Painting Sunsets in Pastel - PART 1

In this two-part video lesson, I’ll show you how to create radiant sunsets in soft pastel using an underpainting wash and bold mark-making techniques. Watch part one of this video now, and be sure to follow along step-by-step by signing up below to receive your own Painting Sunsets Step-by-Step Guide! Get your Painting Sunsets Step-by-Step Guide here: mailchi.mp/250b2c6969a7/sunsets
Watch PART 2 here: • Painting Sunsets in Pa...
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[@TheJoan48]

i can't wait for tomorrow so I can try this. I bought a small set of pastels. I'm an oil painter but I'm so tired of waiting days for things to dry so I can proceed. I love the incredibly bright colors of pastels too. There's so much to learn and I'm so grateful for your free videos to help people learn by watching, the best way. Off to part two! I'm like a kid in a candy store!! Thank you so much, Alain. Love, Joan Williamson

[@SirPrancelot1]

Can't thank you enough for making these free, in depth, real time videos sharing the method behind your skill as a painter. Very rare indeed and inspirational.

[@AlainPicard]

You're very welcome, thanks for appreciating! All the best

[@eithnebyrne1165]

Very clear instructions, thank you, look forward to the next stage

[@monetcafe]

OH, and I always forget to mention how great it is to see another "lefty" ;)

[@AlainPicard]

Yes! You are a lefty as well, Susan? That's great! In my home, we have three out of four lefties. My 12 yr old is a rightie, and he is a good artist too.

[@amalamati]

That was fantastic Alain. Such an elegant, warm and professional presentation. I am learning from your methodical approach to colour layering and your distinctive mark-making. Your marks are confident and energetic and transmit vitality. Such a joy. Look forward to part two

[@AlainPicard]

Hey Thanks, Timothy, I appreciate the kind remarks. I'm really glad you enjoyed this lesson! Part Two coming out later today, stay tuned! Mark-making is such a joy indeed, love it! All the best to you in your work.

[@elaineyoung9672]

Q

[@pamelaparker4044]

I can’t express how much I appreciate you and your teaching. You open a wonderful new experience for me

[@AlainPicard]

Aww, thanks Pamela, that's really kind. You are very welcome. So glad you enjoy and gain inspiration. All the best!

[@marthadowd2340]

thanks so much for your helpful instruction. your work is beautiful!

[@AlainPicard]

thank you very much, keep painting!

[@johannedescoteaux3507]

Wow, so beautiful, the rich colours and soft edges. You have a gift for sharing your masterly applications; thank you; I appreciate it!

[@AlainPicard]

That's very kind Johanne, thank you. It's really fun to share the art of pastel with you all!

[@louisehones]

Enjoyed this video very much. Love your patient, thorough explanations of the stages of pastel, painting. Thank you

[@AlainPicard]

You're very welcome Louise! Glad you enjoyed.

[@potsrme]

Hey Alain, thank you! Your point about working from a decent size, quality reference has made an impact on my work already. Sometimes seemingly minor points can make a huge difference.

[@AlainPicard]

That's great! Even though this point sounds simple, it really is so important. I'm glad you've been able to see the impact on your work. Way to go!

[@brendaswitzer6835]

i am so appreciative of these videos......as a retired art teacher of 40 years, i know a good teacher when i see one! Alan is spot on, efficient yet so informative. Thank you for sharing all of your immense knowledge.

[@AlainPicard]

Brenda, that means alot to me, thank you! I really appreciate your encouragement. All my best, and keep painting!

[@kerryhelelr8037]

Fabulous demo. Thank you

[@enquery]

Alain, TY kindly for such an informative two parter. One of the best demonstrations of under painting I've seen. Your talents are much appreciated, especially now. Gratitude for all you share with us. Blessings.

[@LyseikoArt]

You are the best!

[@vicbinkhorst4992]

Love the way you build it up. Every time I am surprised to watch the development of the painting. I started 6 months ago working with soft pastels and learn a lot from you. Thank you. I live in the Netherlands and waiting for part 2.

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Vic, great to hear from you in the Netherlands! Yes, pastel is amazing the way we can layer color upon color. It's so much fun. Hope you are doing some painting yourself! All the best

[@briantownsley2718]

Thanks Alain, I'm going to buy my first set of pastels, probably Sennelier half stick soft. as recommended for beginners. I paint in acrylics now, but would like to try pastels in our plain air group. My thought I can eliminate water, brushes, except for a blending brush. and all the paints I carry. Our group leader paints with pastels and I like how soft her paintings look.

