Revolutionize Your Pastels with This Homemade Surface! 🎨✨

[@jennw6809]

Using Arches as an "affordable" substitute just goes to show how *truly* expensive pastel paper is! 🤣For the record, I've used cellulose paper very successfully. I love cotton for actually painting on, but for this use cheap "bad" watercolor is fine. I love the final result and how loose you left it -- fruit is one of my favorite subjects.

[@momnnita]

So colorful and vibrant ! Love your work! God bless and thank you for sharing❤ this beautiful painting

[@providencevalleyfarm5270]

HOORAY! Just ordered 2 books, perfect timing for Christmas. My new daughter-in-law is an artist too and will really love this.

[@beaudoinm]

I'm not a fan of making my own pastel surface because of all the brush marks it creates. But the sponge does not seem to leave the same marks. I'm going to try this. Thank you ☺️

[@yogibakshi2375]

❤⚘️beautiful painting. Love the background and the apples highlight colors.

[@ElizabethBattle]

This reminds me of the grisaille technique used by the old masters (and mistresses, lol).

[@monetcafe]

Yes, Elizabeth, I agree. I really love the results from using this color and technique.

[@JLPrice-kc2uy]

Blocking-in has always been my most favorite part in art; simply because during the separation process of darks, going into a bright light, the mind's eye begins to collect so much information, that the piece may sometimes move from one place to another, depending on the mood of the artist. I said several years ago: “The Imagination is what dreams are made of. It is the spirit of the dreamer that renders the results…” Susan, you may be self-thought, but your subconscious is that of a dreamer; guided by a spiritual event… 🍁

[@marktaylor8659]

Thank you for sharing this homemade surface technique. For the leftover gel you mix up, does it dry up in the mixing jar or do you find that you use it long before it would dry up.

[@olgaparra5770]

I like it’s like to learn water color ❤

[@amandavanheerden7980]

Amazing talent.

[@monetcafe]

Many many thanks☺️❤️💜

[@kristinamullen4066]

I like using pastels but dont know how to fix them so they dont smudge and disappear.I have copied some onto card stock in a copier.But I would like to use them on larger paper.How do you preserve your pastel? I love the colors you used and I feel very inspired to try a still life.

[@mihaelaserban710]

Hi,im watching how you work and i need to congrats you and want to learn more by abonate to your lessons,i like colours all my life i think my way to see life is by colours,i like painting,i start use pastel by curiosity and become an habbit:)and i think art its a way to know yourself🎉

[@J316-u1n]

Thanks Susan. Wonderfull paint and technic. I am trying to found a good paper ( and cheap), and this is a very good idea. Fron Querétaro, Mex. Ahhhh, thanks to God for your new book, for Glory of God. Jn.3:16

[@monetcafe]

So glad it was helpful!

[@nethmanawaratne4797]

Great tips! Thank you!❤ How can you preserve soft pastel art? The fixative makes the colours look darker and makes lighter shades almost invisible 😕 can you give some advice, please?

[@monetcafe]

Hi, I actually never use fixatives on my final paintings because of exactly what you said… It always darken the peace and changes the colors. I have a method of placing my pastel paintings in clear plastic bags with a piece of foam core board cut to fit. This keeps the paintings safe before shipping or framing. I have a video about it here on my channel. You might type in the search bar, “Monet Cafe storage” and see if something comes up.

[@nethmanawaratne4797]

@monetcafe oh thank you so much for the advice! I'm very new to soft pastel and for your channel as well. I'll definitely check it out 💜

[@leslieharris9088]

How would you compare Golden Fine Pumice Gel with Golden Pastel Grounds (which I have used)?

[@monetcafe]

I like the pumice gel better. Seems to apply more smoothly 👍🏻

[@leslieharris9088]

@@monetcafe Thank You Susan.

[@JLPrice-kc2uy]

By the way... I do have a stocking stuffer..! And of course I can't give it a star rating until i read it. But as you know I am a believer in predestination :) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'💫

[@monetcafe]

So sweet, my friend! I’m always blessed by your comments.💜☺️✝️✝️✝️

[@lesyashulga9341]

You have used so many products to paint just three apples 🍎🍎🍎 I am joking, my dear Susan. 😃 You know that I am limited in using so many products. But I liked the idea and will use your preference photo to paint 🎨

[@monetcafe]

So true! You make me laugh!🤣🤣🤣 i’m sure you’ll find a way to improvise and I Hope you have fun!