Pastel Pencil Demo & Chatting About Inspiration (and why inspiration is BS)

[@christinegelormino5594]

Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” ― Pablo Picasso

[@kayclark4406]

Your shading is just beautiful. The little bears look exactly like gummies. I could never do that. So fun to watch.

[@SharonCullenArt]

Terrific advice! And I think it is great that you let the beginners know that even established artists "make a bunch of garbage!" before hitting a good one. I took about 5 months away from my art and KZbin recently due to grief, stress, illness, etc. and I'm just beginning to get it back now. Just like kissing a lot of frogs before finding your prince! 😊The gummies look great. Frame it!

[@annetteatkins7164]

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” - Thomas Edison

[@jimflack9462]

Great quote!!

[@brittanydaniels1102]

Faber-Castell makes the Pitt Pastel Pencils which only comes in 60 set as its biggest. Conté à Paris makes pastel pencils which comes in a 48 set as its biggest. Cretacolor makes pastel pencils which comes in a 72 set as its biggest. Caran D'Ache makes pastel pencils which comes in 84 wooden box set as its biggest. I currently only own the 60 set of Stabilo pastel pencils which is their biggest set of pastel pencils.

[@Blick_Art]

It was really gratifying to watch the process of making this! We were discussing this morning how the training period for artists seems to last for a really long time compared to other creative endeavors and how challenging that can be. The reality of art is that you have to do it and practice it, and always keep some of that "in training" mentality as a motivator. We mean "in training" like Rocky running up the steps of the art museum, not as in wearing a "trainee" shirt ;-)

[@jennyb-aeternabitart7436]

I'm not sure whether the training period for artists ever really ends. We're always going to be learning from what we do and what we see. And what the next artist along is doing. And our own 'mistakes'/happy accidents/discoveries. And the shiny new thing that catches our eye and we wonder how it will work in our artwork... 😊 Cos if we don't, or art stagnates. 😑 [Come to think of it, most professions do continuing professional development in some form - some even require it to keep accreditation...! So we are far from alone in staying in training. 😊] EDIT because I sometimes can't do grammar.

[@mjpete27]

Yep! After 50 years as a working artist I have not yet learned all I need to know about creating art!

[@MrsBarnabas]

I agree with JennyB and mjpete. Living is a life-long learning curve, and so is anything that we do. When we think we've 'arrived', 'got it' know it all' is when we fall flat on our faces or get bored. For many professions, proof of continuous learning is a necessity to stay registered, whether a plumber or electrician, a postal worker or a boss of a high level business. When we think we've 'got there', there's another mountain top and another glorious discovery ahead. It doesn't even mean a new medium, a new type of paint, paper, pen, etc. It's simply the ongoing joy of discovery of that "something more". Not a chore, but a joyous discovery which can only happen when we are open to admitting joyously that "I don't know it all - what will happen if ..." When we as artists, allow ourselves to express our inner childlike self (NOT childish!) in the "what if." and stop trying to follow the trends and "just be ourselves." even 'being ourselves' when we're feeling weary, down, etc, cos that's a normal part of life's learning, too - that's when the discoveries can happen - even, as Lindsay has said, the way out of a blockage in the art stream of conscious, If there weren't the tough times, there' be nothing to show us the glory - there's no rainbow without rain, and no wonderful sunrise without cloud... There's no real success without the struggle, and no discovery without the 'what if...' Oops - you may have guessed that this is a a pet hobby horse of mine... a passion, in fact... 😄 PS: Before anyone slags me off, remember that you don't know me, or my circumstances, so I'll add this: I'm an older lady who has been living with a life-limiting illness for more than 25 years. I've known loss, grief, bereavement (some, close friends of my own age, who were 'far too young to die'). I'm living alone on a very limited budget. And I believe, and live, what I've said above. How? Because I have a Friend and Helper in the God who loves me, loves me beyond what I can measure, and who has never, even in the darkest places, ever let me down.

[@MrsBarnabas]

@@jennyb-aeternabitart7436 Sometimes I can't, either. So glad I'm not the only one. 😊

[@pshea5587]

This picture makes me so happy! Love it!

