🤩

[@nh5083]

I must buy that Golden product and the clear gesso also. I love your videos Susan. Your talent, Christianity, music and of course your paintings are refreshing and always make my day. Thank you for always sharing tips with us! 💗

[@monetcafe]

You are so welcome, and thank you for that lovely comment. It blessed me.

[@Sheshina_Ekaterina]

Susan! Thank you so much! Golden Airbrush Medium - lovely result!❤️

[@monetcafe]

Thanks Sheshina! I’ll definitely be using this product again.

[@rebeccagriswold5451]

Thank you for a great video. If you were to sum it up how would you compare clear gesso to airbrush medium if you had to choose one or the other?

[@monetcafe]

I actually use them for different purposes… The airbrush medium is more for liquefying the pastels, and clear gesso is more for adding a layer of texture to be able to apply more pastels. So I really like using them both. However, I often just use clear gesso alone where I will do an underpainting with various mediums, apply the clear Gesso for texture, and then apply pastels.

[@suzansa9601]

wooooow very useful I love your techniques

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @suzansa9601! Your comment blessed me.

[@suzansa9601]

@@monetcafe you are very inspiring love your content and artworks keep it up

[@viviandibrell849]

Oh so excited to try airbrush medium! Be careful with that Gamsol as it has fumes that are not healthy to breathe. I have noticed when using alcohol as a blender that the pastel gets powdery again and I’ll bet it won’t with the airbrush medium. What you said at the end was so true we are all so blessed to be able to paint this beautiful earth of ours and we should all be grateful and it’s a great reminder. You made such a cute little painting here I can’t wait to try this.

[@monetcafe]

Amen Vivian! So blessed to be able to paint from our beautiful world. And I hope you have fun trying this new technique :)

[@comette4u]

😊Thanks for the tips Susan! Question: did the second application of airbrush medium loosen the first one. It looked like it did in the swatch test, but I can't tell with the dark eggplant trees.

[@ellietodd393]

Excited to try this. I have this medium and used to use it to make my acrylic paints more translucent. i no longer paint in acrylics so will give this a go for sure.

[@monetcafe]

That’s good to know about how you use with acrylic paint! I’ll have to remember that!

[@susanaavagnina9259]

Wow, beautiful. Thanks

[@rebeccabriggs2982]

White gesso has substances that make it white and also give it "tooth" (grit). The sand in clear gesso is to provide that same "tooth".

[@monetcafe]

Thanks.... I didn't realize regular gesso also has this texture.

[@bozoclown2098]

Is clear hrssi the same as pastel ground from a jar

[@monetcafe]

It’s a bit similar, but I think pastel ground has more texture.

[@joelhenry4643]

Brilliant discovery

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @joelhenry4643! I'm so glad you liked it! Happy Painting!

[@lizbethy3214]

Your work is amazing! I'm afraid that the dust from soft pastels would bother me and I was wondering if it would be possible to follow along with your tutorials using oil pastel sticks instead of soft pastel sticks, and would I get approximately the same results? Thanks for your input.

[@liz-lk8oz]

This is brilliant! What size brush are you using for blending?

[@magereina]

i actually have some airbrush medium and can't wait to try the pastels with it. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us

[@monetcafe]

Have fun, Jeanette!

[@cathyh909]

Looks great, can’t wait to try it! Thank you!

[@monetcafe]

Yay! Have fun Cathy!

[@Anonymous-pg8wq]

Thank you. Another great video and I hadn’t heard of this product. I wonder if the opacity of the resulting underpainting in comparison to the more translucent effects of the watercolour or ink underpaintings may deaden the completed pastel paintings in terms of luminosity. It may be interesting to do a comparative study on that. It may only depend on the opacity of the pastel pigment I suspect though that in itself is trial and error. Facinating though 🥰

[@sylvieliechtele3928]

Hi. The golden product is quite expensive in Canada. Have you tried Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic Medium Flow Improver,? Thanks

[@monetcafe]

No, but it sounds like that might be a good alternative. It’s awesome that we can get so creative with blending pastels.

[@intuitiveartandcooking5481]

Amazing. Thank you for sharing!🙏

[@maryettachrisman842]

Do you still need to use glass for framing? Never tried this technique or the watercolor paper. Thanks for the demo.

[@monetcafe]

Yes, because with this technique it is still basically a pastel painting that would need to be framed under glass.

[@foundingfodder8225]

Did you gesso the watercolor paper before you did your painting tutorial at the end? I'm an artist but never worked with pastels and gesso and watercolor together. Do you gesso watercolor paper before doing watercolors? Does it add grit or teeth to it?

[@monetcafe]

I typically will create an underpainting on a water-friendly surface first, let it dry and then apply the clear gesso. Once the clear gesso dries, it creates some nice grit to be able to get multiple pastel layers. :) Hope that helps!

[@RobinGayl]

Wonderful! Will this work with pan pastels too? Also, I assume the air brush medium fixes the pastel too?

[@whozitwhatzit4802]

Very interesting video. One question re: the Airbrush Medium. This is quite a while after you posted this video and in going to your Amazon page, I don't see this airbrush medium included in your products. Do you still use this or have you moved to another product for regular use?

