Try This No Fail Start to a Painting!

Karen Margulis is an award winning pastel artist who loves to share tips and techniques to help you create stronger paintings. In this video Karen shares her technique of starting a pastel painting and bringing it to a finish in 30 minutes. She calls it a No FAIL start because it gives you a road map to follow and leads to more successful paintings.
SUPPLY LIST
1. Canson Touch sanded Pastel paper
2. Terry Ludwig soft pastels
3. Nupastels hard pastels
4.Blair Very Low Odor Workable Fixative Spray
Subscribe to my channel and Patreon Page for more pastel and painting video demos and tips!
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[@sttarch5150]

That is exactly the right red for that gray-green foliage.

[@MoniqueBourgeois]

Great demo! Beautiful painting...Thank you:)

[@christritton1]

Thank you for this great introduction to pastels Karen, you have totally inspired me to have a go.

[@1DaTJo]

I love this painting, thank you Karen! I’m going to do my version today. My Terry Ludwig pastels arrive this week! Exciting. 🌺🌿

[@KarenMargulis]

That is exciting!! Yay!!

[@markroach4193]

Loved this demo! Learned so much!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and awesome talent. Blessings!😊

[@desireemahase4224]

I love your work and how you make it look so simple. Thank you for your instruction. I am a first time user of pastels, part of an art group where we are given a new challenge every week. This week is a soft pastel landscape. When I realised what the pastels were - I realised that I have no idea how to use them. I will definitely be looking to your tutorials to guide me, you have given me some good insight, thank you xxx

[@kathleenjones2687]

Karen, Thank you for taking me on a wonderful journey in developing my pastel skill set. I love your use of the Blair fixative. I have never seen the product used in such a manner and you achieved such breathtaking results!

[@brendaweiser2028]

Really inspired by this painting and makes me want to get my pastels out and order more!

[@samuraitamahagane323]

(From Germany: My English is not so good. Please forgive this.) Thank you so much for your painting demonstrations. I´ve learnd many things. And you pushed my motivation to paint with pastell in the sky :-)) with your great explainings. Please do more in the future. Greetings from Germany Achim

[@KarenMargulis]

My pleasure 😊Thanks for watching!

[@BaritonGuitar]

You're so fearless, you just go intuitively and it works....Inspiring!

[@jilld8787]

One of my favorite tutorials! You rock!!!🎉🥰

[@juliabinford6500]

Thank you for the helpful information.

[@angelehaddadcyrkiel5742]

Hi Karen, Do you spray your paintings with a fixative? Also, do you frame pastel paintings under glass? Thanks,, Angele

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching. I don't use final fixative and yes I do frame under glass.

[@BillieMoan]

Oh my Karen…this was so well presented. Can’t wait to give this a try. TFS!

[@KarenMargulis]

Have fun! Thanks for the feedback!

[@sukeywatson1281]

With a final fixative, I want one that will not change values…darks do not darken, lights do not lighten. Any suggestions?

[@KarenMargulis]

I don’t use final fixative so I don’t have personal experience but I have heard Lascaux fixative does a good job so that is one to research!

[@tslilbearshoppe9870]

beautifulness! I tried to paint along but mine doesn't look like yours lol...I'll keep trying

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you!! Yes! Keep painting!

[@chantaldupuis9742]

Wow! I sorta followed along with you on this one and I have to admit that you have ignited my curiosity for this medium. Was trying to go at it on my own but this is so different than my watercolours I was a bit lost. Thank you for the videos! Will definitely go register for your Patreon tutorials!

[@KarenMargulis]

Wonderful! I am so glad you found me and I appreciate your support on Patreon. Welcome to our group!!

[@wizzardofpaws2420]

I love listening to her voice. It's like singing in a way!

[@333Judy333]

Fringed poppy flowers

[@judicleghorn7582]

Thanks, Karen. I do have liquid gloves, but I end up washing it off w baby wipes-my fingers get so covered w chalk dust. My last painting I used nitrile gloves (plus wipes), which protected my hands but didn’t give me the finger tip control. Trying to find that middle ground. Thanks! You’re awesome!

[@KarenMargulis]

I know what you mean! Gloves can work once you get used to the different feel.

