Painting Sunsets in Pastel - PART 2

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. In part two, I’m pulling back the veil and giving you my shop secrets to creating that radiant glow of light. Get your Painting Sunsets Step-by-Step Guide here: mailchi.mp/250b2c6969a7/sunsets
If you haven’t yet seen Part One, you’re going to want to watch that video first. Click here to watch Part One now:
• Painting Sunsets in Pa...
Get seven free underpainting videos here. picardstudio.com/
Alain's Workshops: www.picardstudio.com/workshops/
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[@shawnkrise6198]

Nice work! And superb instruction. I’m moving into landscape pastel painting after a lifetime of portrait work, so it’s wonderful to have artists like you who so generously share demonstrations, talking through your process. THANK YOU, Alain!

[@AlainPicard]

You are very welcome!

[@TheJoan48]

Absolutely wonderful! I found myself prompting you to do this or that, ha ha! I thoroughly enjoyed every second of that. I'm starting a new painting in pastels tomorrow! I'll be back! Thank you so much, Joan Williamson

[@louiseherrick3710]

Thank you, each time I watch this I learn more!

[@AlainPicard]

Thrilled to hear it, keep painting!

[@LeoraLaGraffe]

Omg I’m dying, “it gave its life for that little moment....”. Moment of silence for all the soft pastels which have lost their lives crumbling under use or being dropped on the floor. 🤦‍♀️. And a half hour of looking at this magnificent painting in awe!

[@AlainPicard]

Leora LaGraffe hah! I lost two more this morning, had to close my eyes for a moment and breathe.

[@AlainPicard]

Leora LaGraffe and thank you again for your encouragement. I am grateful!

[@MissTinaTv]

LOL over here in the Netherlands. You are such a gifted painter and a bit of a comedian, too! Thanks for a wonderful demonstration.

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you@@MissTinaTv , I appreciate it! Glad you enjoyed, and found it humorous! It's good to laugh as well as taking our painting seriously. All the best to you!

[@leighsirvent654]

Awe inspiring! It is amazing that you barely blend and have such a beautiful masterpiece!

[@AlainPicard]

thank you Leigh, appreciate it. Pastel is a wonderful medium, I hope you use it as well!

[@mimigarritydenman2896]

Thank you for your generosity sharing your expertise. I was struggling with my sunset picture and this was so helpful.

[@johannedescoteaux3507]

We are blessed that you have a gift of communicating your thought processes within the emotive construct of painting with us. Thank you for sharing at this level. Amazingly, I feel I am right there painting with you and understanding your choices. Your abilities to teach and convey these concepts is remarkable.

[@usselpasoable]

Alan, the music is quite appropriate as your hand movements are that of a conductor..Bravo!

[@dianaharshbarger615]

Wonderful as always Alan!!!!

[@AlainPicard]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rowdeo8968]

I never understood the complexity of pastel before. I ordered product/materials to try. I do every-other medium conceivable.Pastel is more delicate and complicated involving a skill I am totally unfamiliar with. Thank you for the slow step by step tutorial. I am 74 raised 8 children while being supported by a wonderfully create husband and always had time to do creative projects because I am tenacious. Now I devote my days to very aspect of art until I am drawn out of my happy place by reality. You conduct your paintings as if you were in front of your orchestra. You impress me with a calm organized manner tempered by your loose open wonderful talent. I think the key is the paper for me. The foundation is paper. I stole sandpaper from my husband's workshop (he builds beautiful large airplanes) and plan to prepare the surface of the sandpaper to play with the pastels and see what fun I can have!! I watched this painting twice!!!!!!! again thank you

[@Coco2345ful]

Love, love, love it!

[@sharit7970]

Beautiful work!!

[@kerryhelelr8037]

Such a lovely painting. Loving and learning a lot in your 2022 Landscape Course. I think I’ll use this painting as one of the exercises in milestone 4. Thanks.

[@AlainPicard]

So glad you are enjoying the course! Sounds great, it's a fun painting to explore.

[@tom1tomek1]

Over 30 years ago I used to paint in oils. Friends helped me to arrange exhibitions where I sold all paints for dimes just to buy oils. I had to return to driving airplanes job to put food on the table. I always flew long distances a minimum of 12 hours, so I had at least 5000 chances to see sunsets or sunrises. Now that I can stay home, I just bought oil pastels set, hoping for the best, although I have never tried painting with them. Alain, thank you for being on KZbin!

[@ShuggaMug]

I'm new to pastor painting and I broke four pastels on my last painting. Seeing you break a few of your pastels was very comforting and made me feel normal😅

[@AlainPicard]

Oh yes, it's normal and getting used to the right touch is an important part of learning.

