Sunday Studio Pastel Painting Demo: How to Rescue a Bad Painting

[@CCLinGameOnABC]

One thing in particular that your teaching/demonstrating stands out of all the other tutorials is that you also address the psychological factor during the process, and the aspiring artists' mentality. Many times aspiring artists struggle to make any progress because they do not realize that it is the mind and emotions that constrain their development. What I've learned from watching this session is that: 1. Use high quality media so that I can really see how they interact with each other and my vision. As long as I dare to experiment and learn during the process, the money I spent on the pastel and paper is not merely an expenditure. It is an investment. 2. Be a reflective artist. Be aware of the natural impulses. Tame them without suppressing them so that the big picture will not be lost. (I am relating to the part you were working on the details of seed pods prematurely. You shared with us the natural struggles against the impulse to the key object of a painting.) Thank you for your generosity.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you C.C. for watching and for your insightful comments. I appreciate your feedback!

[@SusanJenkinsArtist]

Lovin these Sunday studio recordings!! Thank you Karen and be sure to thank your husband. What a blessing to have such a helper!!

[@st.patrikentertainment]

I love this painting. The colors are so harmonious and what really catch my attention is the "cubistic" kind of way that the pinkish-white flowers are painted. So very beautiful. I think I have seen this video at least 5 times now because it is so faschinating to se how this painting is coming to life from a complete smear after the rubbing alchohol. Knowledge, beauty and entertainment in a great mix on a high quality level. If every youtube video could be like this the world would be a better place.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you so much for your comment. You made my day! I appreciate your words and your watching my videos!

[@trchiang]

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[@laurajump2671]

I reall enjoy watching your Sunday sessions!

[@cnbowles1]

Have been watching all your demos since you started the Sunday Studio Painting..Just wanted to thank you so much for doing this...it has been so very helpful and it is so much appreciated...you have really inspired me....and also want to thank your husband for his part...and you fur face family....

[@FrancescaMoose]

Thank you, Karen! So informative and instructive watching you paint and sharing your thoughts as you paint. I really appreciate your generosity of time and expertise. Thanks to your husband too!

[@wendyadams3754]

Karen, I love your work and your videos. I have learned SO much from you. You are my favorite internet teacher. Please never stop!

[@marilynswanson8278]

good idea about good paper, very true.

[@purplemyriad]

What a Beautiful painting. I've only just come across you and am inspired. You're a very natural painter but you also have the gift of teaching what you're doing and why, so we understand the thought process behind each stage or change of value. You have a new fan! Kindest regards

[@susiegraham3671]

Thank you so much for sharing your vast knowledge with us! I will probably never get the chance to go to a workshop, but these videos are amazing and inspiring. Thank you again!

[@wendysimm7615]

Only just beginning in pastel and found your demos on You Tube which are truly inspirational, love all l have seen and will take note of what You advise. Thank you for sharing . Wendy

[@kitkat9341]

This is just georgeous! It's real talent to take a ho-hum photo and transform it into beauty.

[@KarenMargulis]

Awwww thank you!!

[@lindabrookes1756]

Thanks Karen, I learn so much watching you and you explain things so well.Regards. Linda (UK)

[@MDEBonzes]

Thanks again! I'm so appreciative of these free lessons, as I'm on a fixed income-I've just got to do the limited pallette, and I want to loosen up.This is a particularly lovely painting, Karen! Thanks! Marlene in GA

[@kimpeters3247]

Loved this demo. Really learned a lot. You are a very generous teacher.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you! I appreciate you watching!

[@rzrr41]

love what you do recyclin the painting UFO but after you did cleaned with rubbing alcohol...already there was a beautiful abstract paint...you are really gtood...gracias...

[@l1u1c1k]

Shut up idiot

[@bronwenquick]

Lovely, lovely painting!! I just LOVE your work! Keep it coming...keeps me painting! Thank you sooo much!!!!

[@beth263]

I'm so glad you're uploading videos again!! Thank you!!!!!

[@wizzardofpaws2420]

You are so right about the paper. I got into watercolor and was using that cheap watercolor and hated every picture I made until someone said stop using that crappy paper and by the arches. Wow what a difference it made and it was worth it

[@barbarasalmi2408]

new medium for me to watch...that was absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for your inspiring video.

[@path-finder1]

Karen your work is lovely... I enjoy watching your painting process in such an unpretentious style...! Thank you... You are refreshing to watch and easy to learn from!

[@steves3975]

You're the BOMB! Super talented.

[@florinpetcu1044]

Thank you, Karen! I love this painting, i love all your paintings.

[@karengroeniger4427]

One of my favorite pieces!

[@magistra137]

Thank you very much for sharing your time and talent! The techniques and watching you paint are so informative and interesting. I especially love the colors and movement of this particular painting. It is very inspiring for me!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you for watching Beth!

