Painting A Cat In Pastel - Part 1

In this lesson we’re going to paint a cat together in pastel! You'll learn
how to create the impression of fur, how to use light and shadow to paint a white cat with form and volume and how to nail the likeness from the start. Watch Part 2 here: • Painting A Cat In Past...
Get your Pastel Guide here: mailchi.mp/0b911600ddd6/paste...
Get your Pastel Paper Guide here: mailchi.mp/138008bc96c4/paste...
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[@emilyadams6194]

So fun, Alain. Your "minimal stroke" technique works so well for rendering an animal without requiring the detail of the fur. I wasn't sure it would work and am pleased to see it works quite well. I have painted portraits of two of my cats with pastel. One was done with pastel pencils and a tight focus on the directions of the fur, and the other a long haired cat, with broader strokes in soft pastel. You show me that the same approach can cover both options. I particularly love the back lighting of your reference which accentuates the transparency and lovely color in a cat's ear.

[@margotelizabeth7900]

This is absolute visual poetry as I’m watching you work Thank you. Thank you so VERY much. Margot New Zealand

[@susanthrom3092]

Hi alain, looking forward to part 2 of this curious looking white cat..

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks Susan, I look forward to sharing it with you! All my best

[@rpagan05]

You’re an excellent pastel artist and a wonderful teacher! Thank you for your KZbin lessons.

[@AlainPicard]

You're welcome, thanks for the gratitude! All my best

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Alain! Wonderful Kitty! I do miss your videos ! I know your busy having a life and working with Artists through your classes, but your videos are just the most amazing works of art as well! I am still not making good enough thumbnails or value studies, well not even close to yours that is! I would really like to see a video on how you decide on what is important to include in them! I so often overwork the thumbnail or study and it consumes so much of my efforts and time! I simply have to ration how I spend my time on creating my artworks and I have always had troubles with this aspect of creation! I am off to watch part 2! Thanks again for providing such wonderful examples to follow and appreciate here on KZbin!

[@TheFernandobento]

I watch all your tutorials and I am fascinated by your works. I learn a lot from you. Thank you from Portugal

[@AlainPicard]

that is very kind, so glad to hear from you. Keep painting!

[@RafaNieradzik]

Long time! One of the best pastel artist back on YT. :) I really like your style.

[@AlainPicard]

appreciate it, keep painting!

[@deborahbrookes-mangan4107]

Rafal, I don’t know if you are aware that Alain has regular online portrait, landscape, still life courses? They are the BEST!

[@AlainPicard]

@@deborahbrookes-mangan4107 thank you that is kind!

[@user-xq9cw4ss6u]

I love the painterly look

[@AlainPicard]

Happy to hear it, I hope you'll give it a try!

[@kerryhelelr8037]

I Love watching you and learning from you. I Look forward to part 2 of this stunning cat. Thanks Alain

[@wilmawernick9242]

Thank you so much. For the sake of continuity, I try to watch the whole video before I attempt to put a mark on paper. Then, when I am ready to work, I can pause the video and go at my own (slow) pace. I love your work and your style of teaching.

[@michellequinnstudios]

Oh my gosh, SO AWESOME to watch you work like this! Thank you!

[@AlainPicard]

thank you Michelle, it's a pleasure. keep painting!

[@alberto_pessoa_professor]

AHHHHHH!!! My favorite art teacher!!! Thanks for the video

[@AlainPicard]

You are so welcome! Keep painting!

[@joannschoenleber813]

Okay Alain that Kitty is about to be beamed up onto the USS Pastel enterprise!! I can feel it with the masterly edge work and the bright backlit ears. It’s ready for takeoff!!🐱. Thanks 🙏 sooo much maestro. You remind me of what beautiful edgework can aspire to whilst always keeping an eye on value and form!! I’ve learned so much from you. What a gift 🎁 Amazing!! Happy New Year!!

[@AlainPicard]

thanks for the encouragement Joann, you are very funny! Looking forward to sharing part 2 with you soon! Keep painting

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks so much for watching! Look forward to answering your questions here! Don't forget to check the links in the description if you want to grab the Pastel Guides!

[@audreybarclay869]

Great beginning! the cat is truly emerging:) Looking forward to part 2

[@aliciamolloy5948]

Thank you Alain, can’t wait for part 2.

[@barbarascott1774]

Thanks for this super tutorial so pleased to see you doing a pet ( cat) thanks for all the tips you have shared, looks great already

[@AlainPicard]

Glad you enjoy the lesson, Barbara, look forward to sharing part 2 with you!

[@Hanna-dm1sm]

Watching you paint is like watching a ballet. A great experience always. Thank you for this lesson.

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you so much 😀 appreciate it!

[@christinegalysh7433]

Thank you and all the best

[@WHITNEYSTUDIOS]

Thank you so much for quality art on this side of the paywall. Also, the links are excellent resources, too. I use the willow/vine charcoal and love its properties. Your pastel acumen is "top drawer". Not affiliated, just want you to know how much you are appreciated!

[@AlainPicard]

It is very kind of you to share your appreciation, I make these videos for artists like YOU! Keep painting

[@gigibarrett8784]

Thanks for these videos. You are the best 😊

[@AlainPicard]

You're welcome Gigi, it's a joy to share. Keep painting!

[@dali4323]

Thank you Alain for your content, you're an inspiration for me!

[@AlainPicard]

That means alot, keep painting!

[@paranoidphantom9989]

Alain J Picard you are very inspirational and I want to be a cool painter like you one day. Thank you for inspiring me.