[@mary-annecancilla7956]

Your videos are so informative and I learn something new from every one of them. You are an amazing Artist and I just love your work and techniques. I also love your Easel and was wondering what the name of it is and where to purchase one like yours? Thank you! 💜

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you very much! It is a Bristol aluminum easel by Winsor Newton.

[@mary-annecancilla7956]

@@KarenMargulis Thank you Karen

[@pradeepjhuboo9458]

This is indeed a start that walks us through the painting without the fright that the white surface usually produces. The near complimentary background colours invite us to carry on. Thank you Karen, this is very encouraging.

[@flooklh]

Thank you. I really enjoyed seeing this painting grow into a real beauty.

[@jilld8787]

Superbly presented with useful content! KUDOS talented pastel queen!😎🎉🥰

[@Amethyst260]

Beautiful Karen!.......thank you. I'd like to paint this scene, so fresh! :)

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you Sandy!

[@dianaholvik2554]

Beautiful. Great tips. Thank you so much for sharing all your time and expertise.

[@gkfrandsen7739]

I really like this painting! I have tried a few like this, but I can't seem to get out of the drawing/ overblending habit. I get a nice underpainting going, then I go into drawing/ detail mode. I want to get more color and a nice loose painting effect but I seem to dislike the pastel marks I make and blend everything out.

[@donnagoode6923]

I’m very glad to have found this channel. You explain things simply and directly and it seems everything you say is a revelation which should be obvious but I somehow didn’t realize on my own. I think this video and a similar one you did (the one with a field of lavender) will be game changers for me in my struggle to create art. Thank you for your good work. I intend to check out your patreon account soon.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you for discovering my channel and watching! I appreciate your support!

[@HOJIN0910]

The combination of color is really cool. This is a wonderful painting☺️👍🏻

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you!!

[@jeantemplemeyer366]

Thank you Karen for the free tutorials.It is a great way for me to distress from my job in nursing.Greens have always been a challenge for me to paint.

[@KarenMargulis]

You are so welcome! Thank you for the work you do. It is much appreciated!

[@crystalthursby2808]

Thank you so much for your Patreon page! I learn so much, and continually enjoy it. Wonderful!

[@KarenMargulis]

Awesome, thank you! I appreciate your support!!

[@sallymorris4418]

Love your work and teaching

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks! I love to share!!

[@sharonleev]

Thank you SO MUCH! This is a great help to me, a novice.

[@KarenMargulis]

You are so welcome!

[@mafish7962]

This is my first pastel tutorial and it’s a beautiful medium, thank you for sharing! Laura xx

[@KarenMargulis]

You are so welcome!

[@caronboler4048]

Oh Karen this is just brilliant. That spray is leaving a interesting texture.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you Caron!

[@debpaolucciojanomethreadar2357]

Beautiful! I'm a new viewer. Great job!

[@TheJmh19]

great video, thanks Karen.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching!

[@catherinebeau1236]

Just getting back into pastels. Just set aside a line filled mountain seen with lots of gravel and scrub in foreground....felt like I was delivering a 10 lb baby! You really make this look effortless....I don't need to labor over every pine needles and rock. Thanks!

[@gabriellebrowne1388]

Hello from New Zealand. I love your teaching...such fun. Would you tell me how to make the fixative spray splatter, please ?

[@carolinesmyth127]

Thanks Karen. Your tutorials are very helpful and much appreciated. Learned so much from you. Really, THANKYOU! 🌟

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks Caroline! You are so welcome!

[@helenhoutchen]

Thank you, Karen! Very helpful demo. I'm enjoying your patreon page. It is chock full of great information. You are a natural teacher. Thanks for sharing with us. It's always much appreciated.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you so much Helen!

[@kimberlydevoe5341]

Love It!!....Thank u so much Karen for sharing your knowlege I sure miss the mountians!!...☺

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank You! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Nasauniverse001]

Karen, that is wonderful. Very useful tuition.

[@Winstant]

I am just amazed about how you progressed from the darker colours into this final beautiful pastel painting with this wonderful small flowers in the foreground. You are a tremendous teacher. Thankyou so much!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you so much 😀

[@teachercaz]

Absolutely beautiful, this has inspired me to get my pastels out.

[@KarenMargulis]

Excellent! Have fun!