[@raj61091]

hey karen..loved u r really gifted artist..i just wanted to ask how do u fix ur pastel works .do u use fixatives.if which ones are the best.??and what is the process of fixing apastel potraits and apinyings?once i used a daler and rowneys pastel and charcoal fixative.the paper absorbed the fixative and the colours became darker nd damp.eventually i had thrown away that painting..i tried a mixture of white paper glue(fevicol)and water mixture 2:1.it worked fine but am not sure about the its longevity.

[@raj61091]

what should i do ??plz reply

[@KarenMargulis]

Hi Raj, I just saw your comment. Thanks for watching. I don't use any final fixative on my paintings. I store them flat in between sheets of glassine or newsprint paper. They are just fine as long as you don't move them around too much.

[@raj61091]

thank u karen,sent u request on face book also checked ur website.sent u apic of my latest potrait in pastels hope u like it,working on alandscape,,hope we stay connected through fb.:)

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks everyone for watching and for sharing your great ideas! Keep them coming!

[@sandradodson540]

Bravo, Karen!

[@joycewickman3249]

Great instruction and inspiration to " keep working " at your art and not wasting supplies! This turned out to be a beautiful painting! Thank You,Karen. I love your style and enjoy you on Patreon!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you so much!

[@potomaccrafter]

Thank you! I just watched two of these, and will be back for more!

[@LavishHim]

Stunning! Loved it. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@caronboler4048]

Gorgeous totally gorgeous. I thank you.

[@cmumford1477]

Hi Karen: You are such an inspiration. Thank you for all that you do and for sharing your knowledge. I also wanted to ask if you could do a close up shot at the end so we could see some of your detail work? Your camera man is amazing. So nice that you have such great support. Kudos to both of you.

[@lotus615]

De toute BEAUTÉ! MERVEILLEUX demo! MERCI+++++++

[@gloriabrothers5508]

Really Love this one! Turned out Bea-U-tiful! ThanX Much0

[@kerryanne3962]

loved this I'm new to pastels and I've been to trying find the best pastels to buy i have some very cheap ones and they are not doing it for me, I've stumbled across you and now I'm hooked. Thank you for sharing your talent, you have inspired me.

[@cherylswarthout4382]

Beginner at pastels and wildflowers are my favorite thing to paint. Learned so much from this video. Would love a closeup at the end so that I can really study some of your color choices and finishing marks. Thank you so much for the inspiration.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching Cheryl! We meant to zoom in at the end! I always post the finished painting on my blog so you can get a better look. Yo can even click on it to enlarge. My daily painting blog is here: www.karenmargulis.com

[@artbynasrin]

Hi karen, thanks for teaching us your amazing talent.❤️

[@emc31844]

Love these videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@leigh-annh2544]

Thanks for another inspiring video Karen. I really enjoyed watching this rescue. The final painting is so pretty and really captured the wildness of nature. Your cameraman is doing a great job. Thanks to him too.Might it be possible to have some close ups of your page occasionally or at the end, so we can really see some of the marks you make or where previous colour shows through final work please? Maybe it's my eyesight but I am struggling at times. Thanks so much to you both for these inspiring sessions.

[@Kyomiibrown]

Agree with everything you have said 🙂

[@sheliacruz3502]

Great job. Thank you for posting.

[@shelleybrandon2825]

Love Love Love!! Very inspirational! Thank you!

[@judywilliams1863]

I really like this one. Beautiful work!

[@sallyrosser4590]

Fantastic....I love it! Plus, we get an idea how to recycle when our first attempt on the paper was not successful. Thanks. I agree with buying the quality pastel paper; much like buying a good sewing machine to learn on.

[@blyawakes]

So beautiful! Thank you!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you for watching!

[@pablomiezavarela8358]

I congratulate you on your drawings. I do not speak English, but it is very interesting what I see. Thank you very much for the effort made to initiate us into the paint. I am writing with Google transistor. Muchas felicidades.

[@elainemorse7423]

Love the colors and how loose it is. I hope to learn how to loosen up. 🙂

[@KarenMargulis]

You can do it! Thanks for watching!

[@doreenlorenzo2501]

You are a great teacher even for a75 yr. old brain like mine.

[@indigovenice]

Thank you SO much - you inspire me!

[@deborahstrickland1067]

Loved seeing how to use the alcohol wash. I wish you could buy individual Terry Ludwig pastels but I have only seen them come in sets.

[@DanaFurlotte1]

It's GORGEOUS!!!

[@johannebeerbaum1546]

I was never taught to use a limited pallet with pastels, it makes it so much less confusing to do the major thought process in the beginning to identify the most needed colors & not be searching either for which ones you used before or what to use now. Thank you for saving hours of frustration.