[@elainehardman968]

Wonderful Alain! Enjoyed immensely. Thank you!

[@madamrose1965]

Fabulous 👏👏👏

[@fathersday06]

Great , love the sunset 🌅 ! My favorite time of the day !

[@christineamstutz420]

I just so enjoyed your amazing step by step painting with so well formulated comments accompanying the visual. Thanks so much. Looking forward to the next video.

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Christine, you're welcome! Glad you enjoyed, I used to get in trouble for talking in class when I was young, now I get complimented for it! All the best to you.

[@tweetie1999]

Awesome! Great tutorial. You paint like your hands are dancing, and thank you for sharing your talent and time. Next part 2.

[@Kimby1982]

Great tutorial Alain, cant wait for part 2. I did not know you could do under washes with pastels and alcohol, good to know!

[@carlpen850]

I've been using alcohol since my freshman year of college, the trick is to know just how much to use so your painting doesn't fall over... if you think your painting has too much alcohol the smart thing to do is call a cab.

[@Angelica-bt4hh]

Another great tutorial. Can’t wait for part two. Such wonderful tips. Thank you! 🎨

[@AlainPicard]

You're welcome, and thanks for the kind words!

[@jmeetze8]

I always enjoy your videos Alain and I just finished a winter sunset on a local lake. I will have to try another one now! Thank you.

[@trinapetrina3598]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge - extremely helpful to me in understanding how the interaction of color works. Could you please explain why you choose to use a black board to support your paintings.

[@sarahkennedy7520]

Looking forward to part 2. Thank you so much for sharing step by step for a beginner like myself.

[@AlainPicard]

Wonderful. Be patient with yourself, and keep practicing! I wish you the best

[@maureenbaril1868]

Excellent as always Alain!! Great teaching, can't wait to see the next part! Love it!

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks Maureen, glad you enjoyed! See you next week!

[@AeriolNicols]

Wow great videos. Best sharer of pastel knowledge on you tube. Great vid. Thank you.

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks so much, Aerial, that's kind. I'm glad you enjoy the videos!

[@66supersport1]

So happy to find you!!! I have been a snobbish oil painted for about 5 years- lol oh boy! I bought a small set of Sennelier paints a few years ago and just started a couple of weeks ago! So surprised to find out how much I loved and enjoyed using them! I love your teaching style and beautiful color you lay down so effortlessly! Thank you and I look forward to seeing the product you offer!

[@joanmcechron8958]

Your videos are a treat. Looking forward to part 2.

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you Joan, so glad you enjoy!

[@jessicagrill9180]

Thank you for this clear lesson. I even loved the under painting!

[@AlainPicard]

You are so welcome, all the best!

[@pastels46]

I am planning to go back to pastel painting. This presentation has been extremely useful! Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to watch part 2 right now.

[@AlainPicard]

Great! Thanks for letting me know, and all the best to you Esther!

[@lynetteleine2620]

So well done, I am looking forward to the finishing. Thank you.

[@AlainPicard]

You're welcome Lynette! You won't have to wait too long. In the meantime, enjoy some painting this week!

[@crystalthursby2808]

Awe, love your videos! Cannot wait to see the second

[@AlainPicard]

That's so kind, thank you! Stay tuned Crystal!

[@user-ey7vk4nn3d]

Love this

[@patriciaharris6404]

This is a great tutorial, I am learning a great deal. Thank you.

[@andrewansaldiiii7441]

This was excellent. Well presented. Looking forward to the next installment. Trying to learn.

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Andrew, thanks for the feedback! Glad you are looking forward to part two. Keep learning, and keep painting!

[@maldoori238]

Great work as usual Alain. I like the bright colours and it is a beautiful scene. Thank you very much for sharing your wonderful skills. Might I say I am a great fan of Susan Jenkins too 👍👍🤩

[@MrJairo3259]

Waiting for the next!

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks Francisco, you won't have to wait too long!

[@nanceesebenaler4301]

Really enjoyed this video! I am looking forward to part 2.

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you Nancee

[@sabinelloyd8532]

This has been very educational and inspiring. Thank you.