[@davidengler3094]

Brilliant! Thanks you're a great teacher!

[@AlainPicard]

Hi David, you're welcome! Glad you enjoyed the video

[@MT-bc6xf]

Wow! Amazing. Bravo!

[@susantaja4129]

Wow! Gorgeous!

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you Susan, appreciate it!

[@wildagayn]

Brilliant, thank you

[@patriciaharris6404]

Just wonderful. Other YT artists put down so many layers of pastel which can get confusing for beginners but you get to the heart of the colours you want to convey without too many layers . Excellent.

[@AlainPicard]

thank you Patricia, I appreciate it. Hope it helps!

[@heraclitus575]

Alain, your mark-making is inspiring.

[@AlainPicard]

Nick Majesky thank you! I love the process of mark-making, it’s so much fun, and a source of joy for me. Glad you like it!

[@myartprocess6003]

My gosh, that sun's so brilliant, I had to squint! Beautiful!

[@debras1503]

I love your technique, I have been using the wrong paper and trying to blend to much! TY for your information

[@SF-fl3in]

I have a whole summer of Florida sunsets in photos. Can’t wait to try recreating them with pastels. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@EmpyreanLightASMR]

How did it go?

[@helgaleifsdottir5191]

Beautiful. You are a great painter. Thank you, Alan, for sharing extraordinary videos for free.

[@AlainPicard]

You are very welcome, it's my joy to share with you!

[@alanesteinacker9556]

Thank you for the gift of Part 2 today. Thank you for two-part series on painting sunsets. Your mark-making is inspiring and a liberating example to follow. Your tutorials are very encouraging.

[@AlainPicard]

Alane Steinacker you’re welcome! You are so kind to share words of gratitude and encouragement. I am grateful!

[@mjpete27]

I was so happy to see you use a brush for the edges and blending. I see you still use your finger too but I disliked that aspect of pastels in the past and the dust I brought in with me was another reason I had to drop its use, so many years ago. I have marked a set of brushes for Pastel use ONLY! I am looking forward to using your tips and process in my next effort! Thank you for these wonderful videos and I do appreciate the sign up sheets and follow through. SO considerate and generous. Hoping you have a lovely day!

[@flooklh]

Thanks for a stunning pastel tutorial. I learned a great deal from you about mark making. I'm definitely going to try out these tips when next I get out my pastel set.

[@AlainPicard]

Lindy du Toit great news! So encouraged to hear that you are going to be practicing with your pastels!

[@martagold425]

Hello for the first time i entered your channel and watched this video I liked the simplicity of your style of drawing and coloring as well as your smile and beautiful soul.

[@pastels46]

Wonderful! I love the way you make the pastel dance and sing while creating beautiful color forms. Your technique and the way you share your thoughts while painting is great.

[@AlainPicard]

So glad you enjoyed Esther, and now it's your turn to paint! I hope you are feeling inspired to get back into pastel painting. My very best to you!

[@nancyowens2173]

Just beautiful as all of your work. Thank you for the instruction! Nancy

[@AlainPicard]

Nancy Owens thank you! I am happy to provide you with some encouragement, keep painting!

[@karennaturallyartby]

Fantastic!

[@wieswarnders6501]

Greart Alain, beautiful colors! and that work with de brush never thought of!

[@priscillawhitford8318]

This is my favorite video of yours! Wonderful.

[@marcyshannon2607]

Painterly mark making. WOW. I love it and thank you for sharing your talent.

[@chrisbutler9158]

A beautiful picture, I love sunsets. I also liked your reference to the late Bob Ross, he used to make me laugh with his "happy clouds" etc. Another saying of his was, "there's no such thing as a mistake, just a happy accident." I only came across your videos by accident a couple of days ago but I'm loving them so far. It's great to see artists using different mediums other than paint, there are so many. My favourite medium was charcoal (quite messy too), many moons ago of course, mostly landscapes, I'm also a "leftie."

[@jenniferr-m5899]

Thank you. I learned a vauable lesson about not rushing the painting and being more deliberate.

[@AlainPicard]

Jennifer R-M great learning and insight! Now it’s your turn to paint!

[@helenanddanielreynolds4980]

Brilliant! (Daniel)

[@mastersabaliauskas5434]

I really like the painterly approach.

[@AlainPicard]

Master Sabaliauskas awesome. So glad to hear that you like this approach! Its really fun to create!