[@doreenlorenzo2501]

You are one talented lady

[@Coco2345ful]

So lovely!

[@LavishHim]

Empty stiffer wet pad containers make great pastel trays!

[@brendamorgado562]

Hi Karen , like everyone else I am in awe at your talent and gorgeous pastels . I stated with pastels strictly for portraits but I am venturing to landscapes which I am a bit clueless to. I want to invest in the best pastels for landscapes .I noticed you mainly use Ludwigs so could you advise me which set would give me the best of colors , I know they are expensive but I don’t mind . I have a large portrait set of Union, the large set of Nupastel, and a few loose ones from other top name brands ,plus pencils sets as well ...yes I love my pastels 🤣🎨...thanks again for sharing so much of your knowledge free to us , you are an angel .... Brenda from Tampa ,Fl

[@nikkimallery]

Haha I use the same gelato containers! Thank you for the demo - I just discovered your channel and love it!

[@cherylhughes691]

I really enjoy watching your videos - thank you for sharing and please keep them coming! Beautiful work.

[@mmedeuxchevaux]

i just started the video but i had to comment. i LOVE the that painting that you think isn't worth saving! i'm scared to see what happens next...

[@luisbito8391]

megusta la forma en la que usted se suelta al pintar sin miedo de poner el pigmeto en el paper como maestra que eres, todo esos colores que usas s todo quedan armonicas soy pintor de accuarelas uso ensima pastel algunas areas es divertidos pintar gracias maestra apesar que soy accurelista sigo aprendiendo ahora con pastel

[@nicolejulien4545]

Beautiful

[@gloriabrothers5508]

😄 Hell😀 again. I just RE WATCHED this one on my larger tablet.

[@taniav3283]

Thank you this was very helpful

[@janettholliday8603]

what is your paper adhered to? How is it adhered? Love your show, new watcher, ordered supplies yesterday. You are the best I've seen and have been browsing all sights I can find and you are #!.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you Janett! I appreciate you watching and for your comments! I attach my paper to regular foam core board using white artist tape. Check out my blog for lots of pastel tips and daily posts! www.karenmargulis.com

[@ranjanachand9306]

Lovely

[@artbynasrin]

Hi Karen: thank you for your time, you kindly share all your knowledge in your beautiful paintings,dear Karen what do you use to tape your pastel paper on,would you please let me know, is it foamcore?🙋🏻❤️

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you for watching. Yes I am using foam core. :)

[@ericahavens9227]

Wow!!!!

[@deniseshaw3871]

Hi ..I love watching all your videos ..helped me so much ! On this one when you went in to finish the sky at the end how do you stop that light pastel falljng down on the whole painting ?

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching! Most likely I was using a light enough touch on a small painting . I f I am doing a large sky I will do it first and let that light dust fall down.Also I find that the sanded papers grab the pastel so well I don't have too much of a fallout.

[@eze8608]

I am really appreciating these videos that You have done. This is so helpful. I'm impressed at how quickly you can produce a finished painting, especially with all of the underpainting that You use......and Oh Sister! I can't believe the quantity of pastels that You have acquired. You have an incredible supply. I've just started purchasing and using them for the past 8 months and I can't believe the cost for quality pastels. I look forward to the day when I can get some Terry Ludwig's :) Anyway, Thanks a bunch. I do have one question.....How do You determine what color You use for Your underpainting.....I've seen purple, red, etc....and I'm not sure how You decide given that the original reference photo doesn't have that color in it. Thanks for Your time. Keep up the great work.....I'll be watching.

[@irwintatyana9066]

wow

[@lrq100]

Thanks Karen. These are beginning to be one "favorite thing" that I don't forget to look for each Monday. How many layers do you find you can do before the painting is saturated?

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching!! It depends on the paper and the pressure used as well as how soft the pastels are! So it can vary quite a bit depending on all of these conditions. I have done a test on Uart sanded paper and had 75 layers! I personally try to have under 5 layers although I don't really keep track. Less is more :)

[@vincenzadolce7209]

Thank you for sharing your knoledge with us I'm sorry but I 'm not English so sometimes I don't understand very well What you say can you write the solution that you in this video? Thanks in advance

[@deniseshaw3871]

Superb

[@IYQ2-22]

+ Karen Margulis: Hi Karen, Thank you so much for the amazing demo's! You are an amazing artist:-) I have a question, is there anyway that you can shoot in a higher video quality so we can see the amazing work that you are doing? It is very difficult to see the detail that you do, and you are just so good, that I would love to learn from you! I have a 27" monitor and I have difficulty seeing the quality of work you are doing:-) Thank you for taking the time to read these comments and put out such amazing video's!

