How to Paint on Canvas with Soft Pastels / A New Technique

[@sallywetzel1829]

Do you spray the finished piece to protect it, or do you put it under glass?

[@mjpete27]

Susan! Thank you so much for continuing to work on alternative surfaces for pastels! I have enjoyed watching your attempts and seeing your successes has been quite an encouragement for me! I dislike being told that this is the only way to get results, period! I am also interested in seeing how this painting holds up to some handling and framing too! Please continue to create with different methods and create your own surfaces. You are truly inspirational and such a joy to watch and listen to. Thank you.

[@nanvaughn2258]

I'm so excited to try this technique!! It's been years since I've played with pastels so painting with pastels on canvas is exactly what I need to get going again. Also, I love the reference photo as it's moody but the light illuminates around the darkness. Your painting reminds me of what blessings God brings to our lives.

[@monetcafe]

Amen, Nan! God indeed brings us blessings and I am so grateful for His love for us. Hope you enjoy using pastels on canvas, and just so you know some other artists have mentioned that the Art Spectrum Colourfix Primer also works well to coat the canvas prior to painting. :) Happy Painting!

[@Uddaybhaikabaap]

Hi Susan, We missed you alot, while I was preparing for my exam, Arun improved his skills with your limited palette video. I did see as primer (soft umber) on your Amazon page. I think I'll order it soon. I hope everyone back in States is fine. Also I've got a friend of mine from the east coast of States sending me Daniel Smith watercolor with palette. I'm so happy, Susan. Also earlier this week I saw a video clip of illustration of Mathew 14:31, where Jesus walking on water ask O you of little faith, why do you doubt, when one of em starts drowning in sea and Jesus pulls him up. It was really breathtaking clip, I mean if you step once towards lord he steps thousand in forward just don't doubt him in any way. It was so graceful. Keep posting more 😊 Love from India ❤️💕

[@monetcafe]

Arun, your message brought me joy on so many levels. Firstly, that Anish is doing better and actually getting to paint some! Hallelujah! Secondly, that you are getting some new supplies and I know you are excited! And thirdly that you shared the amazing love and faithfulness of our Lord and how great it is to have Him as our constant hope. What a God we serve! He paid the ultimate price for sinners and made a way for us to have eternal life with Him and those who step out on faith. God is so good!

[@Uddaybhaikabaap]

@@monetcafe God is indeed great, Susan. It's actually me(anish) writing above😅, I was really thinking of how lovely life is when we know and do good with his grace, but I've heard that Jesus meditated after he went to caves where his revelation took place, is it right? If so is the kingdom of God inside everyone why do we invest outside why not look inside?? What's your opinion?

[@beenadevicr]

Wonderful piece of art. I find art to be a great destress. Caring for others is a privilege and there is an intense sense of love when it is done unconditionally. Never shirk from caring for others, you will experience that bliss.

[@hk-wv2rl]

I love the art blended with moral values. God bless you

[@monetcafe]

That’s what I love to hear! Sometimes I hear the opposite, but that’s OK. Still getting the good word out.

[@hk-wv2rl]

Keep the light coming, to infinity and beyond. :-)

[@sherrydekeyzer5401]

I don't know if you will see this message. I want you to know how amazing you are. You are a gift to all who watch your videos. Thank you for teaching and inspiring us. For you kind and selfless heart. I have learned so much from you. I can't afford to go to painting classes. This is my only avenue to learning. God bless you!

[@monetcafe]

Oh Sherrie… I am so blessed to have seen your comment. You are exactly The type of person who keeps me going! I know there are others out there like you who can’t afford lessons, and that’s my story as well. God bless you sweetheart! Keep learning, having fun and being grateful… I can see that you are a lovely person.

[@sherrydekeyzer5401]

I also forgot to mention how lovely your paintings are! I love your style!

[@randecolley7054]

Wow! You are my favorite go to for inspiration working with pastels. You are truly a Godsend for me and my artistic endeavors.. the beautiful music, the steps for beautiful artworks. God has blessed you! Thank you!

[@monetcafe]

Oh, bless you and thank you so much, Rande!