[@janelintern6969]

Thanks, Alain - I found these 2 videos really interesting, watching how you built up the pastel colours until you achieved your result - the area around the sun was particularly interesting: layers and layers of pastel, each making that subtle difference. It always works, having dark alongside light doesn't it. Jane (Oxford)

[@AlainPicard]

Jane Lintern great to hear from you! Thanks for your thoughtful feedback, yes it does help to anchor the darks and develop the lights for impact! Blessings to you

[@reneekroyer5104]

Love watching you paint, Alain, and your Bob Ross moment. lol Also loved your comment about your soft pastel giving its life "for that moment." You're a scream. I am learning so much from this video, thank you for taking the time to do this in real time and for explaining what you are doing and the colors you are using. So helpful. God bless you and yours.

[@AlainPicard]

it is a pleasure, I'm so glad you enjoyed the demonstration. Keep painting!

[@Tespen42]

Love the method and tips. Worth every minute.

[@AlainPicard]

Don Smith that’s great to hear, thank you. I am honored that you consider this worth your valuable time. All the best!

[@cherylshannon8505]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, generous of you to share!!!! I am doing a diffused sunset sky over a lake now. This will certainly help! Love all your videos.

[@AlainPicard]

Chawol Meacham you’re so welcome!!! I guess this one came at just the right time for you. Blessings on your painting process, i do hope it is a great success!

[@roslynburgess-clay1419]

Just magnificent brother - thank you for your videos 🙏🏻

[@MT-bc6xf]

Absolutely wonderful!!!! Great videos, great teacher!

[@GrahamConnor]

Thanks Alain, trying this out today. Please make more videos like this too! They are so useful for beginners. Great content

[@AlainPicard]

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

[@1DaTJo]

Beautiful!

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks so much Daryl!

[@landonrasmussen4910]

Absolutely phenomenal! You’ve inspired me to do a sunset, thanks!

[@dianapueppke7959]

Wow, Alain! Your artistic skills are amazing. Thank you for sharing.

[@AlainPicard]

Aww, thanks Diana, that's really kind. You are very welcome.

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

Stunning, thanks so much for explaining your process so sensitively :-)

[@AlainPicard]

Lois Davidson you are very welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I hope it helps you paint your next sunset with greater confidence and impact!

[@pablomiezavarela8358]

Good morning a beautiful painting.

[@a_numbers_girl7025]

Work work is spectacular! I am certainly going to look for your workshops! Thank you so much for taking the time to make these wonderful videos!

[@AlainPicard]

Victoria thank you, I am humbled. It would be great to work with you someday at a live workshop! Until then, keep painting!

[@GGGG-zy3yn]

Thanks Allain. That is gorgeous!

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks, Cindy, I appreciate the kind remarks.

[@MsLeslie405]

Thank you for sharing how you created this glorious sunset! Love how you teach while you paint, and your mark making. I'm left handed too, and I've never held my pastels like you do sometimes. I intend to practice that!

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks Leslie, you are kind! Lefties unite! Enjoy your practice as you keep painting! All the best

[@paulinearnold1801]

Fantastic

[@MrJairo3259]

Finely the second part!👍

[@AlainPicard]

Francisco Jairo it’s great that you share your excitement!

[@terhikokkonen4599]

I really enjoyed to watch You creating this beautiful sunset painting! Thank You!

[@AlainPicard]

you are very welcome Terhi!

[@margaretbrownhill1193]

Thsnkyou so much for this Alain, I will definitely be trying it, and keep trying till I c#n get it right. It was wonderful to watch how you did this and seeing visually the light touch that you use to apply the pastel, many light layers ! Lol, I’m too heavy handed I fear but I will try to lighten up. Thsnkyou for caring do much and sharing it means a lot to someone like me who is disabled and can’t access live workshops anywhere even in in the uk where I live

[@AlainPicard]

Margaret Brownhill thank you, it’s a pleasure to provide you with encouragement! You may be physically disabled, but that won’t stop you from learning and growing as you keep practicing your work! Many blessings to you

[@jancarlton6674]

As usual, an incredible and inspirational teaching video. Thank you for sharing your thought process throughout, it is extremely helpful! I used your ideas to create my own sunset painting and I am pleased with the result.

[@AlainPicard]

Jan Carlton awesome to hear that you put this knowledge to work in your own painting! I really cheering you on. Keep going!

[@zahoorjan6999]

Hi,Excellent,last I find my mentor.I learned a lot.thanks for tips and instruction

[@rebeccafontana7900]

I really enjoy your work and seeing how impressionism takes shape, as I tend to go for more of a realistic image in my own work. I have only been working with pastels for about a year and just discovered all these tutorials for pastels about 3 mosnths ago. It has really helped to watch your suggestions on paper and pastel products... hope you keep postimg!!!