[@veryberry39]

Anyone else start out watching these like "Oh yeah, I think this is totally doable!" and then by at least halfway through, suddenly it's "Welp. That's wizardry"? 😅😭

[@annetteatkins7164]

Carbothello all the way! They’re soft, buttery, and very reasonably priced. I have four different kinds of pastel pencils, and honestly, the Derwent are my least favorite. (They are harder, and they also feel gritty to me.) I made my own pastel sketchbook: I used Claire Fontaine, pastel paper, and glued glassine on the backside of heavy duty card stock (acid-free) to put between each page. It’s worked wonderfully. I put it all in a beautiful “pleather” three ring scrapbook I found online. Lindsay, I love when you paint transparent objects. I can’t seem to train my brain to replicate what I’m seeing the way you do. Thank you for another great tutorial.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks! I think I'll try their set of 36! Nice colors!

[@chickeyd9579]

I think you are a great artist, but your skill/talent at speaking "artist" is right up there too!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Wow, thank you!

[@deepowers3117]

Lindsay, It was so fun and relaxing to watch this colorful piece just seem to appear so quickly out of nowhere. What you say about working through those uninspired times is absolutely true. I was a freelance, non-fiction generalist writer for eight years. Missing a deadline is a cardinal sin in writing, and editors share this kind of information with other editors. When looking at that first blank computer screen induces a kind of shell shock and your mind is paralyzed, start a letter to a friend, try writing an ad for a product you like, anything at all. The paralysis will fade away as you immerse yourself in the process. Do the same thing when coming up with ideas seems impossible. I would read someone else's article on a topic I was interested in and then think about the questions about the subject that were left unanswered for me or that left me thinking, "Why didn't they try this here when they mentioned work being done on the problem in another country? Could their work be applied to the problem here? Why or why not? Research for the answers and write up your findings. Sometimes you just have to start a car rolling down a hill so you can kick start the engine. Most. creative processes have those periods when the well seems dry. Try an area of that process in a different way than you usually do. That can kick start your engine!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

So true!

[@belbolser9671]

I’ve bought 3 bags of gummy bears, photographed them,then decided I really wasn’t crazy about my layout but my boyfriend has already eaten my gummy bears! This is so fun to watch… love the candy art. I really like the Faber Castell Pitt pastel pencils and the Stabillo Carbothellos. I love the Caran D’Ache but some pencils have little hard bits in them that will scratch your paper.

[@starvingartistscollective]

A gorgeous pastel drawing Lindsay!! So well done. The pep-talk was great to hear. TFS!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you so much 😀

[@gamigirlHeatherB]

Love your pastel piece! I absolutely needed to hear this…TY for sharing, Lindsay 😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@derwood206]

I like your gummy bears! So sweet! Thank you for sharing your tips and experience. I just got a Faber Castell Pitt set as it was recommended to me and that they work nicely with soft pastels. The color range is great. I am just a beginner though. This recent purchase was an off-shoot of getting into watercolor pencils to work with my watercoloring. I saw the 'pastel pencil' name at first and realized it was a different medium, not a different color pencil set so thought I'd try it out because...color.

[@dianenilles9999]

This is so original…I love this piece so much. This just made my day. Thank you.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'm so glad!

[@songlismom98]

I loved the discussion. and learned a lot about creating the translucency. Thanks so much for sharing it!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@silylily1212]

You really inspired me to push myself and I got some nice results plus confidence to push myself a little more. Thank you!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'm so glad!

[@128titanic]

Hello! Thank you for your video. Lindsay!❤.💞.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@teashagarland6179]

So awesome what a beautiful, colorful happy picture. You always inspire me, thank you for sharing!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@wanderingstar5673]

This is super cute . Very much enjoyed the painting and chat. Translucence is a skill I would love to master. 😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks so much 😊

[@DeniseBrooks1955]

Love this!👏🏼👏🏼💜💜💜

[@FannaTurano]

Just bought the set of 72 before the Amazon/Blick Art price goes up. Can't wait to try your adorable "fuzzy wuzzy" gummy bear painting. It's really striking!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@audraburchfield1768]

Thank you so much for the creative advice, it was much needed.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@devonrex4]

Fantastic piece and thoughts Lindsay! Tfs

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks so much!

