Sunday Studio Pastel Painting Demo: Clouds and Skies

You are invited into my studio for this Facebook Live broadcast of Sunday Studio Time. In this informal video I paint a large desert landscape with a cloudy sky. This time I paint to music so I can let the pastel dust fly! A detailed PDF booklet with an illustrated demo of a similar scene is available in my Etsy shop www.etsy.com/listing/45734744...

[@kdlettering8711]

Love watching the master at work! Especially when you get into the flow!

[@susancapin5975]

I loved this video of your cloud painting. I live in Tucson and will be painting a desert sunset with beautiful clouds. Your painting has inspired me to attempt one! Thank you for fabulous technique!!!

[@KarenMargulis]

My pleasure!! I appreciate you watching!

[@jsikkink]

I like this format of watching you paint without comment and with music. I almost can feel I'm painting along with you!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching Jeff! I plan to mix it up with both types of demos as well as short helpful tips and Q & A sessions. I appreciate your comment!

[@ettaleepass3313]

Thank you for being so generous with your skills!

[@JCcreates927]

Thanks for your time Karen, I have learned a lot from you through your videos. I love how involved your husband is, it's great he is so supportive of you and your art.

[@sueaberle935]

Wow! Love dramatic sky's. Thank you for the demo

[@1DaTJo]

Wow, Mr Margulis cops so much flak in the comments! I think he’s amazingly supportive. It must be so great to have a husband like that. God bless you, Mr Margulis.

[@chrisheller1856]

OMG, Karen when I looked closer it acquired to me that you were using pipe insulation. Ingenious. I chuckle because I discovered this when I wanted to add volume to my curtain rod, makes he rod look more expensive and also when my husband was recouping from surgery and needed to use a walker. Well, you just made my day.......your the bomb! Your wonderful to answer me back, so appreciate all you do! ENJOY!

[@anettedouglasdotter]

Thank you so much for sharing this, Karen - it was actually hypnotic to watch you paint! 🎨 ❤️ I would just LOVE to be a fly on your wall! What an awsome life that would be! 🙏 Fantastic painting - and your PDF, is an absolute must have for me! 💥

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you 😊 I appreciate your kind words!

[@lindagerhard8381]

I'm viewing this video two years after its creation. I love this format, minimal explanation upfront regarding the palette you've selected in advance, paper choice, etc., then just getting into it. I've watched many of your narrated video demos on your KZbin channel and greatly enjoy them, but I must say this format is for me, the most beneficial. I normally skip over videos that are solely set to music as nothing in the way of information is provided and they are normally shown at warp speed. Your management of the reduced narrative combined with explanation of the subject's location and your selection of Native American flute instrumentals provided the right balance. It allowed us to see you in your element and observe how you get your whole body involved in applying the strokes. Thank you! I'm looking forward to more video demos of this type.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you for your valuable and thoughtful feedback. It is hard to decide how much narration vs. just painting I should do. I sometimes can't help but narrate because I so want to share what I am doing!

[@rzrr41]

Finally someone like you an artist and a teacher....tell the secret of the best sky gracias..I will practice that...

[@hannahjordan9271]

You draw so fast, Karen. That’s so beautiful thank you for sharing. 😍 👍👍🌹🍵

[@sandraworrall-hart3840]

Love the camera work. Usually I cannot watch demos with music but with this one the camera is far enough away from the easel so I can see the whole painting and part of the artist...makes me feel like I am there. A fabulous look into your studio. Thankyou to the camera person, and for your wonderful teaching. Will go very well with the booklet from etsy. The bit of chat going on between artist and camera operator adds to the comfy atmosphere, as too the working of the pastels. Listening to the shish-shish of the pastel is very relaxing. Sound effects of the artist at work is very important for the viewer feeling part of the demo. Beautiful creations.

[@KarenMargulis]

Hi Sandi, Thank you for watching and for your insightful feedback. It really helps me! I am happy to know you enjoyed it and I hope you like the etsy booklet!

[@violetmartha916]

Gosh, I've really gone back in time here. I'm just taking this lockdown opportunity to catch up on your previous videos. This is the first one I've watched where you have just got into your zone and not really spoken. It was AMAZING Karen....I was captivated from start to finish, especially with the music. I'm off now to your Etsy to hopefully download the PDF. Thank you, as always, for sharing your techniques, but most of all, your stunning artwork. 💚🌺💚

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching!