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Sabine, you're welcome! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@roslynburgess-clay1419]

Loved it Alain!! Can’t wait for part 2 🙋🏼🙏🏻

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks, Roslyn, I appreciate the kind remarks. I'm really glad you enjoyed this lesson! Did you see part 2?

[@roslynburgess-clay1419]

Alain Picard I did indeed. Watched Part 1 of your new one ‘Painting Trees’. Great tutorial and very helpful. Can’t wait for Part 2. God bless 🙏🏻

[@AlainPicard]

Roslyn Burgess-Clay thats great. I hope it is inspiring your own painting and giving you new ideas! All the best

[@marcotronic]

Excellent again! Thanks a lot. Looking forward to part 2.

[@AlainPicard]

You're welcome. It's going to be a great part two!

[@dianaharshbarger615]

Such an excellent instructor!!!!

[@AlainPicard]

Glad you think so! All my best

[@denisegrossman3840]

This is such a helpful tutorial. I am following along with a person seascape photograph and its helpful. Will watch again and concentrat on using one color for the sky and add underpainting. I used premier italian clay paper, however, next time will use underpainting. Thanks for handouts. Best!

[@richardcohen3701]

Alain; I am thrilled with your videos - a great help to my leaning process.

[@AlainPicard]

Hey Richard, thank you very much. Keep painting, and I am glad to encourage you!

[@wieswarnders6501]

I enjoy this tutorial look forward to part two!

[@AlainPicard]

Awesome thanks!

[@stormcorrosion176]

thank you Mr. Picard!!

[@riverred6671]

Quality Mr Picard...

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks Steve

[@jamesholder13]

I can't wait for Part 2!

[@AlainPicard]

Awesome thanks!

[@barbaraeastbourne5398]

Love the way you teach🥰😃

[@AlainPicard]

That's very kind Barbara, thank you. It's really fun to share the art of pastel with you all!

[@mjpete27]

I like that your doing the tone sketch, I remember doing this but it went away as I had to maximize my time spent on each work. If you are not getting paint onto the "finished" work it is time not paid for! I have forgotten how to create without a time table. I appreciate how relaxed you are and you still seem to be able to create at a rapid pace! i never have used Alcohol as under-painting medium, Water is what I used before, I am excited to try it out! I am watching your marking technique I find it very expressionistic! I am off to view part 2 Thank You!

[@LeonardoSantos-ll9dn]

Belo trabalho !!!!!!!!! parabéns !!!!!

[@MrJairo3259]

Good work Alan👏👏👏

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks Francisco

[@johnbritton2835]

This is great step by step teaching and demonstration.

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks John

[@AlainPicard]

Hope you are trying your own hand at a sunset soon!

[@johnbritton2835]

Thank you Alain

[@Megzamani]

Thank you

[@rudranshsingh2503]

You deserve much more

[@anjabok]

Many thanks. GREAT TEACHING GREAT PAINTING

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks and you are very welcome, Anja. I appreciate it.

[@flooklh]

You have me sitting amazed at what I just viewed. I didn't know you could use alcohol in your underpainting... I'm definitely going to try this method. Thank you so much. I can't wait for no. 2

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks so much, Lindy. I'm glad you enjoy the videos! Did you see part 2?

[@flooklh]

@@AlainPicard thank you, yes I watched no. 2. I Just loved the stunning light rays you got round the sun... It positively glows.

[@lisabrunner1485]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos. I really like your step by step explanations. And by the way you have a great soothing voice! You should record audio books ;)

[@AlainPicard]

You are very kind Lisa, thank you. I hope you feel encouraged to paint and grow! Keep going

[@sheliacruz3502]

Yeah first. I love you Alain

[@AlainPicard]

Nice work Shelia, you are first to comment!

[@mariaurena4809]

Beautifull

[@mightymac1005]

Awesome!!!

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks for the energy, MightyMac!

[@kathandterry2]

Great video Alain I like the way you speak your thoughts regarding value and how relative values are. It helps me address the effect of optical mixing. You mentioned the reason you were using a particular horizontal mark, please try to do more of this as it’s fascinating. Even if we get colour right the volume the mark brings seems so important to the colour value. Does that make sense? I Look forward to your finishing video thanks

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Kathy, I am getting more and more questions lately regarding the nature of mark-making. It seems like a subject of great inquiry, and worthy of more future video conversation. I'll really try to think about and express my thoughts on marks more. Thanks and stay tuned!