[@althiawessels8169]

That is true I was there for my father and mother and what a blessing

[@kathyglatz4140]

I am fairly new to soft pastels. I love your pioneering approach and also that you give yourself permission to have fun. I do photorealistic oils and want to develope more of a freedom and I feel like soft pastels give me that opportunity. I will be following you now!

[@monetcafe]

Thanks Kathy! Loved reading your comment. Permission to have fun! I like that 👍🏻❤️💜

[@yogibakshi2375]

Will definitely try to do it this way.

[@reneekroyer5104]

I wonder if that clear gesso would work on the brown butcher paper you shared with us a few months ago?

[@monetcafe]

I don't see why not, and I think I've actually tried that. I believe it warps a bit since the paper is pretty thin.

[@schnukele]

I really like it! Different --- but somehow "just right".

[@ellymeerleveldt614]

A beautiful painting Susan. I love pastels.

[@nitinkumaramin8915]

lovely to watch this video,i have learned new teqnic Do you seal the with anything to protect soft pastels ?

[@marytesta3003]

Your painting is gorgeous. Watching it develop is mesmerizing. You answered a question I had. I took some oil painting classes and have a stack of canvases. I'll get them all gessod up while I wait for my pastels.

[@jenniferrammler8440]

I wanted to say I have probably watched this video at least ten times. and have tested this method and others on a few occasions with great success! I would love to see a demonstration on diffrent ways to prep canvas for soft pastel and what their results look like for each!

[@monetcafe]

That's a great suggestion, Jennifer. I think I'll have to create a video like that!

[@graciethebluejay]

Wow, this is beautiful. The clear Gesso really gives a unique look to your painting.

[@monetcafe]

Thanks so much 😊

[@elizabethspoelstra4978]

Thank you so much. I am learning such a lot from you. Much blessings on every painting that you do.❤

[@rzrr41]

Thanks you are one of the best...you has come a long way....Love this piece....gracias

[@pjlopiccolo8709]

Susan! You are the one that got me started with pastels and I have several panels left from my acrylic days. Since I have clear gesso, also thanks to you which I love using on watercolor paper, I am so grateful to all your play tips! You have taught me sooooo MUCH. Bless you Susan. I love your videos and thanks to you have completed several pastel paintings. 🙏🥰

[@monetcafe]

Yay PJ!!! Your comment just blessed my socks off! I’m so glad you have the supplies to start playing. Just keep having fun and I’ll keep sharing content as long as this old body can do it.👏😊💜🙌🏻

[@irelandtheemeraldisle4548]

Monet is there a way to reach you and share with u my beginner paintings?!!!! Iam in Ireland

[@monetcafe]

You can share in my Facebook group for this channel if you like…. it’s called “Monet Café Art group “ Lots of artist share their work in that group and enjoy learning about pastel painting together.

[@DrJones-nh4my]

I love it. So pretty. But you’re right. Living in warmer climates is much better than living in snowy weather.

[@trinapetrina3598]

Thanks for sharing your experience with this technique, I have quite a few canvases hanging around so it was very helpful. I was also interested in how you used the mat to mark out the size of the painting - great idea. I was wondering if you were then able to cut the canvas down to size (once the painting was finished) in order to frame it?

[@SirPrancelot1]

Great tips, thanks. I hope your husband's mother is feeling OK. It must have been a blessing for her to see you both. I hadn't heard that Mississippi was hit with the weather Texas had. Glad you are back in the sun and a State that is dealing with Covid in a sane, humane manner. No wonder people are moving there from elsewhere in America. Wish I was there!

[@monetcafe]

Thanks and yes, we are so happy to back in the Sunshine state! Wish you were here too. The only thing we have to worry about typically are hurricanes and sometimes tornados, but other than that it's awesome all year.

[@SirPrancelot1]

@@monetcafe I hope you have a great year in the Sunshine state. Envious of your political setup of state government as well as federal which gives Governors real power and people the choice of moving from tyranny to freedom i.e. New York or California to Texas or Florida. We do not have that in the UK, or most other countries. Sorry to bring politics into an art channel. Art as therapy is going to be more important than ever now. Thank you for your wonderful work.

[@impatience53]

Lovely painting. How would you fix the painting?