[@leigh-annh2544]

Thanks Karen for another inspiring video. I look forward to your Sunday Studio demos. They arrive Monday morning here, and make Monday a happier day. I enjoyed this format too.

[@alwayscurious599]

You’re truly amazing! I have been watching you on utube for a couple months now and learned so much! I recently subscribed to your Patreon Channel bu😅t being the dinosaur that I am, I haven’t quite figured out how to negotiate it yet. I’ll get there! I used to do animal and children’s portraits with pastel and watercolor when I was in my 20s then life happened. At 65 I now have the time and desire to rekindle that side of me. I found I’m still good at drawing wildlife but landscape is a whole other banana! Gotta loosen up! I finished a landscape yesterday and it looks like I’m slowly coming along….make a plan…take my time…light touch! I hope I’ll get to share my stuff with you for a critique. Thanks Kimberly Bear

[@gonulcelebi9800]

Harika bir eğitim oluyor benım ıçin. Teşekkürler. MUHTEŞEMsiniz

[@yogibakshi2375]

Beautiful painting Karen ma'm loved the colour's of the sky.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks so much 😊

[@donnasigourney9497]

I Love your pallet choice. Really pretty

[@angelaarkway2223]

Karen, Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge and your time. I only just found your videos. I have watched three of them and I have learned so much. I look forward to watching many many more.

[@terrilynnstalvey1416]

Understand not talking. Being on the zone helps me. I use your tips and suggestions now when I think. Thank you beautiful work 😀❤

[@seapossumsforrest8162]

I love this piece. I love the way you get it to look like you can travel on top of the clouds... forever.

[@drgamer77]

Hi Karen! Thank you for these videos. Beautiful work! :)

[@froglove4783]

Really enjoyed watching you work uninterrupted and at a bigger scale. Thanks!

[@lunamarte]

Maravilloso!!!!, vibrante, mágico y con una personalidad arrebatadora. Rebosa espontaneidad y vitalidad. Una experiencia muy motivadora verte pintar, este pastel. Bueno, siempre es un placer hacerlo, pero este, ha sido algo, que me ha dejado tan feliz!!!!! 🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@amariebeaubien]

Thank you Karen! Your videos are so helpful and inspirational. I love your artwork!

[@flooklh]

Oh thank you so much for this demonstration... I love how you mix the colours on the paper. I really enjoyed seeing what you do when you can concentrate just on painting, without the distraction of answering all the questions. I think its a good scheme to answer the questions afterwards... Oh my word! Your work is really stunning...thanks for sharing your talent with me (and all who watched). Lindy

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you very much Lindy! I appreciate you watching and your comments!

[@chrisheller1676]

Love it Karen, I learn so much from you. I learned a lot from your process working on your clouds and how you got there. Also, on the previous video I watched about your commission, not to over do, make notes, stopping so ya don't fiddle(me) ha ha. Always step back, your key at the end of making three marks then access. Love it, love it!

[@lynnr.4654]

Really helpful demo Karen. Thank you so much.

[@susanchristopher2726]

Thanks for the demo Karen. Inspiring as always and amazing how quickly you captured those clouds. Perfect!

[@Coco2345ful]

Love it! Have to go and look at my colorwheel!

[@MissTinaTv]

Another great video you two! You've really captured the skies of New Mexico and for whatever reason Tangerine Dream is a fitting soundtrack for painting deserts. Thanks so much for all you do for the pastel community on You Tube! Ps (I have a loveable, talkative husband, too).

[@daisydog8127]

Just beautiful. Can't wait to purchase the lesson. It is amazing how quickly you can paint. Thanks.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you! It was so much fun. I hope you enjoy the lesson!

[@normalines1946]

I love this painting and would have liked you talking also...I do like the coziness of your videos because the reason I watch online is because I miss painting with other artists! Love this particular video because I am new to pastels and am very much wanting to do clouds more than anything!. The colors are just so beautiful in this. I really hope you do more cloud demos..mine always look fake..You are wonderful to do this for your Sunday afternoon..I love that you seem like the artist friend we all need! No one understands an artist like another one! Keep up the good work!