[@susananielsen8911]

Thank you for a wonderful video. Please explain: how do you mount the Uart paper on the gator board?

[@AlainPicard]

Great question Susana, and one that is worth a whole video in the future. Subscribe and stay tuned, because I just might have an answer for you in the near future! In the meantime, you can purchase mounted UART Boards from DakotaPastels.com

[@monetcafe]

Excellent video brother! I'm definitely sharing in Monet Cafe' Facebook Group. You have so many fans :)

[@AlainPicard]

Aww, thanks Susan! That's encouraging, you are so generous to share this video with your community. Blessings to you today!

[@judithwilliams5773]

@@AlainPicard Susan is one of my most loved teachers.

[@naomibrik8843]

Thank you Alain. You teach very well. Do you use water for underpainting? Thanks a lot

[@helgaleifsdottir5191]

Terrific.

[@AlainPicard]

thanks so much, keep painting!

[@asimnajam2964]

One of my favorite Art Instructor. Thanks for making such an amazing video as well as for tutorial guide. One question can we use something else instead of alcohol.

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you Asim, that's kind of you. Yes, you can use any solvent to stain the pigment. Mineral spirits, water, turpentine, etc. have fun!

[@faithehanrahan]

Thnx. Gonna give it a go.

[@AlainPicard]

Wonderful! Happy painting!

[@cnbowles1]

Thank You!!!!

[@AlainPicard]

Cindy Bowles you are so welcome!

[@margaretbrownhill1193]

Thankyou so much for doing this Alain, I have 90% isopropyl can I use that perhaps dilute it a little or should buy the correct strength. I have downloaded the worksheets for this and ordered myself a small strathmore toned pad, I can see that I need to to do thumbnail tonal studies not just for this but also some of my wzterco,ours

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Margaret, you can absolutely use 90% it just evaporates faster than 70% but I use it too. It's convenient that the board dries so quickly. Sounds like you are ready to get to work! Love it. And yes, thumbnails are a very smart investment in your painting process!

[@prayalways-]

Great!!

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks Malous ArtLife

[@mellowbats]

Excellent video as usual! I wanted to know if you mount your paper yourself. If so I would like to know your method sometime. Thanks again for the video!

[@AlainPicard]

Stay tuned, as I will be revealing my own method very soon! The answer is yes, sometimes I mount, and sometimes I buy my boards mounted.

[@dariovolpones1188]

good afternoon teacher , i'm following your tutorial from Italy ( sorry for my elementary english ) , it is very very nice ! i'm a beginner but i'll try to do that follow your lesson ! i have a question for you ! what kind of pastels do you use ? i have toisoon super soft , faber castel soft and sennelir ! can you give me an advice ?

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you Ivan. Great to hear from you! If you watch the video, "What Pastels Should I Use" that I made, you will see the answer. All the best!

[@reneekroyer5104]

Love this, Alain. My problem: I CANNOT find any rubbing alcohol now because of covid. Sigh. lol So I have to use water which takes 4-ever to dry! Thanks for your very helpful videos.

[@renaissanceman18133]

Does the isopropyl alcohol weaken or smooth the tooth of the paper at all? In terms of retaining pigment in the tooth for future layers? I always smear the pigment dry across the paper with a dry paper towel to get my underpainting layer. Thanks.

[@leighsirvent654]

Stunning! What kind of pastels do you use?

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you, I'm glad you like it. You can see my favorite pastels and recommendations here: mailchi.mp/0b911600ddd6/pastel-supply-list

[@billwesterman4583]

How about pisting over the underpainting layin of bold strokes and then using a brush to work the pigment?

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Bill, not sure I totally understand your comment, but I do at times manipulate the pastel with a brush. Brushes knock the pigment out of the paper, though, whereas underpainting washes stain the color into the paper. So if I want to manipulate with a brush, I really like mineral spirit washes that stay wet for a while to work the edges.

[@latifatalbi9716]

👍👍👍

[@judithwilliams5773]

Thank you so much! I have been muddling through a sunset painting and have completely messed it up. I should have watched this first as I think the alcohol wash would have helped a lot. Also the thumbnail. I'm going to have a cup of tea and start over and take my time. Your way of reaching really makes a difference to me. I have other artists I learn from and all are good but sometimes skip the basics.