[@ArtBrain]

I just want to pinch those little cheeks! And looking at the gigantic, almost personified little bears, I feel so badly about ever eating them, ha-ha. Now I feel like my teeth can't take it, so bears, you are safe with me ;-). This is a gorgeous piece, Lindsay. I agree with you on practicing. I have noticed that the most "talented" artists (including you) practice about every day. They may have started with a higher level of raw talent, but the reason they excel to such an extent is because they work at it so hard. Even with my mediocre skills, I try and draw almost every day. One day, I almost effortlessly drew something out that I know I'd had some trouble with in the past and thought, "gee, I'm actually teachable". It was really insightful about the value of practice. Thanks for the tutie on the cuties.

[@thecraftyrn]

Love it!!! My childless sister used to tell me how to raise my children! It didn’t go well for her!!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

😆

[@boyjrr]

I love this so much!!

[@warbaby1975]

OMG! Thank you so much for this. LOL! ever since I saw this painting in one of your SatChats I've been browsing your past contents trying to find this one, I love it.

[@michelleannette7994]

Lol, me too😂

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@cherylbrewer1218]

Just wonderful, thank you Lindsay 🙂

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@taniauntalan459]

This is so cute! It's funny how you mentioned looking at your beginning work. I have been quilting for much longer than playing with my art supplies. I can pull out my first quilts and when compared to the ones I am able to make now I can see my progress. It's like night and day, so gratifying!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

So true!

[@AafkeVultink]

Pastelmat

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@AafkeVultink]

@@thefrugalcrafter Yw. Is expensive; but money worth spending; specially for people who lack strength for burnishing or have allergies for solvents. Added bonus; i can make my poly's look as opaque as prisma's wich is a halleluia given they are translucent :P fair warning; only downside of the paper is that it can eat your pencils while looking at them; wich make poly's and the derwent green tin perfect for the paper; both have a bit harder led.

[@allthumbs3792]

Loved this gummy bear picture, so cute!! You achieved that gummy translucent essence so very well.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you 🤗

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Lindsay, I have such respect for you and your teaching skills! Awesomely done young lady! I have enjoyed some success with transparency with watercolors, I have yet to even try it with soft pastels! I have had my wife make pencil rolls out of fabric usually felt and cotton combinations and she creates different colors for different kinds of pencils. I am excited to see you create this picture with pastel pencils! I have Derwent, CarbOthello, Creatacolor even some Pitt’s from Faber Castell but they are quite brittle, some have had similar problems with Derwent pastel pencils but mine are older and seem quite nice. My CarbOthello pencils are the softest. I use pastel pencils for details and just starting my painting they preform well in both situations. HA! A WHOLE Shaker of salt!! You got that line/concept dead bang perfect!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I am hearing good things about carbothello! Id like a softer set. Thanks for the reccomendations!

[@MrsBarnabas]

@@thefrugalcrafter Adding my recommendation, too, Lindsay! I've the same mix as mjpete, except for the Creatacolor, but plus some Conté de Paris. My Derwents are the red-barrelled era, so the same age as yours, I think? All of them have a place, depending on what I'm doing, but yes, my favourites are the Carbothello (and are available to order open stock at the tiny art shop in the small French town where I live!). Several of my Derwents are now discontinued, probably because if the lightfast issues with them. Some of the Carbothellos also have low lightfast rating, but as pastel pencils are part of my 'play' kit, it doesn't matter too much. I'll probably try for a lightfast 'next best colour' if I replace those. If anyone's tried present day Derwents, I'd love to know what you think of them! 😄

[@staceyrowe6297]

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is an awesome little book to help get through the creative slump, it’s small and broken up in a way that I think makes it easy to digest. For me it’s a huge help when I’m feeling frustrated or just uninspired. I checked it out from my local library at first but loved it so much I decided to buy a copy to have for those tough times!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for the book reccomendation!

[@staceyrowe6297]

And gorgeous piece by the way, love how this came out, thanks for always helping to keep us inspired :)

[@annettefournier9655]

I hope it's easier to get through than The Art Of War. I put The war of Art on my wish list.

[@staceyrowe6297]

@@annettefournier9655 haha I’m sure it is, I’ve never read the Art of War but when I first went to the library looking for this one, the librarian gave me a look like she thought I was confused on what the book was called, it was pretty funny so it definitely helps to have the authors name just incase!

[@livinglovefamily]

I often remind myself that gymnastics or ballet looks easy till you try it. and parenting? yes. Hardest task I ever signed up for. I usually don't like rants, but I like yours because you express an attitude of perseverance. Keep persevering.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

So true!