[@lotus615]

MAGNIFIQUE demo! Quelle bon prof!

[@suefortin6811]

Love the clouds

[@wendyheller8390]

Double wow thank you for sharing you demo!!

[@KarenMargulis]

My pleasure!Thanks for watching!

[@debbietaylor6176]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing, love watching your videos. I'm hoping to learn to paint with pastels

[@Linda-qq5mg]

Your clouds are magnificent! Thank you once again for your wonderful demonstrations.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching Linda

[@nancymaewi]

So inspiring...going to take out my pastels again and try!! Thank you! (got to find some of that pipe insulation too!) Thanks again!

[@Coco2345ful]

Fantastic! I was very interested in watching your layering process! I hope to order that PDF booklet soon! Thanks!

[@helanker]

Looks fantastic!!!!!!!!!!! thanks for sharing this. :)

[@donnabirney817]

This is a beautiful art and I will try it. thanks for your efforts to teach us.

[@hulyatuncel922]

Thanks again for sharing your talent, Karen.Merry Christmas🎄🎄Happy New Year Karen.💐🌺

[@AMKRIEGEL]

You are amazing! I've watched this 3 times and could watch it 30 times more and not be bored! Going to try to get your PDF! Want to try something new and "free-er" than portraits!! Thank you!!

[@100chouse]

Wonderful! Such fun to follow these demos!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you for watching!

[@mebendickson]

Awesome as always! Thank you.

[@rzrr41]

Thanks so much for this demo no only is a great painting but also is a genious way to work the values so right..Now Im inspired to do one...gracias..youre the best.

[@flooklh]

I often do small pastel sketches when I get a commission, because the client gives you a bunch of photos and you must design something around them. I really love pastels. The only problem is they need to be immediately be framed behind glass to prevent them smudging. All the fixative brands here in South Africa make the colours go soooo dark. But I enjoyed how you used that to advantage in you marshland and trees painting... I'm going to try that out. I'm in love with watercolours, but enjoy all media, and pastels have a vibrance that is missing in other media. Thank you so much for replying to my comment so quickly. Lindy

[@deniseshaw3871]

Im in awe !!!

[@paulamingolelli3902]

Wonderful job. You are so talented.

[@dianebast9714]

Karen until now I never knew how to describe to someone that I could see Rose and green in clouds. thank you for validating me. I'm going to start trusting myself more.

[@KarenMargulis]

Absolutely!! I’m glad to help!

[@SuperRebel711]

Beautiful work!

[@doreenjohnson6012]

Love your work Karen!

[@pablomiezavarela8358]

Karen: maravilloso, maravilloso. Good, good.

[@libellula3313]

Brilliant! Thank you.

[@13Moondancer]

Beautiful choice of colours

[@belindaroca4577]

Karen.. I absolutely love to watch u work! You've used so many different colors, that i lost track. . lol

[@Megzamani]

Thank you like always

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you too!

[@arabellahorwitz2622]

WOW!

[@LavishHim]

Amazing! I learned a lot! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😎🎨

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you for watching!!

[@libbyfuntera8497]

That was wonderful watching the scene, especially sky, come together Karen. Would love to attend one of your workshops, "down under" is just too far away. Am off to check out that PDF now.

[@highphysics3617]

Normally I cringe at some of the background music,but,yours is more than acceptable. This is my first attempt at pastels,so a whole new world is opening up,with just a tiny break from oil painting. I have a lot to learn,and,for some reason the Patreon channel was blocked,even my own....gremlins? I am absolutely brand new to pastels,and,a pastel painter in Scotland recommended you,so here I go..... I love doing skies in oils so I'm not sure how the transition will go. My fingers are crossed..gotta break the ice somehow.

[@azong98]

You are wonderful.

[@1953lucdebyser]

thanks for sharing..we can learn a lot from you

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching Luc!

[@donnaterrell938]

Would you do a demo of one of your Arizona paintings with cactus and hills? I enjoyed this demo with the music, such a pleasure to watch you paint! Thank you!