[@sueaberle935]

Great demo, beautiful painting

[@drawwithsu9489]

Love it!!😍 I love the way you explain everything. I want to follow you and draw it but I wonder does it work with soft oil pastels?

[@BarbaraAnne55]

Love those pink and plum colours

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks! They work well with green!

[@roslynburgess-clay1419]

Thank you so much Karen. So appreciate these “free” tutorials for those of us who can’t afford the Patreon option. My first introduction to soft pastels was one of your KZbin tutorials,...the rest is history 😊. I paint every day now that l am retired and love this beautiful rich medium. Warm regards 💝

[@KarenMargulis]

My pleasure Roslyn! I appreciate your watching!

[@antoinettedupont9510]

Thanks so much its amazing to have a landscape with starting with this colors .....i learn very much with you

[@KarenMargulis]

My pleasure 😊

[@BetinaLundkaerJensenartist]

Thank you Karen, your videos are very helpful and I really love your approach to pastel painting. Cheers!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@Shipslaw]

Great inspiration! A lot of us tend to give up at 'the ugly stage' but you've shown it is just a stage towards the end product. Thanks Karen!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate it!!

[@cg8397]

Mrs. Margulis, thanks for making this video. It's extremely helpful for overcoming the anxiety of approaching a blank pastel surface. Do you also have a no-fail approach for finishing a pastel painting? If yes, then could you please make a video about it? Thank you very much in advance for your time and help.

[@KarenMargulis]

I do have some tools I use for finishing. I will be sharing them in February over on my Patreon Page! I appreciate you watching my videos!

[@klaudiadollbaum6382]

Question - the Blair Fixative Spray......must it be the "low Odor" one or does the regular stinky one work the same as you describe in your video? Thanks!

[@KarenMargulis]

I have not actually tried the regular fixative. I have tried other brands and they don't give the same darkening effect as the Blair Flow odor!

[@pamelawissinger1838]

Exactly what I needed to get started. Beautiful. Thanks!!!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you!! I appreciate you watching!

[@vilmascassino2663]

What a wonderful painting.. Just love how harmonious and beautiful your landscapes always come to life!!!!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you very much!!

[@leigh-annh2544]

Thank you Karen. Loved this demo and your finished work. Beautiful.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you so much!

[@mifasola1]

Great. Thank you

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you too!

[@markthompson3449]

Outstanding!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you kindly!

[@patgraney1361]

Wow. So much information on composition, even if I’m not using pastels.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you!!

[@chrisknapp4050]

simple, to the point and clear! love it

[@KarenMargulis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deborahrech7429]

Great teaching as always. Gorgeous painting!

[@johanneplouffe3937]

Est-ce possible d'acheter des vidéos de vos démos. Merci

[@sman7099]

Amazing! I am a new starter to pastels. Enjoying the tutorials!

[@KarenMargulis]

Welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@josephineherrera8508]

Hi Karen, great start on this one. I was wondering if you find that the pipe insulation breaks down on your paper and leaves particles behind that you have to brush off. It happens to me using uart 400 paper.

[@KarenMargulis]

I don't have a problem with the foam bearing down on any paper but maybe there are different densities?

[@wendyheller8390]

Thank you souch for sharing your knowledge. You are a gifted artist and we are all so fortunate that you are such a clear instructor and share your approach so we may improve. Thank you!

[@KarenMargulis]

Wow, thank you! I appreciate your kind words!

[@ameliabarreda1117]

Gracias Karen, tan didáctica que te puedo seguir como una alumna. El problema es que los pasteles que tengo ensucian mucho el papel y pierde nitidez el dibujo. Cuál será el problema?, la calidad de los pasteles, la calidad del papel?. Saludos desde Argentina.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching! It is hard to say what is making your paper dirty. We call it making mud. It usually happens when you blend the layers too much or have the paper flat instead of painting on an easel allowing the pastel dust to fall. Usually it is not the quality of the paper or pastels.

[@Itssleepaviation]

How do I translate this into an oil painting? Can I use the same guidelines? Love your work!

[@KarenMargulis]

Yes you can! In fact I use the same steps when I paint with oil.

[@taviparker4993]

I love this so much.