[@AlainPicard]

Rebecca Fontana thanks! Welcome to pastel and i am very glad you have found these videos on my channel. I want to help you succeed as a painter, all the best to you!

[@laurainel]

Great video! I enjoy the way you present the painting via 'steps'...it helps make the process easier to understand! You are a great teacher! :)

[@AlainPicard]

Lauraine Laframboise thank you! I am encouraged, as this is the goal- to make the process simpler and easier to understand! Painting is hard work, so i hope this approach gives clarity to the process. Very best to you!

[@marileemeans5393]

Wonderful to watch and learn! Thank you!

[@AlainPicard]

Marilee Means you are very welcome! So glad that you enjoyed it. Blessings to you

[@MrJairo3259]

Fantastic!👏👏👏

[@AlainPicard]

Francisco Jairo thank you! So glad you enjoyed this second part.

[@preetiaggarwal4346]

Apart from being a great artist you could very well be a poet with your beautiful choice of words or a movie star with your good looks!!!......:)

[@AlainPicard]

preeti aggarwal that is very kind, thank you. All the best and keep painting!

[@418SurferGirl]

This is so helpful, especially with the values. I did a color pastel painting from a black and white reference and understanding the values from the black and white really helped me.

[@AlainPicard]

418SurferGirl thanks! You are so right, gaining knowledge of values is such a critical skill in the painting process. Enjoy your next painting!

[@robindurso6911]

Excellent demo. Love the explanation of the use of color. Thank you! I have a habit of holding the pastel at the end. I need to break that habit. I am a lefty also. I am going to try a sunset next. Stay tuned!

[@5501stAveS]

Thank you for a beautiful lesson. Will put this one on my list to do. I need help using the Terry Ludwig Intense darks II. When I did my color sheet they were all almost the same color. So different from my Sennelier

[@prayalways-]

your work is my favorite inspiration.

[@AlainPicard]

Malous ArtLife wow, that is a very great honor, thank you!

[@SusanBjerkesmile]

Beautiful and thank you!

[@AlainPicard]

Susan Bjerke you are very welcome, and very sweet, thanks!

[@norascarbrough6217]

Love your videos they are so inspiring , and you cover everything,your a very good teacher

[@AlainPicard]

Hey Nora, thank you very much. Keep painting, and I am glad to inspire you!

[@brendahicks4701]

Thank you for you continued great instruction

[@AlainPicard]

Brenda Hicks you are most welcome! Many blessings to you

[@mandylwilsonable]

thanks for sharing your painting experience! beautiful as always.

[@AlainPicard]

Mandy Wilson thank you! Great to hear from you. Whats the temperature in TX now?

[@mandylwilsonable]

@@AlainPicard Weather has been good but I'm expecting it to get really hot this summer! :)

[@AlainPicard]

@@mandylwilsonable it was 24 degrees this morning when I brought my son to school! Too cold. But there is such a thing as too hot as well. Have a great weekend!

[@jamieanderson5991]

Wonderful, love your style! Thank you for sharing with us

[@AlainPicard]

You're very welcome Jamie! Glad you enjoyed.

[@LeonardoSantos-ll9dn]

Espetacular !!!!!!

[@bkladis]

OMG !! You are amazing ! I am just starting pastel..ty of this !!

[@AlainPicard]

bkladis thank you! So glad you enjoyed it. Keep painting!

[@JoseGarcia-rt5rv]

Alcohol to paint with pastel? Wow never knew that could be done!! Now I have something new to play with!!!

[@AirArtStudiosOfficial]

Thank you

[@Linda-qq5mg]

Your painting is stunning! Thank you. I have subscribed!

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Linda, that's great, and welcome to the channel! Glad you enjoyed!

[@philamos8914]

Really enjoyed watching this and learned so much. Would be great to see how it will be mounted and framed. Presume no fixative is necessary.

[@AlainPicard]

Phil Amos thanks for the feedback! No fixative necessary. The painting is already mounted on gator board, so it just pops in the frame behind some frame spacers and glass.

[@LeoraLaGraffe]

Woo hoo! I feel like it’s Christmas in March! Thank you thank you thank you!

[@LeoraLaGraffe]

The cadmium yellow really added to the “wow” factor! I hope they never outlaw cadmium, those colors are so brilliant and magnificent, even if they are toxic.

[@AlainPicard]

Leora LaGraffe Merry March Christmas!