[@monetcafe]

The best way to protect a pastel painting is to frame it. I never spray fixative as it darkens the final piece. I temporarily store paintings in clear plastic sleeves I get from www.clearbags.com

[@susankashmiri6199]

I did use your technique on a 16X20" canvas board and it worked very nicely. Painted some beautiful poppies. Thank you for your inspiration.😇

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @susankashmiri6199 that's awesome!!! Thanks for letting me know! Happy painting!

[@arlenewalsh8671]

Hi, I am new to your channel and am so glad to have found you. You are inspiring. I am also new to pastels. Can you tell me, did you spray this with a fixative at all?

[@1DaTJo]

From what I’ve gathered, most skilled pastel artists don’t spray their paintings because it changes the colour and takes away the shine of the pigments. However, some artists do spray a particular area to darken it and add more tooth.

[@PittsburghArtistStudio]

What is the app you were talking about?

[@anyssae]

Hello I've been trying to do more pictures with oil pastels on canvas and it doesn't seem to be going too well, read some things online about using baby oil to help blend it because tissue paper and paper towel shred. It does seem to help with blending when using a q-tip or your finger.. but not sure if I like it or not. I also have chalk pastels and thought I'd try those to see how well it works I also didn't apply the gesso you mentioned.

[@monetcafe]

I think the clear gesso is the trick. The pastels just won't adhere to the oil without it. There are little bits of sand in the clear gesso that gives it some texture for the pastels to hold on to.... and be sure to use "clear" gesso and not "regular" gesso. Oh, and a great blending tool for soft pastels is "pipe foam insulation" that you can buy at a hardware store. I just cut off a little piece and use it often to blend initial layers.

[@valeryholden4354]

Brilliant thank you

[@jennw6809]

So I had a "brilliant" idea today to paint on stretched canvases with pastel, and I also did the 2 coats of clear gesso. I see the advantage to what you did here is that you could still frame the panels, whereas I now have paintings on canvases with a problem of how to seal them! (Fixative did essentially nothing). So I have ordered a gel plate to "print" on some acrylic medium, or, I could try the Golden Archival Spray Varnish in gloss, then I could paint over matte medium. I'll be experimenting in the morning.

[@monetcafe]

Have fun experimenting. It’s been a goal of mine to be able to seal pastel paintings without changing the color and values. No luck yet. Thanks for sharing Jenn.

[@jennw6809]

@@monetcafe I read a post from a pastel artist who did tests for Jackson's Art and they concluded sealing includes saturating the pastel, which will always change the values. I tend to agree, however, on the works I did I can live with that. On landscapes, and especially with dark layers underneath, the transformation is much less acceptable. 😥 Golden Archival Varnish does seal pretty well on a test piece I did but made the foreground grasses super dark! I think one would have to paint with lighter values intentionally if the goal was to truly seal the painting.

[@elsevandergoot5491]

can one put clear gesso on an oil primed canvas and then paint a pastel painting on ?? Does that hold ?? please answer Thanks

[@monetcafe]

Hmmmm..... not sure. But now you've given me something else to try !

[@KathyBrooksArt]

Loved the subject matter, snow and trees! So colorful. I just joined your Patreon group - which is long overdue. You are one of my favorite artists, and I so enjoy watching your videos, I have learned so much from you. Thank you for all that you give of yourself to us and others. Know how much it's appreciated. Sending you hugs during this difficult time.

[@monetcafe]

Bless you K! You have no idea how much messages like yours blesses my heart. Thank you also for becoming a patron and I am so appreciative. If I haven’t already, I’ll be sending you a personal welcome message soon with more information. And you can always reach out to me if I have any questions about navigating around the Patreon page.

[@barbarakornreich]

Fantastic demo! But I haven't been able to find the app you mention (Ardo Matan). Is that the correct spelling?

[@monetcafe]

Artomaton…. I think is the correct spelling 👍🏻☺️

[@Robyn19fnq]

Thank you for another inspiring project Susan. I love your style and influence on my painting journey. You don't mention whether this type of technique requires fixing?

[@monetcafe]

Hi @Robyn19fnq, 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

[@Robyn19fnq]

@@monetcafe Thanks Susan, I was just wondering as you often state Pastelmat does not require fixing, so other grounds are treated similarly.

[@sr.donnadalia1098]

You seemed to be using a lot of half-stick pastels from one set (if I am not mistaken). Which set was that? Although I realize you probably incorporate many different types of pastel, is there a particular set you would generally recommend for this type of drawing on the treated canvas?