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you, that is kind. I don't know about the cool part, but painting is a rewarding challenge! Keep painting

[@paranoidphantom9989]

@@AlainPicard you are cool bro! 😎

[@dulcieogilvie5786]

Ooooo lovely! Can’t wait for part 2…then I shall have a go!!!

[@AlainPicard]

That sounds like a great plan! It will be out within the next week!

[@amel2784]

One of the best pastelists and one of the best teachers. Good stuff.

[@kellyflanagan7632]

Thank you! I love your style of teaching and the way you explain what you're doing.

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you so much! Keep painting Kelly

[@RobertYoung1966]

Absolutely amazing, thank you for sharing your art.

[@AlainPicard]

It is a joy, you are very welcome. Part 2 comes out today, be sure watch!

[@RobertYoung1966]

@@AlainPicard really looking forward to it, thank you.

[@koto3754]

Your explanations are awesome! You are an awesome teacher delivering quality content.

[@AlainPicard]

Glad you think so! Keep painting!

[@lisatweten8231]

Thank you for your pastel painting demo! Getting the shapes right before doing the details really helped me.

[@AlainPicard]

so glad to hear it. A great discipline to learn. Keep going!

[@michep.169]

i love the way you put your marks. So beautiful already. Thank you for sharing.

[@angeladaquila3495]

Pretty gosh darn terrific! I loved this wonderful demonstration……thanks much!

[@AlainPicard]

So glad you enjoyed, and part 2 is coming soon, so look forward to it! Keep painting

[@joyceyeap8121]

Thank you Alain. You continue to inspire. Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy and creative new year ahead.

[@AlainPicard]

thank you Joyce, appreciate your kindness! All my best and keep painting!

[@chuckgurley4048]

Amazing

[@silviaciccu1022]

Wow, adsolutely brilliant!

[@candidadelacruz1155]

I loved thanks

[@kyrlecahill1902]

Super Tutorial Alain, looks great already

[@AlainPicard]

Appreciate it, a good start really is important. All my best!

[@gunterblas1158]

hello alain wow, what a great video and you explained it so well, please keep it up, we're already looking forward to your next video many greetings from bavaria from andrea and günter

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you so much, and thanks for watching! Looking forward to sharing part 2 with you!

[@sylvianblue]

Hey, nice to see you back with another video! 🐈 🎨

[@AlainPicard]

More to come! Thanks for watching

[@louiselarose6805]

Thank you very much Alain for these valuable tips! It is always a pleasure to watch you start, set up your subject, whatever it is. My feline is all white with the inside of the pink ears, the tip of the pink nose and beautiful green eyes. I was just planning to paint it. This tutorial is just right!

[@AlainPicard]

How exciting, I hope you enjoy your cat painting too!

[@carolhestand2561]

I have cats, love to paint them. My first cat in pastel - I had problems getting the conture of the side if the nose. Love love this video! Thanks!!!

[@roxannekeomaka4754]

Luv it! Your the best Happy New Year

[@ellenpillersdorf2986]

Thanks for this lesson

[@AlainPicard]

My pleasure! Glad you enjoy it

[@sandyobrien5686]

What an excellent demo. Just love how Alain shows us how to use charcoal to get the drawing right! Also used the closed caption feature, because I was on a plane and ambient noise around me made it hard to listen. Thank you for that feature!

[@AlainPicard]

That's great Sandy, so glad you enjoyed! Look forward to seeing more of your beautiful paintings!

[@paulinearnold1801]

Brilliant

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks I hope it helps you paint your own furry friends! Keep going

[@nuchabodin]

Thank you!

[@AlainPicard]

you're welcome!

[@MrJairo3259]

Nice to see you Alain

[@AlainPicard]

It's nice to be seen!

[@editnemetneklein6312]

Thank you! :)

[@AlainPicard]

You are very welcome, all my best!

[@ZainBeautifulSoul]

👏👏👏😻...at last a cat! I have 3 white cats, 1 completely white and 2 have little patches like this one. Definitely going to paint this first before painting my own cat 😃. BTW, what color is your Pastelmat ? is it sand, brown or light blue (which looks like light grey)? If none of what I mentioned...what color do you suggest...I have sand, Sienna, maize, anthracite, light blue, dark grey and brown? 🤔

[@jillmageeful]

hi Alain, can you please post link to photo reference? i can't find it thanks jill magee

[@ChristopherHemsworthCreative]

Alain! I'm new to your channel and immediately hooked. I am a long time artist but new to pastels and am gravitating towards them because of two reasons : I feel most comfortable working in a sketchy loose style, and also I don't have to think about dry time at all, haha. Anyways quick question: when you are doing your proportion checking you use your vine charcoal or stick to measure at arms length, from photo to canvas, but they don't seem to be the same size, and yet you are not using a proportional divider. Do you have a video where you explain more about this process? I can understand 1:1 in this way side by side but I don't grasp how you are doing what you are doing. Thanks so much!

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Christopher, welcome to pastel! It's right where you want to be, direct and sketchy with a painterly richness. I use Units of Measurement to figure out the change in proportion from model or reference to drawing/painting. I teach about it in my book Beginning Drawing www.picardstudio.com/store/beginning-drawing and my Online Painterly Portrait Course. I think I cover some of this here kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGnRgWl6bpd6hqs I hope this helps!

[@mattmanning7999]

Have a tortoise colored cat whom I love dearly. Question, what is the benefit of the thumbnail sketch Alain.

[@Roozbh_b]

Hello good time Master what cardboard to use for pastel Thanks for the help🙏🌷

[@mariarosariastufanomelone]

super

[@AlainPicard]

thanks Maria, all my best!

[@Engelhafen]

I wanna paint a portrait of my bear 😁