[@AlainPicard]

Leora LaGraffe you’re right, the cadmium yellows are the icing on the cake in this sunset, gotta have them!

[@francescadascani]

Thank you so much for your very interesting method and the nice and efficacious way to teach. Congrats for your wonderful and vibrant art, full of poetry. Francesca D'Ascani from Rome It

[@AlainPicard]

frartist.kr thank you! I am honored, your words are very kind. I wish I was in Rome now too!

[@janetkelsey7663]

love this👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@AlainPicard]

Janet Kelsey thanks for telling me! So glad you did.

[@dok8164]

Thank you so much! 👏

[@AlainPicard]

Yaroslav Soldatenkov you are very welcome, keep painting!

[@leilamirhaghani4109]

Amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your masterful paining process with us! I finished the painterly landscape online course and I really enjoyed it. I hope you are planning for more online courses in the future?

[@dariovolpones1188]

Very nice teacher. Easy to follow not easy to do ! But i will try. Ciao from italy

[@AlainPicard]

Ivan Navi thank you! Ciao

[@cnbowles1]

Thank you so much for doing this...loved your Bob Ross comment...

[@AlainPicard]

Cindy Bowles ha! I couldn’t help myself. It just came out.

[@cnbowles1]

.@@AlainPicard lol...I use to watch Bob Ross, he was so cool..."Everything is Beautiful"...

[@jamesholder13]

Awesome painting! I can't wait to see your next tutorial! What are you using to hold the board in place?

[@AlainPicard]

James Holder thanks so much! I have the sanded pastel board taped up to a black foam board. It’s my “tape-to-tape method”. Provably worth a short video!

[@annfaulkner9344]

Thank you for a beautiful demonstration of a sunset. I appreciate your instruction. I tend to be too quick, and i can see the advantage of slowing down and doing step by step. I have recently taken a sunset in Big Bend NP and want to try your method. Where can I find the notes you mentioned. I would like to print up the list for future reference. Ann.

[@AlainPicard]

Ann Faulkner thank you! If you look in the show notes immediately below this video, you will see a link to download the step by step guide. I wish you all the best!

[@tzieg9534]

Wow

[@AlainPicard]

T Zieg thanks for the feedback!

[@maldoori238]

Thank you again for an inspiring video. Please can you let me know what is the name of this brush you were using for blending.

[@AlainPicard]

You are very welcome Maysoon. The brush is called "Yasutomo Laquer Handle Hake Brush" and at the moment it is hard to find in stock. Here's a link www.dickblick.com/products/yasutomo-lacquered-handle-hake-brush/

[@patriciarobledo3954]

How do you know when to use complimentary underpaint and local underpaint?

[@sakshibansal6202]

Amazing ✌️ Why did you used this under paiting in portrait that you did earlier??

[@AlainPicard]

thank you. I'm not sure what you mean with your question, why did i use an underpainting for a previous portrait demonstration? I use it to wash in the local color. Is that what you are asking?

[@sakshibansal6202]

@@AlainPicard No no..sir I am asking like you used underpainting in this sunset ..but why didn't you used it in the portrait??

[@utkarshmaurya6877]

Where can I download your reference photo??

[@user-tl2py8ib1h]

😘👏💓🙋‍♀️👍

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you very much!

[@adamsaoud7191]

ok u are the greatest whos using the pastel just please tell me why u dont use ur hand to soten ur pastel ur way really girl but what the advantage not useing ur finger and work with big masses thanx a lot

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Adam, I resist using my hand until absolutely necessary because it makes the color of the pastel less vibrant. The oils of our hands affect the pigment. But I do blend a bit with my hands, mostly toward the end when there's alot of pastel buildup. Hope that helps!

[@MilliePat]

Are soft pastels toxic to breathe?

[@AlainPicard]

Some pigments produced from toxic elements such as cadmiums, nickels, chromes and cobalts are toxic, yes. It is best to google it and learn more about it. I have an air filter close to the easel that is able to filter out HEPA particles. Many artists choose to wear gloves as well. Some pastel brands produce non-toxic colors I think. But I haven't studied this very much.

[@scrappysinger]

As a pastel pencil (and pan) beginner, your fat marks make me seriously nervous.😅 ...oh, the learning I have to do!

[@AlainPicard]

Karen Sizemore enjoy the process and create the work that inspires you! I wish you the best.

[@AndersenMozart]

Какой кошмар! 😂 Ни в цвет не попал, ни в тон. Уровень гуаши для детского сада. Вместо пейзажа - атомный взрыв над Нью - Йорком.. 😅

[@disciplove]

Beautiful!

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks John-Mark