[@beachballbonnie]

A today I found some of that pipe insulation on the outside hose bib. I stole it! My husband is a Plummer and he told me that he does not use it as we are in South Carolina. I got my 2" lol.

[@jennazhang4927]

I'm in love with all your pastel videos! As a beginners they truly are inspirations! What paper do you usually use for pastel drawing?

[@LavishHim]

Loooooove the tape hinge idea!

[@deniseshaw3871]

My tape peels off I use masking tape is that wrong ?

[@65sunnyday]

The calm after the storm.

[@judyrosen5060]

Karen thank you so very much with all the time, energy and talent that you put out to teach all of us how to be better pastel artists. I have learned a great deal from your tutorials. Could you please make the sound on your videos louder? I have all sound systems up on my iPad but still have trouble hearing you. Thank you again.

[@user-vn9ij1zf9t]

Hello, Karen! Thank you for your videos - they are so useful! Could you please tell me where I can buy those book about painting clouds and sky? Thank you so much!

[@vernonsaayman9741]

because all yuor colours are athe ready,ive discovered chalk pasteld are easier than oil,once youve fixed with a accryl spray,it gives the same satisfact,evry one should try it, you wont mess around with oil! thanks.

[@bk50587]

I love

[@henryg3871]

You are an AMAZING ARTIST Mrs Margulis. Thank you so much for providing us with you art knowledge. It is truly appreciated. I have a question: What are the two different types of masking tape you are using to hold your UART sanded paper? Are they available on Amazon? Thank you.

[@Coco2345ful]

Fascinating how you made a visuale connection in cloud shadow with colors repeated in the ground without making mud! Didn't like the music tho'

[@cherylginsberg162]

I love your Sunday workshops. Can anyone join the live broadcasts? Where do I sign up to get them? Thanks for your time to give these workshops.

[@mariavarga863]

How do you store your paintings? Thank you for great demos! You make me want to try soft pastels!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching! I store my paintings flat in boxes with sheets of glassine paper in between each painting.

[@kathleentownsend1404]

Thank you, Karen, for your very helpful and informative videos. I am new to pastels and I've learned so much by watching you. I was wondering - have you ever used Pan Pastels? I have invested in a couple of large sets of these and have been using them in conjunction with my Sennelier soft pastels (using the pans for the underpainting then detailing with the stick pastels). After watching one of your videos I just bought a set of the Artgraf blocks and will try those next. My other question is - as a new pastel artist, not everything I do is a masterpiece 😬 so painting on expensive Uart paper or other expensive pastel products seems wasteful, but using cheap pastel paper doesn't give the same effects. Do you have any suggestions for inexpensive sanded surfaces to paint on for while we're still in the learning phase? Thank you again! I absolutely love your work!

[@KarenMargulis]

Hi Kathleen, Thanks for watching and for your kind words and questions. I don't have or use Pan Pastels so I don't have any advice. I do know other artists like them for underpainitng as you do. As far as paper......look at it in another way. Sanded paper such as Uart is reusable. I have washed a painting off a piece of Uart and used it again. It is also very easy to brush off a failed painting and use some rubbing alcohol to create an interesting wash. So in reality you are getting more for your money and working on a surface that you like! I say go for the Uart and just know that it can take the abuse!

[@kabluey5971]

You can apply sanded gesso to watercolor paper. =)

[@KarenMargulis]

Another great way to make your own sanded paper. Thanks for sharing!

[@francoisegavand8378]

Kathleen Townsend f

[@1DaTJo]

Kathleen Townsend you can practice on sandpaper from the hardware store too.

[@jenniferdavis6115]

I like to heat hear the scratching of the pastels on the paper!!!!!!

[@guyhanes1614]

What are you using to make your sketches?

[@michellem7290]

Wonderful demo... Wish the guy in the audience would stop yakking

[@KarenMargulis]

Hi Michelle, Thank you for watching. In my previous live demos I was answering questions and my cameraman husband was sharing the questions. This time I was painting to music but neglected to tell him to hold the questions! Since this is just a raw unedited video from the live broadcast his talking is still there. We are learning and appreciate your feedback.

[@josephineherrera8508]

That’s Karen’s husband videoing and relating the questions!

[@guyhanes1614]

What are you using to blend?