[@michelleannette7994]

Spectacular!! The colors you got, and the clarity are unbelievable!! Beautiful piece of work Lindsay.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you so much!

[@Linda-qq5mg]

I love the expressions that you got on the bears! Also a big thanks for doing this wonderful pastel pencil video with all of the tips. 😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you so much 😀

[@experienced.novice]

Love it!!

[@elflordsjourneys]

Those look very yummy, especially the red ones.😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you 😋

[@veryberry39]

Now that I've gotten a chance to watch all the way to your inspiration speech, I realize how ironic my previous comment was. 😅 I just get so frustrated with myself, and in large part it's a remnant of childhood trauma (having a parent who never thought you were good enough, who only gave love if you were somehow perfect)... But I also feel like my brain just won't wrap around things like other people are able to do. Currently I'm trying to figure out how to paint something that LOOKS green in front of a purple background, but is actually some weird form of brown. I should just paint whatever I want, but the rest of it looks nice, and I decided to use my Arches block so there's that added element of "this needs to look perfect or you've wasted the paper!" I don't do near enough stuff just for practice, it's always a gift for someone, and I ALWAYS bite off more than I can chew. >< Sorry, I just wrote a novel!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

If you mess up use the backside!

[@donnafriend153]

Good advice! Very nice demo!❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks so much!

[@moonram4820]

Lovely !! Have you ever tried using pastel pencils with water like watercolor pencils.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great idea! I haven't tho!

[@catherinecarlson6164]

Some brands run with water and some don't. Carbothello does. I have a few pitt, Gioconda (?), and Derwent. I can't remember which of these last 3 brands were water soluble.

[@veystone2580]

Very happy looking painting. Made me happy to see it. How do you sharpen your pastel pencils? My sharpener break the point and maybe the exacto knife Im using, aint good or I dont know how to use it. Any suggestions?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I use a knife but I am going to try a belt sander and to them all at once

[@veystone2580]

@@thefrugalcrafter would love to see a video of that process!

[@catherinecarlson6164]

I think I bought the carbothello sharpener. Haven't used pastel pencils in a long time. I think the sharpener worked fine.

[@janevincent7103]

I really loved this cute painting. It was even fun watching you paint it. I unfortunately am a bit of a gummy bear lover though I did ultimately stop eating them cuz I was so sick of them. Years later I now eat about 4/day of sugar free ones my husband got me for my Christmas stocking. And I told him "thank you sweetie but I'm over these and then he said, "but they are sugar free!" Ha ha, I laughed and eventually I tried a few. They are actually pretty good, but I find a small handful of 5 gummies is plenty. Sugarfree foods can bring their own problems like diarrhea, oops, sorry about that, but the nurse in me pops out sometimes. I found your voice over inspiring and real. I find it a little annoying when some talk of being born with "it" and that others lack "it" whatever that means. I know for myself, whether it's my writing, my teaching (to others in the medical field), or my art, that I always find myself going over parts of them whether rewriting or practicing my flowers and faces over and over at times that it clearly shows me my improvements or "better try that agains." It's nice to be reminded that practice is an integral part of improvement. I really needed to hear that right now. JaneXOXO So thank you, Lindsay🌈🌟🌺

[@sylcarriere3863]

You were looking for your silicon tools. When you did your hoard room tour, near your pottery wheel there was a drawer with silicon tools in it. Hope this is helpful.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'll look again!

[@robot7759]

Just play 🙃 and have fun 😏 it's all good.

[@jirikir]

Hello, yes carbothello are soft, caran d'ache are nice and soft, too. Pitt pastell from Faber-Castell are harder and fell drier, but nice, too. The caran d'ache and carbothello will fill the tooth quicker and sharpen them takes practice, best with a craftknife, with a sharpener you have much breakish. With pitt pastel you can get more fine details. They are better to sharpen, with a really good sharpener you can become a fine point, but it last not long.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for the tips!

[@lindsaylimes3362]

Looks great Lindsay. I love Gummy bears.

[@blueviolets2022]

Thank you.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You're welcome!

[@ariseandshinecrafts5390]

So cute!

[@andreaizumoto9180]

Love this! I makes me crave gummy bears.