[@kanchangupta2038]

B beautiful

[@mariadagloriasantosdeolive1593]

Alan cv poderia mim dezer o nome do diluente que vc usa? Amo o seu trabalho e a seu talento

[@lindajenkins4515]

Hi there. Can you use anything else other than alcohol?

[@lindajenkins4515]

Cheryl Parr Thanks Cheryl. Will try it out. Only painted my dog in pastels so far and haven’t attempted landscapes.

[@georgefernandez5506]

I use spray mount, but it must be Super 77. Make sure to work in a well ventilated area and/or wear protective mask so you don't breathe it in and spread out some newsprint under the area. You can actually do several at the same time. Works great!

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Lisa, thanks for the technique. Yes, I've used Super77 as well. This roll is nice because no toxic fumes involved, and you can still do as many as you want in a row. I'm not sure about the comparative tack quality of each adhesive, but I will say that this holds really well, whereas I have had some lifting at times with spray adhesives. Probably because of user error!

[@georgefernandez5506]

Thanks so much Alain, I am planning to try this as well. It's always been such a mystery! Thanks for sharing.

[@AlainPicard]

You bet@@georgefernandez5506

[@ArbonneICtutorials]

Where can I find the reference photoe for the sunset?

[@jessicagrill9180]

What brand of pastels do you use? And which paper?

[@AlainPicard]

Jessica, great question. Watch my videos, “What Pastels Should I Use?” And “What Pastel Paper Should I Use?” I answer your questions in detail!

[@AlainPicard]

You can find links to the videos here: What Pastels Should I Use? kzbin.info/www/bejne/bH-TpKWtbtWeoqc What Pastel Paper Should I Use? kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZbInqCOe7Gkd8k

[@thesultanmerchant]

Is it pastel stick ? If yes, then what brand it is?

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Sultan, you can watch this video to find out what pastels I am using: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bH-TpKWtbtWeoqc

[@LeoraLaGraffe]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video! I confess I am guilty of keeping my reference photo or iPad behind me. I need to stop that!

[@AlainPicard]

Ha! That's a great confession Leora. Sounds like a great time to upgrade your setup! Thank you for the kind words. Now keep painting!

[@lizaarcher7645]

When is part 2 coming out?

[@AlainPicard]

Part two is coming out on Wednesday, March 13

[@kilaasimller2422]

What kind of pastels?

[@barbaraeastbourne5398]

Where does the download go on the IPad?😱

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Barbara, can you open it and save it? If it does not work feel free to email us at [e-mail] and we will email you the guide.

[@antheablackmore5838]

What is the wash with please ?

[@AlainPicard]

This wash is with isopropyl alcohol from the pharmacy. I think it was 70%

[@antheablackmore5838]

Aw many thanks Alain, these are such helpful videos and I love your work

[@ms.chelleg2068]

That's a 15 min thumbnail sketch?! I was trying to figure out how you ran torn out note paper through the printer! 😅🤦🏽‍♀️

[@antheablackmore5838]

Aha alcohol! But which one ?

[@AlainPicard]

Isopropyl Alcohol from your local pharmacy is great. 70% or 91% whichever you like more. the higher the percentage, the faster it dries. Have fun!

[@lindakopec7036]

It bothers me that you put the sun off to one side and then gave a wrong perspective of the reflection. Reflections on water and ice always move from the source to our eye. The reflection on here is off. I will watch the next part to see if you catch that.

[@TheDebalbertson]

Try not to use words you aren’t thinking about you said you are pretty agnostic about your thumb nail drawing yet the word agnostic means A person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence of god.or of anything beyond material phenomena; a person who claims neither faith or disbelief in God. We know you are intelligent 😊 the word you were searching for is adamant .

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks for the english lesson. Didn't want adamant at all. Used as an adjective in a non-religious context, agnostic essentially means, "indifferent". I still love Jesus, don't worry. However, I am indifferent regarding the tools others will use for thumbnailing. That is the context here. if you read further in your dictionary, you will see agnostic used as an adjective in nonreligious context. That said, I make mistakes all the time. Thanks.

[@barbaraeastbourne5398]

Why is a thumbnail sketch necessary when you have a. Photo reference.

[@AlainPicard]

Oh how I wish you were in a workshop with me! I deal with this question regularly. The short answer is, so you will actually begin to make artistic decisions, as opposed to just copying the photograph. There are many more benefits that I expound on. They relate to design, values and shape recognition.