[@TerryJacksonPhotography]

Hello Karen. Is your Patreon page set up to accept yearly payments so you don't have to pay out little amounts each month?

[@KarenMargulis]

Not at this time. It is a relatively new feature for Patreon so I need to look into it.

[@HeiderosesPhotograph]

WHAT A GREAT JOB...MAKING A PAINTING SO COLORFUL COMPARE TO THE REFERENCE PHOTO....THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO....YOU ARE ABSOLUTE THE CREME DE LA CREME......

[@jamesholder13]

Awesome!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks James!

[@jacques8895]

Just beautiful 🌈

[@janapeony8561]

just wonderful,Thanks

[@KarenMargulis]

Many thanks!

[@janetferraroartstudio4234]

Thank you for your wise advise. I will follow your lead when I paint in soft pastel. I love your work!

[@sarvamangalamudhol]

Karen you r a lovely teacher. Your teaching demo made me to start painting again at the age of 73.Thanq very much. Love u.

[@cindyharper6628]

Lovely!

[@mreinstein48]

I like your sobriety

[@miriamcox100]

Amazing lady!!!! Thanks for share!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you!!

[@PaulSebben]

Love it

[@Itssleepaviation]

Love your demos. Get to learn a lot.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching!

[@poetryjones7946]

Start 5:34

[@elisagladkowski2330]

Thank you very much for your wonderful videos. I have learned a lot in short time. I wanted to join you on Patreon site; yet whenever I am clicking the button "Join" , the new page is never loading.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you! I am not sure what is happening I need to look into it! I hope you will try again!

[@elisagladkowski2330]

@@KarenMargulis Thank you very much for your message. Sincerely, Elisa G.

[@irenbacs8940]

Fantastc ! Thank you Karen !

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you Iren!

[@Engelhafen]

I laughed that you caught yourself and we’re going to say no way to fail but said almost no fail.

[@MT-bc6xf]

Such a great teacher! Absolutely enjoy all your videos and love being a patron, so worth it!!!❤

[@Shipslaw]

Wow!

[@leeannelivens1855]

You are so talented Karen !!!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you for your kind comment!

[@artbytammylassiter6885]

Thank you

[@reynradio]

Hi Karen. Just discovered your videos and I have to say your pastel painting is awesome.. I’ll be watching a lot more, but most importantly I will be trying to use some of your techniques hoping I will improve. You’re very inspirational as well. Brilliant.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you Dave! I appreciate you watching!

[@LavishHim]

Lovely! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💕

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you! 😊

[@Coco2345ful]

Love this! Thank you!

[@KarenMargulis]

You are so welcome!

[@judeaugust]

You are an inspiring teacher Karen. I have followed you for a few years and have learnt so much from you. I ,unfortunately ,couldn't make the workshop in Croatia I had booked . I was so disappointed. Hugs and thanks for all your generosity in sharing with us all.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you for watching! I hope to get back overseas in the future so perhaps we will still meet someday!

[@desireecromwell-kraft889]

Thank you. I learned so much from watching this video. The colors you used are vibrant. The finished painting lovely. I am a forever fan of your creativity and teachings.

[@KarenMargulis]

You are so welcome! Thanks for your kind words!

[@judithbrown9595]

I really like this tuatorial, i have just purchased soft pastels not knowing how to use them

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching!

[@isabeltipple9942]

Thanks Karen, all very helpful.

[@joaniemiller4362]

Me and my husband watched this . He said your painting was better than the photo ! Beautiful. I’m trying to get him to try some pastel painting fun. Love this 💕

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching!! I hope he tries! I need to get my husband to try!

[@marzenamajowa3008]

Greetings from Poland, I have been watching your videos for half a year now, I bought my own soft pastels and now paint along with you. All you paintings are really beautiful, this is my favorite one, because it reminds me of the landscapes from my childhood - my father was a forester, and we lived in a forest. I wish you lots of health and happiness. :)

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you for your kind words and for watching my videos!

[@azzahadidi5440]

Really wonderful I wonder what's the sanded paper ...I think it's not available in Egypt.Is there any alternative?

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you! You can make your own sanded paper bu mixing pumice powder with gesso and water and paint it on smooth art paper to give it more tooth to grab the pastel.

[@Misalilalila]

Great ! Theank you ! :)

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you too!