[@paulalister80]

Loved watching this. Thinking I might try with pencils (so not a pastel person) just play and have some fun. It’s when I’ve finished something big I find myself meah about doing art. I’m tired just want to relax and yes art is so this for me. I think it’s the thought of three or four weeks doing just one thing, day and night waiting for the layers to dry it just feels way to much for me, I know it’s a small picture will take four to five hours max or maybe it’s just have a play, I tell myself however I’m still on life size flowers mushrooms the size of a big dog, it’s the switching of that I find hard. I help a few groups make props ergo big heavy projects, it’s fun but I have noticed just this year that my art (only last few years have I got back into art mainly thanks to you) suffers and I don’t do fun relaxing art at a desk. Strange but I’m thinking this is a block of sorts, maybe a burnout. Himmm still great picture and wonderful talk. Right I’m inspired finish me cup of tea, hang out washing and I’m going to grab me coloured pencils, just have a little fun.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Nice!

[@camrynprieto6987]

Awesome painting Lindsay ❤! I have Derwent and Cretacolor 36 ! I like the Cretacolor better, nice pastel colors !

[@Horsewoman-pt2ku]

Ive heard the creatacolor break easily especially the blue color. How do you sharpen them?

[@camrynprieto6987]

@@Horsewoman-pt2ku I just use my Faber Castell triangular sharpener, it has an opening for “ color “ and I use that

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks!

[@ChristinaTodd1970]

Hi Lindsay. Can you give us a link to a similar spice rack?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Here is a bamboo one amzn.to/40O2Fjb

[@gitogal]

hi lindsay! love the cute little bears

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Here is one I did for Royal langnickel kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYSklaSmhsqlfdU

[@soniascrafts]

Hello Lindsey, is the critique club suitable for beginners ? I see a course about learning how to draw and was wondering if that’s included in the critique club! I’m not a realist artist and I’m not sure if it’s too advanced for me! Thanks in advance!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Critique club is its own thing and all the lessons are only found in Critique Club or the critique club archives. All other classes are not duplicated. The only place you will find lessons from my drawing class is in my drawing class. All the content is unique and not duplicated across classes. Hope that helps. We have all levels in Critique club and work in a variety of subjects and media.

[@soniascrafts]

@@thefrugalcrafter I will enroll in the critique club then! I’m not an artist and I will probably be too embarrassed to ever show anyone my work but I just love you to much and I’m in love with your painting skills and I just want to learn what I can! So thank you!

[@reneescott6249]

Did I miss what you think about Faber Castell Pitt pastel pencils? I have some of those and I’m finding that they break REALLY badly.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I don't have any of those

[@Horsewoman-pt2ku]

This turned out so good!! Will this be on your teachable?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

No I didn't narrate it and it took a long time.

[@Miastrong930]

I agree with you about someone who hasn't done it telling an experienced person how to do it. But there is this tiny voice telling me wait; what about the voice coach who has never hit a high note getting someone to hit a high note. Ludwig Van Beethovan was deaf yet wrote beautiful music he never heard. I suppose there are rare individuals who can perceive what we ourselves can't see even though the advisor/coach themselves could never do it. How the advise/coaching is followed is comes from the artist, their talent, experience and skill. There are many artists in history and contemporary who achieved great fame because they had someone who directed there art in a direction that matched public interest.

[@crystalgillis9296]

Hi. Do you sharpen your pastel pencils with a sharpener or by hand with a blade? I've been told pastels will kill any sharpener, be it manual or electric.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

With a knife but im gonna try a belt sander.

[@crystalgillis9296]

@thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich , I thought of that too. Now I just have to wait for my husband to remember where he put it. 🙄

[@beckyshook3526]

Made me want gummy bears beautiful picture

[@richardgagnon4234]

You mentioned that you never got anything out of an arcade claw machine. That's because they're rigged to only pay out after a certain amount of tries that is preset by the venue using it. The article I read said it's set to 10 or 20, but I cannot help but think it's more. Supposedly a person can win by watching others use it and noting when it pays out and let other customers run through the trials rigged to fail and playing it when it's ready to pay out. I haven't tested that.

[@melissaaldosari8024]

These are so yummy!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you like them!

[@patvalenzuela5105]

Cute

[@pippaloves]

A lot of psychologists haven't had kids

[@thefrugalcrafter]

😆