[@LynnePriceStudio]

This is great, Susan. Thank you for sharing with us. I'm thinking I might have a bottle of airbrush medium in my studio.

[@monetcafe]

I hope you have some sweetie and I think you’re going to love this technique!

[@LynnePriceStudio]

@@monetcafe I do! Who knows why. I think I had planned to use it with acrylics. Never did! Lol.

[@JamesWilliams-uf1gu]

Great video Susan!!! I learn so much about pastel painting from watching your videos. I already have some airbrush medium made by Liquitex. Do you think it would work as well as the Golden product? Thanks for sharing your expertise and talent!

[@monetcafe]

Wonderful! and I don't see why there would be much difference in using the Liquitex product vs the Golden product. Have fun!

[@agata4746]

Hey Susan thank you for this cool video☺️ could You please tell how long You were waiting for clear liquitex to dry before you started to using soft pastele od top od it?

[@monetcafe]

With just one coat of clear gesso applied it usually only takes about 15 to 20 minutes to dry. However, I often break out a blow dryer and speed it along.

[@128cherylmarie]

This is great! Thank You✨🩵✨

[@monetcafe]

Awesome @128cherylmarie, I appreciate that so much!

[@isabeltipple9942]

Yay! A Boston Terrier.. yes, i have one right beside me!👍

[@monetcafe]

What is the best?! I don’t think I’ll ever have another breed of dog. My Jackson is so special.

[@gigiartstudiowithartistvir3919]

Great, now I'm going to have to buy some airbrush medium haha. Thanks for sharing this. :)

[@rushryte]

love this... do you spray to fix the pastel after you finish?

[@monetcafe]

Hi Judy, 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:kzbin.info/www/bejne/aomnZYabr6useMk&t=209s

[@marcelacastillo2580]

Amazing. Thanks.m

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @marcelacastillo2580! I'm so glad you liked it! Happy Painting!

[@helenvanpoorten4262]

Question: what do you call the medium when you finish this? Mixed medium?

[@monetcafe]

Actually, it's still considered a pastel painting because the only real "Paint" used is soft pastel with a blending agent. I guess it could be a bit of a "mixed medium" due to adding the clear gesso, but I would still classify as primarily a pastel painting. Sometimes however I will do a watercolor underpainting, using this same technique of applying clear gesso, and then pastel. In that case, it would definitely be mixed media painting. Good question.

[@ValleyMermaid]

When doing those under painting with pastels, do they dry permanent?

[@mcrawford5877]

So interesting. I have all these mediums which I could play with. However I usually use a felted type mat board as my substrate for pastels - not as much dust and much smoother application. I really don’t like sanded surfaces - is the clear gesso smoother than the typical pastel sanded surface? Perhaps I could try a watercolor canvas. I have some of those too. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. PS - I don’t necessarily want to be a supporter monthly but is there a way to contribute one time? Your videos are so very helpful!

[@monetcafe]

@mcrawford5877 I appreciate that so much!! Watercolor paper works great with the clear gesso. I'm so glad you found this helpful. Thank you for the feedback. As far as Patreon, you can absolutely do that. You can follow the link below and be an Art Angel. Thank you so much! www.patreon.com/susanjenkins

[@andrearhoda2802]

Wow....Loved this demo.....Do you think you could actually load a paintbrush and paint with it? I was thinking about adding real detail to a pastel painting!.......

[@monetcafe]

It’s funny you say that, because I was thinking the same thing! I’ve got a try it!

[@cachitagarcia]

Hi, it is very interesting. I have a question, does any of this products decrease how lightfast the pastels are?

[@monetcafe]

That’s actually a great question… To my knowledge it doesn’t affect the lightfast quality of the pastels, but that’s just my logical opinion. You might want to research that further.

[@dawudjudah1373]

When the Golden Airbrush Medium dries, are the colors darker, lighter, or stay the same? Does the Golden Airbrush Medium give a gloss finish, semigloss finish, or a matte finish?

[@monetcafe]

The colors stay pretty much the same when dry, but perhaps a tad lighter. Also, the finish is a bit in the middle… Not too glossy or very matte. Perhaps more like a satin. Good questions.

[@dawudjudah1373]

@@monetcafe Thank you, God Bless!

[@sarahnorthrop9823]

Beautiful 😊💖

[@irinaneustroeva3569]

thank you , you are the best.

[@RainbowLane]

Thank you! Had no idea you do this with pastels🤗

[@zackartistry]

Very nice demo 😊

[@elegantbark]

I have not tried pastels but recently subscribed to your site and bought some soft pastels (🤣). Question though, why not use a watercolour underpainting rather than mixing pastels with medium? I love that pastels have a unique look when applied on top of each other and blending them with medium makes them look like watercolour. Excuse me if that is a dumb question.

[@monetcafe]

That’s a great question Janna. And I actually use watercolor under paintings quite often. You could find this technique in many of my videos. I’m excited for your pastel painting journey!