[@monetcafe]

A great question and I totally forget to mention the set. I did use primarily the set you mentioned which is the Unison 120 Half Stick set. I LOVE this set because it has such a great arrangement of colors and values for almost any painting. I did grab some Terry Ludwigs though from the Paris 120 Half Stick set. Have Fun!

[@monetcafe]

Oh... and as far as a particular pastel for canvas. I think all would work but be careful with the softies and keep a light touch at first so as not to reduce layering ability. Hope that helps :)

[@barrywetterneck1758]

@@monetcafe was

[@reneekroyer5104]

Yeah, same with me. I used just one coat of clear gesso after prepping canvas with acrylic paint and I didn't like the results either. I'll try this method using 2 coats of gesso and see how it goes. So if you want to frame/hang your work, how would that work? How can you prep it to be framed/matted? It has to have glass over it, right? Just curious how to do that if I paint something I like enough to frame? Thanks again for this video, Susan. God bless.

[@monetcafe]

Yes, it will still need glass when framing. And you'd frame just like any other pastel on board. I like to frame without a mat so I use spacers to keep the glass away from the pastel surface. Sure wish we could find a way to display pastel artwork without the need for glass.

[@reneekroyer5104]

@@monetcafe Me, too. I hate the glare you get with glass and I've heard that the nonglare glass does not work for some reason with pastel. Where do you get spacers? I always use a mat in the past. I have one now that I framed w/o a mat and it seems to be okay . . . so far, so good.

[@monetcafe]

@@reneekroyer5104 The best glass to get is "Museum Glass" but it's pretty pricey. The "non-glare" glass actually has a bit of a film to it and thus you can't see the artwork very well. You can get spacers for framing at www.DakotaPastels.com. Many artist frame with the glass touching the actual painting and swear it will be fine over the years. I usually prefer the spacer.

[@jimkroyer5280]

@@monetcafe Thanks Susan for the information.

[@sonyarochellehill5401]

i see you use canvas panels, does stretch canvas work like this? and how do you seal it?

[@BARBALLEN511]

How do you set it

[@monetcafe]

I get that question a lot. I actually don’t ever spray a fixative on my final pastel paintings. They have to be framed to protect them permanently, but I do store my paintings Prior to Framing in clear plastic bags. I get them from www.clearbags.com

[@claudiajanse3773]

Love your video ❤ how do you protect the canvas when it is finished ? With fixatif for pastels?

[@monetcafe]

Hi Claudia, 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

[@graciousmom4127]

This is lovely! You are such an inspiration to many of us... Am always waiting for your tutorials daily. Will be praying for your mom in law. Bless you all! God is our WAYMAKER! 🤗🙏

[@monetcafe]

Amen sugar.... God is indeed our WAYMAKER!!!!

[@susiegraham3671]

Beautiful!

[@monetcafe]

Thanks Susie!!

[@angelamarques3708]

How long did you wait between applying gesso? Great idea. Thank you for you video. Love the painting.

[@monetcafe]

Hi Angela, I just waited a few minutes for the Acrylic Ink to dry. :). Worked Great!

[@natalykenny2069]

Beautiful as usual! I have actually experimented with pastels on canvas with acrylic underpainting. Funny enough, I just used your advice of priming the paper with gesso, and , once, I primed it with marble dust and gesso(again one of your formulas). I remember your comments were quite positive. We have missed you sooo much! Glad you are finally back home. God bless your family!❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏

[@monetcafe]

Hey sugar... you always make me smile. I'm actually thinking of doing an acrylic underpainting on canvas myself and then applying the clear gesso and pastel. Should be fun! Thanks so much for your sweet message

[@christinebarone2151]

Have you done a video on water soluble oil pastels vs soft pastels.??

[@monetcafe]

No, I haven’t made a video like that because I don’t use oil pastels. So sorry.

[@jeanetta59]

Stunning!