[@chrisheller1856]

What is your blending tool?! I know that some teachers say do not put our fingers to the pastel paper, well, I can't resist. I realize I need another blending tool other than a scrub and I know my fingers will only last for so long when I use Uart sand paper......love your videos and advise on how you mount your paper........Chris

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching! I use a piece of pipe insulation foam but ONLY on the first layer. I never use a blending tool after that it can too easily lead to dull and muddy painting unless you are looking for a smooth blended look. Have a look at my blog for lots of pastel tips! www.karenmargulis.com

[@TheAmoffett13]

Karen, at around 12m10s you apply a dusty pink to the sky and it looks as though you are actually applying a fair bit of pressure and making strong marks. Are you, or is it just a very soft pastel? I always have thought that applying a light touch has been the done thing in the early stages of a painting, or is it because you will blend it with the pipe insulation and therefore need more pigment to spread? I have been confused about this for a while as you are not the first artist I have seen who appears to press heavily on the pastels.

[@dirkmaxschwaertzel6938]

Apart from the very nice painting, I like the music. What´s the titel of it ?

[@christys7172]

What are u using to blend the colors?

[@KarenMargulis]

I use piece of pipe insulation foam

[@rafaelpedrarroyo9123]

hola que modelo de pasteles y marca son los que utilizas gracias

[@olyndawalker8813]

Adding to a remark from a student below. What is the recipe for making ones own art pastel paper of sand and watercolor paper?

[@KarenMargulis]

Olynda Walker you can use clear gesso which has a slight grit to it or you can add some pumice powder to regular gesso.

[@vlcobb1]

Karen, I would like to know if you apply a fixative to your pastel paintings after you've completed them? I've heard both pros and cons: to use or not to use, that is the question, of a fixative.

[@Beautifullifewelive]

Fixatives turn the pastels very dark. I only use it if I am still adding layers.

[@MDEBonzes]

I love watching your videos and enjoy your demos! I'm having a really tough time trying to choose my limited pallette-I know to get my darkest darks and my lightest, and I understand values, but I'm at a loss to determine the actual colors-I'll keep watching until I get it---I am so thankful for your lessons (I'm 61 and on a fixed income, so I study everything I can online) I absolutely love your style-and its hard for me, as I came from a very detailed background of tight renderings...if you have time, look at my facebook photos and you'll see what I'm coming from-anyway, thank you so much for the lessons! my facebook page is under Marlene Dyar Everritt, and some of my old work is in there. I am completely IN LOVE with pastels, and would never go back!

[@KarenMargulis]

When I choose color I am more interested in the value not the color. Since I layer I eventually get to the color I want!

[@snatchbloock]

What do you use to blend the chalk over large areas?

[@KarenMargulis]

I use the foam that protects pipes. It is a dense foam that doesn't shred and I get it at hardware stores.

[@snatchbloock]

@@KarenMargulis Thanks...will give that a try. I use rolled up paper towel but on ampersand board they disintegrate quickly.

[@karindogs628]

what do you use to blend ? sounds like paper

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching! I am using a piece of pipe insulation foam.

[@Beautifullifewelive]

That is so much easier on the fingers!

[@jenniferdavis6115]

You told him to not talk and he still does. I couldn't do both.

[@evajansevanrensburg5282]

Sorry what is it that you use to blend

[@1DaTJo]

Eva janse van rensburg It’s called pipe insulation foam and you buy it at a hardware or other building supply store for less than $5. I hope this helps. :)

[@paulfelter]

You really need to invest in a HD camera for these videos. a 720 can be had pretty cheaply.

[@MrTangotoes]

Hi Karen, your painting is fantastic and it is very interesting listening to the music to see how you are working with it. It would be great if the cameraman would be quiet so we can get into the zone with you. I guess that will be the beauty of the book, I won't hear the cameraman! :-)

[@10us101]

thanks for your work but the guy talking the music sucks lthe work was wonderful

[@francoisegavand8378]

.ml9

[@nataliesmith9434]

I love watching you but because you don’t talk, I have no idea what you are thinking, what colors are you using, ...for beginner, I would love to know how you are thinking? And can’t hear you over your music.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching. Almost all of my videos are demos with me talking and no music. I hope you'll watch more of them!