[@kathyhall668]

Beautiful

[@monetcafe]

😊

[@Anjalifinearts]

Absolutely stunning and gorgeous sharing Thank you for sharing this information with us! Greetings from Canada 🇨🇦

[@monetcafe]

Your comment blessed me, Anjalifinearts! Happy Painting!

[@rileeb848]

Have you seen the Charvin water soluble semi hard pastels? I saw these on Jerrys Artarama and they seem to keep their vibrancy when you add water. I dont know how they dry down, but I was wondering if you've see this product? Im thinking about getting them. 😊

[@monetcafe]

No I’ve never used them. Now I want some!😂☺️👍🏻

[@mendyhand3895]

Very very COOL! 👍🙏🏻🖌

[@raylt7]

THANK YOU- SO HELPFUL TO ME AND MY GETTING BACK TO PASTEL PAINTING. ALSO APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT WORSHIPPING OUR LORD.

[@leesvision]

Much love ❤️ 🙏

[@0_yprh]

What is the composition of air brush medium?

[@JimmyScribbles]

Yea Left Handed artists! I am too!

[@monetcafe]

Oh yeah!!!! Lefty power!

[@joyceroy4644]

Love your videos….so informative and inspiring. Does the airbrush medium affect the pastels over time?

[@monetcafe]

I don’t have any concrete data on that but I don’t see why it would affect the longevity… since the products are all archival.

[@carolbailie9897]

Looks as if this could work for those of us who only have limited palette.... to create more colours. Can it make various foliage greens from just the basic blues and yellows of a cheap set of pastels?

[@carolbailie9897]

Thank you for this demo. Stay blessed.

[@monetcafe]

That is such a great observation, Carol. And I think you are right!

[@mariettawarkentin2799]

This was fantastic! My Saturday morning inspiration. Definitely want to pick up the airbrush medium at Blick! Lucky to have a store in San Diego. Your end result is so beautiful!, Love that you Praise God!,💕✝️🕊😍

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much Marietta and absolutely… Praise God!

[@RevJoan]

Does anyone know if using these acrylic products with pastel would disqualify a pastel painting from a pastel show? I know that in some Colored Pencil shows you cannot add anything that isn't CP; was wondering if that held for pastels shows. I've never entered one but hope to some day...

[@monetcafe]

I believe most pastel shows require a piece to be at least 80% pastel. You’d want to check with the particular show however.

[@michaelklein5242]

Good stuff! Will need to try it! I like your overall presentation and it's very helpful (you have a very pleasant voice, by the way. I'd narrate my videos too but sound like Aldo Ray crossed with tinsel). And a fellow leftie, too! Thanks again and happy to prescribe to your channel!

[@rhondaflanders9]

That is beautiful! Hmm, didn't Bob Ross use Gesso on his painting shows "The Joy of Painting"?

[@monetcafe]

Bob Ross probably did use gesso on his paintings… I absolutely loved Bob Ross‘s spirit and passion for teaching.

[@LynnePriceStudio]

His liquid clear was a linseed oil blend to keep the paint open.

[@LynnePriceStudio]

@Micky41 actually, he never used Liquin or any other alkyd. Liquin dries fast. He needed the open time to paint wet into wet. He used linseed oil, and linseed oil with titanium white.

[@marlenelelonek3853]

I bought the Golden airbrush medium and tried with the soft pastels. It didn't look any different than using it with water. I was very disappointed.

[@monetcafe]

Oh… I am so sorry to hear that. I could see such a difference when I used it. I haven’t tried it on surfaces other than watercolor paper so maybe it was the surface you were using. I need to explore that so I can share accurate information.

[@marlenelelonek3853]

@@monetcafe I used watercolor paper and had the same results.

[@loati94]

It could be the amount of medium used or the pigments of the pastels depending on which brand is being used. It is weird that it didn't work for you since in the video the difference it is quiet obvious

[@tiabeaniesemotionalsupportdmon]

I tried this with two different sets of soft pastels. One was a very inexpensive starter set that is a few years old, and the other was a newer, higher quality set. The inexpensive set did not perform anywhere near as well as the better quality set did. I am not sure if the age of the product had anything to do with it or not.

[@frankclarkjr6369]

Air brush medium = alcohol, water and glycerin

[@leticiacampos1044]

😯🖤

[@kanikajohnson4533]

I actually didn't know you could blend anything in soft pastels I literally just use soft coloured pencils over it and blend with a blender

[@monetcafe]

Yes…. I use a similar technique as well. So many possibilities 👏😊💜

[@sarakatharina2928]

Thank you for your great tip. It destroyed my whole painting. Don't use Gesso over Soft pastels ever! It will just blend everything together and all your work is gone

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @sarakatharina2928 I'm so sorry that happened. That is infact the result you'll get. I hope this helped!! 💜

[@j.turner8706]

Why make paint when you can buy it? Not being a smarty but genuinely curious.

[@monetcafe]

Thanks for reaching out, @j.turner8706! but I'm not sure I understand the question?

[@Scorpioboyfl]

I was good til you got into the Jesus crap

[@monetcafe]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Bless you! Praise the Lord!