[@monetcafe]

Thanks Jeanetta

[@Trueblue222]

I noticed when you held the canvas panel up at the beginning that it had a label which suggested that it had already been primed with gesso. Was it necessary to add the clear gesso or could you have just painted onto the original surface. Love watching your tutorials. Thanks . Steve UK

[@monetcafe]

That's a really good question. Many canvas boards come pre-primed with Gesso, but this is Regular Gesso (which doesn't have any grit to it). The gesso I use to be able to add pastels in Clear Gesso. Not only is it clear, but it has a bit of sand to make a bit of a gritty texture when dry. This is what allows the pastels to stick. Hope that helps!

[@Trueblue222]

@@monetcafe yes thank you !

[@LavishHim]

LOVE THIS! Gonna get the app. Also, knowing I can use sturdier surfaces has me fired up! Woohoo! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🎨 the painting is gorgeous!

[@monetcafe]

Yippee!!! So glad it was helpful Danielle!

[@howlingwind1937]

I've used pastels on canvas without special treatment many times and haven't had any problems, but I haven't used a canvas board before. Thank you for sharing your video the painting came out great. Cheers!

[@unohoo9637]

Were you using soft pastels or oil pastels?

[@howlingwind1937]

@@unohoo9637 I've used both soft pastels and oil pastels on canvas, and the paintings came up well.

[@unohoo9637]

@@howlingwind1937 do you have to use a certain kind of gesso or raw canvas if you're using soft pastels on canvas?

[@howlingwind1937]

@@unohoo9637 I didn't, but I do use a fixative when I use soft pastels, especially if it needs to be transported, but didn't use any with the oil pastels. I hope this was helpful, I'm not an expert by any means, I'm just going from my own personal use of the mediums and canvases, so whether it's correct usage or not I don't know, it's just my own personal experience, can try to send a pic if you're interested. Cheers!

[@howlingwind1937]

@@unohoo9637 I just used the same gesso that I use to prime for acrylic painting, and have not knowingly had any trouble. The pastel painting I did for my mother is not showing any issues, and it's been 6 yrs. Bare in mind I'm not an expert by any means, I'm just going by what I've experienced during and after my use of the medium on canvas. Cheers!

[@sophie_c8289]

Thank you Susan 😊

[@monetcafe]

You are so welcome Sophie!

[@susanobyrnes1524]

Can this be done with pan pastels ?

[@monetcafe]

Perhaps, but often if the surface has too much texture the pan pastel applicators don't work so well. I think the clear gesso texture might be too rough.

[@natashat2702]

i dont have purple i have blue would that work for the acrylic ink work ???

[@monetcafe]

Yes, that should work just fine. As long as the value… (Which means the lightness or darkness)… is about the same.

[@lindaloffmin9047]

How would framing under glass be accomplished using pastel on canvas ?

[@monetcafe]

You'd frame just like any other pastel on board. I like to frame without a mat so I use spacers to keep the glass away from the pastel surface. Sure wish we could find a way to display pastel artwork without the need for glass.

[@petrajimenez7323]

Beautiful ! I would try the technique soon . Thank you !

[@sigridedwards2744]

This is great i have 3 canvases for a long time , I'm going to try this, thank you for sharing 😊

[@vickijohnson255]

So if you want to keep this painting, do you still have to use glass somehow?

[@annmariegraham2699]

When you tapped the canvas panel did a lot of pastels fall off?

[@monetcafe]

Yes, some fell off, but not enough to effect the painting. Typically, the most pastel fall-off happens when I'm blending (in this case with the paper towel).

[@robertstevens8427]

Hi Maam ..which type of painting is this?

[@anettedouglasdotter]

Thank you for this wonderful tutorial- I will most definetely try this! 👍 Bless you! 🙏

[@shilpidabral4372]

Hi Susan, I accidently discovered your channel & I am feeling so thankful to you for sharing this technique with everyone. You are such an amazing artist & a beautiful human being.....Blessings & good luck for your success. I truly want to create artworks with soft pastels on large canvases but was unaware how to get started as well as how to preserve the artwork once completed. Would be grateful to get a reply from you. Thankyou

[@monetcafe]

Hi Shilpi, i’m so happy my video is helpful and I’m glad you found me. Pastel paintings need to be framed under glass for long-term protection or to display… so even if painting is on a canvas it would still have to be framed under glass. When I have pastel paintings that are done on a paper surface a temporary Lee store them in clear bags with a piece of foam core for cut for support. Hope that is helpful sweetheart and happy painting!