[@KarenMargulis]

Dessa thanks for watching and for the suggestions.This was shot on an iPhone as a Facebook live broadcast so I know the quality isn't great. I don't have time for these videos but still want to share so the Facebook live videos are doable at this time. I appreciate you watching!

[@songsparrowadventures]

Very beautiful, how do you preserve the painting without it smudging

[@KarenMargulis]

I just store them under glassine paper until they can be framed under glass. I don't use fixative as I find it changes and darkens the colors.

[@beckyquick4025]

YOU ARE A GOOD TEACHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DO YOU STILL USE GESSO OR JUST U ART PAPER NOW? ALSO IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THESE BRANDS WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE FOR A BEGINNER? ALSO COULD YOU USE PARCHMENT PAPER TO STORE YOUR PAINTINGS? BRANDS ARE MASTER'S TOUCH HOBBY LOBBY BRAND,ARTIST LOFT, FABERCASTEL,SARGENT THAT IS WHAT IS IN MY AREA. ALSO DOES CONTE CRAYONS OR NUPASTELS MAKE LESS DUST? LOVE YOUR TEACHINGS. THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE.

[@klaudiadollbaum6382]

Question - do you have a suggestion on good table top easel? A frame type vs H frame type? Adjustable vs fixed style? I also paint in acrylic and I don’t have space for floor standing type. Thanks for all wonderful videos.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching! I don't have a particular tabletop easel to recommend although my easel is an H frame so I would like one in a tabletop version. My easels are all Dick Blick brand and I am happy with them!

[@marcelacastillo2580]

Marvelous, but please high sound. Thanks.

[@forestdweller2661]

Beautiful painting....thanks for all the tips. very helpful.....I notice that you fill the paper....I do that as well but it makes for difficulties in framing as we have to "float" everything. How would you frame this painting? float? or?

[@KarenMargulis]

I do paint to the edges but I make sure that nothing important is near the edges so I don't lose anything important with the frame. Lately I have been using frames with linen liners and no mats.

[@lindam6129]

you can also mat it on canvas using a special mounting paper that art store has; that way no frame needed

[@blythesilva3739]

hi,my name is Blythe and I've been watching for the first time, and I just started pastels. when you are done with a picture is there something you put on the painting to preserve it?

[@KarenMargulis]

No I don't spray them. I just store them flat in-between glassine paper until I frame them.Thanks for watching!

[@lindam6129]

there is something called archival spray or something like that that you can spray on at the end to set and protect it; check with an art store

[@KarenMargulis]

I'd like to add that there are sprays called fixative that will set the pastel but most of them change the appearance of the painting and darken and dull them. I prefer not to use them.

[@indigovenice]

btw, for those of us who can't access Uart paper (as it's not available in my country), would it work OK to apply marble grit with acrylic gel onto regular paper to make a better surface?

[@KarenMargulis]

Sure! That works great. Also clear gesso on paper or board works. It has a bit of tooth. If you can get Fisher paper that is a nice sanded paper similar to Uart. Hopefully Uart will expand to your country!

[@angelakilroe8784]

You're such an inspirational artist but I just wish the volume on your videos could be a bit louder please.

[@karengroeniger4427]

Can you resuscitate a sanded paper that has fixative in it?

[@KarenMargulis]

If it is workable fixative you can. I don't use final fixative so I am not sure how that would work.

[@truescot23]

Hi there, do you use oil pastels or soft pastels?

[@KarenMargulis]

I use soft pastels.

[@truescot23]

@@KarenMargulis That's great thank you!

[@wilma5618]

I washed down a sennelier pastel card and ended up with a pure cardboard. Everthing was gone 😃

[@KarenMargulis]

Oh no! That is really the only paper that doesn't take a water wash. You can reuse this paper by adding a coat of clear gesso or any pastel ground!

[@joycetucker3671]

Do you use oil pastels or soft pastels?

[@KarenMargulis]

They are soft pastels. My favorite brand is Terry Ludwig pastels. Thanks for watching!

[@jeramieivy6032]

I am just getting into pastels what pastels should I use unison or mount vision

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching! I like both of those pastel brands. Mount Vision gives you a lot of pastel for the money so I like them for painting large. You really ant go wrong with either!

[@jeramieivy6032]

I have just one more thing to say. I am a big fan of yours

[@vlcobb1]

I've read and heard the pros and cons of using fixative on pastel paintings (and other dry works). The cons seems to outweigh the pros for their usage on dry mediums: change of colors, washes them away, etc. I've read that if one frames their art pieces behind glass (not Plexiglas, which causes static electricity) that should keep the pastels adhered to the paper. What is your viewpoint on that subject? What do you use to sigh your pastel works with and in what location? Thanks for your input.

[@robertgunn5682]

Beautiful