[@shilpidabral4372]

You are so sweet Susan ❤️❤️❤️ thanks for your reply. Very few artists reply even after 1 year of posting a video.... love n hugs 🤗🤗

[@1755ma]

@@monetcafe are you familiar with Nicholas Party? He prefers pastel on canvas. His pieces are quite large and I wonder if he covers them with glass and how impractical that would be. Any thoughts?

[@desireeh1967]

Kan i use white gesso or fix spray on the base color?

[@monetcafe]

White gesso doesn't have the "texture" that the clear gesso has and thus that pastels don't adhere very well. I'm not sure if the fixative would give enough tooth, but it's work experimenting on a small piece. :)

[@bezubezufulme]

Thank you for this however some Pastel Artists have been looking for a way to preserve the pastel on Canvas So I wondered if you had any advice on that to avoid having to frame every pastel. From experience it is difficult to varnish the pastel once it is applied to the paper or canvas as It will change the colors. This really is unacceptable and I wondered again as I had watched your video if you had a way of preserving the pastel on the canvas. Do you have any thoughts about this I would appreciate your opinion thank you so much

[@monetcafe]

Hi @bezubezufulme, the pastel even though it's on canvas still has to be preserved like any other pastel painting. 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

[@lorrainesegnere2]

how can I find your Amazon Shop on Smile Amazon?

[@monetcafe]

Hi Lorraine, I spoke with someone from Amazon, and it doesn't appear that I can direct buyers from my shop to Amazon Smile (I use Smile Amazon myself). But you can use my shop just for the convenience of finding things and then try to look for the product on Smile Amazon yourself. I'm going to try and see if I can find a way to have my products available someone as a Smile Amazon purchase.

[@franredmon2984]

Just curious. Since you didn’t paint on the entire canvas will you cut it off to frame it? Or would you use a mat? If so how would you offset the thickness of the canvas?

[@jackiegarroutte8970]

A lot of pastel artists leave that edge which will go behind the edge of the mat so it doesn't disturb or smudge the pastel. It also makes it easier to handle for the same reasons. Otherwise it is super easy to ruin the edges. That is my observation anyway 🤔😁❤ You have to frame pastels under glass

[@monetcafe]

That is such a great question, and actually something I forgot to address in the video. I realized "after the fact" that I might have an issue cutting off the bottom portion to frame. My husband is actually quite the craftsman and has various tools that I could use, but I need to make sure there is not too much vibration which may dislodge some of the pastel. So I've got another experiment... lol! And I'll try to give some feedback whenever I get around to trying to trim off the excess. Thanks for bringing up that point.

[@ebook1links]

@@monetcafe You could lay glassine on top, then use C-clamps or something similar to clamp down a suitably sized piece of wood on top of your art to offset vibration. Then use a table saw probably to saw off the excess. Just an idea. I have no idea if this would work :)

[@jenniferr-m5899]

Yes, the Colourfix primer from Art Spectrum works very well. I have used it on canvas panels.

[@monetcafe]

Nice!! Thanks for that info!

[@jillnemani1285]

Beautiful, I love Pastels ,I use Oil pastels and have made up all sorts of background stuff to put them on it’s just my hobby and Iv had interesting results on Paper alone. Thank you for sharing this I so enjoyed watching ...🙋🏼‍♀️❤️✅🙏💐

[@Engelhafen]

Susan yiu are such a sweet spirit - and what a handsome couple you and your hubby are - best wishes to you dealing with your mother-in-laws health.

[@monetcafe]

Awesome @Engelhafen, I appreciate that so much!

[@youknoweverything7643]

I normally just paint my canvass with a few god thick coats of gesso then sand it to gove it a jice tooth to hold multiple layers of soft pastels and being able to blend works great for me. Im gonna add your technique to whet i do as well love the jdea of the acrylic inks. Uodate i just tried it samd the ink and no need for adding coear gesso and worked great but since i ise white gesso and sand before hand inreally dont need to use clear gesso or re sand to get more of a tooth for the pastels but danding ks the best j jave tried and been doing. And i sand the canvass in between each medium non thinned coat of white gesso with 500-600 grit sand paper and if i need more of a tooth ill go down to 300 grit and go up to 500. But also if you need less tooth 700 grit is a great medium ground for starting till you find the grit you like

[@lyneqc7805]

Hi Susan 2 questions : if we make more than one coat of clear gesso do we get closer to sand paper ? And if we mix clear gesso with pastel ground could it be closer to sand paper? On canvas, 3rd is it still archival? Thank you have a nice day… hope your mother in law is comfortable.

[@Abhishekblogtkg]

Thanks

[@desireeh1967]

Why do you prefer sticks above pencils?

[@monetcafe]

The "sticks" have more surface area and brighter color intensity. Pastel paintings can be classified as "paintings" vs. "Drawings" because you can lay down broad strokes of color as you would with a paint brush. Hope that helps :)

[@andrewfuller8440]

Seems to me the warm colors should be foreground , and the cool colors in the back

[@monetcafe]

That is the typical rule, but with some scenes there can be variations as in this one.

[@patty8232]

Yea I just got my soft pastels no idea how to use them! Thanks oops I bought pan not stick

[@jenniferr-m5899]

There are a lot of good videos to introduce you to the medium.

[@milesoster3122]

Do you know by chance of a similar app for android?

[@asherrogers2687]

Her paintings don't look 100% like the pictures......they are SOOOO much better, so much more vibrant, so much happier!

[@althiawessels8169]

I do it a lot and I colour it

[@rosered8234]

Its slightly like an Afremov pic .. LOVE your experimental approaches … ❤️ Keep doing it ! & yes its pure escapism ( art ) you get in a zone & your just - well - (gone )lol … sometimes for hours … Its like oh my , back in the body .. look at the clock .. 3 hours have past … I have over 30 canvas boards from Amazon… dont find them as good as normal canvas .. but i will deffo use them for a try at this style . Just a quick question - What brand of pastels were these ? Thankyou

[@rosered8234]

P.s Ive seen your shop .. iam aware of your goodies that you prefer , they are some good pastels , i bought prisma , but also use some cheaper brands to build up with … myungo for instance …. (A real dark horse …. ) before i use prisma over the top & pastel pencils … Ive also just bought the Daler Purple ink ! Wow ! Beauty ! I have a rose bush the similar colour .. 😌. I have never used inks , but saw someones acrylic painting with them a few weeks ago , they had done an abstract back ground , with added random splatters of gold sparkle ✨ ink … sooo effective & pretty Then they painted 🌹 roses. Or daisies .. Or just floral in general on top . It was not pastel though.. Maybe do an acrylic ink experiment for us .. where you use different colour inks as the background & pastel paint us some roses ? Would love to see your take on that … 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@traekas7228]

“Painting” with Pastels on canvas? Not the terminology that I’ve been used to using. Ok. You’re using INK, then. I have 2 paintings (unfinished) where I accidentally forgot to add Gesso to canvas board before painting. Both have WAY TOO MUCH texture. It takes away from the overall effect. The pastel on canvas board is beautiful. Thank you. Oh! Question. Do you use any fixative on your finished pieces that would, otherwise, degrade over time? If so, what is the brand & type?

[@Souldesouse]

what's the app name?

[@monetcafe]

I haven’t gone back to look at this particular video but I think the app I referred to it it is Artomaton.

[@stanastoker1680]

Hi Susan! I am praying for you and your mother-in-law! Thank you for your great videos. How you frame pastels on canvas? Can you frame without glass?

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much Stana

[@stanastoker1680]

Thank you, Susan! I always frame without mats, too. I had read about someone who used spray varnish to seal their pastels for framing without glass, but it seems that it would change the painting too much.

[@ElizabethBattle]

I would love to see a painting of the original photo. It was so beautiful! The app ruined it imo. But I learned a lot from this video, and I absolutely agree with the no-pressure philosophy. 😊

[@monetcafe]

The original pic was also nice. Glad you learned some things and Happy Painting!!!

[@carolinemacrae6227]

I use Polish app

[@Del-Martinez-]

❤✝

[@faya4068]

🌿🌹🌹🌹🌿

[@Engelhafen]

So you stole your mother-I’m-laws art supplies 🙈🤣

[@paultoomey9861]

M

[@sgee2175]

A commercial disguised as an art lesson.

[@monetcafe]

At least it was free 😉