USING SOFT PASTELS WET & DRY/UNISON PASTELS REVIEW

[@lynwilliamson1129]

Sandi….Use a thin layer of clear gesso ( Liquitex is the best) on your pages…… The pastel will cling to the tooth of the paper then…..you can then blend then to make more colours on the page. Another tip get some foam pipe insulation from Grady’s garage. You can cut it up as it is so soft to use for blending on the page. Also the pigments in some colours are the reason that they feel “scratchy” . With the more expensive pastels the pigment will be of the best quality and will not be diluted by chalk. Yes save every shard they will be all useful for mark making. Also to keep your hands clean just get a microfibre cloth and wet it and wring it out it will keep your fingers clean between . The cloth can be rinsed out when used and will save the environment from using paper towel. You will love the pastels you have invested in.

[@sandihester]

Great tips!

[@dhood989]

Golden makes a pastel ground primer that gives sketchbooks a sanded like paper. I've had good success with this.

[@layercakearts]

Thank you, I just learned so much from you!

[@chrissyplanteater2892]

I’m new to pastel, can you use watercolour paper and do you still paint it with gesso 👍

[@wulfseig1864]

Yes, great tip. Love it. Always use Liquitex Clear Gesso. I like to put in all the darks then spray or paint over the whole thing with alcohol. Let dry. Then use either the clear gesso or Golden Pastel Medium or the light pumice gel. Depending on how many layers of pastel is needed. The Canson XL Sand Grain Dry Media paper works really well with these techniques. Hope this info can help someone.Thanks for sharing.

[@MSKCCooke]

I just don't understand what it is about watching someone else swatch new art supplies that I find so entertaining 😆 I think with you Sandi, it's listening to the back and forth conversations you have with yourself (oops! I mean with us) about wet and dry and the colors and the mixing and the "l like it I don't like it". You crack us up! Thank you for the update on Cooper; wonderful to see him snuggling with his buddy Finn! I'm so sorry, but sometimes after watching one of your videos I feel as if I've just stopped by for a cup of coffee, and that you are sharing your things with me....only me. I don't mean to be weird!! That's what's so special about the videos you produce...not just the lovely art, but the genuin-ness of it all. Thanks for the visit, and the coffee! 😉

[@sandihester]

I’m so glad it feels like you’re here having a cup of coffee! And you’re right - I am just talking to myself 😂. I do it all the time and so it’s easy to just turn the camera on and record the “conversation “ 😂

[@deborahruth5072]

I know, right?

[@kirstycat]

Every time you do a art materials haul I wanna buy so many things!!

[@sandihester]

I do hate that about art hauls - I definitely don’t want to be tempting people but I do want to test things to give good feedback for people

[@hannemarielorenzen3428]

Hi Sandi, if you place your paper/sketchbook om an easel with a folded piece of paper to catch all the dust falling down, collecting that dust over time you can make a nice grey crayon from the dust, just adding water and let the crayon dry when formed .

[@sandihester]

Great tip! Thank you!

[@chloegrl1366]

Beautiful......sooooooo exciting!!!!! My friend does beautiful things with pastels....you can also set them with cheap hairspray "that smells good" I love the dark blue pink and the greens are wonderful what fun!!!

[@madelynsmith8281]

Love the art haul. The soft pastels look beautiful. I enjoy the swatching with all the new supplies. They really are a beautiful arrange of colors. Thanks for the update on Cooper. Enjoy that sweetheart! ❤

[@sandihester]

🥰🥰🥰

[@lc5464]

Sandi, you’ve inspired me to pull out the soft pastels that have been sitting in a drawer unused for at least 9 months because I just can’t figure out how to use them. They are messy, but here I go! Thank you for always motivating me to play 😊

[@sandihester]

🙌! Gotta just get in there and play!

[@anitaamor7714]

Trouble is too many brands. I love to test art supplies compare and wonder when I will find that thing I can’t live without. Watching you saves me money. I’ve invested in Neocolour and intense both fabulous for sketchbooks. Another helpful video. Thanks Sandi 🤗❤️

[@sandihester]

So glad these vids help you figure out what to purchase 🤗

[@linseybachko4470]

My husband bought me a huge landscape pastel set by Sennelier and I am loving them! Like you, I had very little experience with pastels so I am just focused on playing with them for the moment. I tape the paper onto a vertical surface and then run a strip of thick tape below with half of it folded back so it doesn’t adhere to the wall/easel. The tape then catches the dust that falls so it doesn’t get everywhere. I’ve seen several artists do it and it definitely helps contain the mess a bit while working indoors. Can’t wait to see what else you create with them!

[@sandihester]

Yes, I’ve seen other artists do that too

[@pacificnorthwestambiance5919]

When the sun comes out here in Oregon I move my easel outside and love working with the soft pastels and fluid matt medium. Drawing and painting combined....makes me so happy!

[@beverlyolivia-bailey6192]

I’m a pastel artist but have yet to obtain a set of unisons due to the price, plus the sheer number of other brands I already have. But I do love getting new art supplies. It’s addictive!! As the other comment stated, when you use paper that is intended for pastels like Pastelmat and UArt , (any sanded surfaces are really the best ones in my opinion and won’t create that excess dust. when you’re starting out I personally would steer clear of the thin non-sanded papers like Canson, as well. With these sanded surfaces, you won’t have to deal with the quantity of dust that the paper your using causes! Have a blast! Once you get into them you’ll never want to put them down! But remember, pastel artists will tell you it’s all about the surface you are using. Grab some soon and you’ll see a huge difference!

[@kymcrowart7876]

Beverly, can you layer other materials on top of the pastels on pastelmat? Or will it take watercolor and gouache first? I like lots of stuff

[@Mountaingirl494]

I have taken classes in soft pastels and have had these products for years BUT I never realized I could use water with them! Mind blown! Thank you! It feels like my old supplies r brand new to me!

[@sandihester]

That’s so fun isn’t it?!?!?!

[@victoriaseeber1481]

Hi Sandi, So glad Cooper is doing better! I too am dealing with an older fella. He follows me everywhere and is in my studio with me everyday. I thank you for sharing your knowledge I have learned so much from you in the short time I have been following. Have a blessed day!

[@michl6688]

I haven’t been able to create this week as I’ve been buried in work tasks, but watching you play with those gorgeous pastels and your water brush was exactly the fix I needed! What beautiful smooshy textures you can create! Those landscapes are breathtaking too! 😍😍😍

[@sandihester]

Sometimes that’s all it takes 😂🙌

[@DreamingCatStudio]

Ooo gorgeous pastels! “That purply color” is my favorite.

[@teresaedwards4175]

LOVING ❤️ your loose painterly work with the pastels ……you two were made for each other!! The layering of the wet pastels with the dry on top look Amazing! The colours are Amazing! I’m really excited to see what you will create with them…..loving your landscapes, especially what you did on location Awesome! ❤️❤️

[@sandihester]

Thank you Teresa!!!!

[@SashaFitzgerald]

I loved watching you experiment with the pastels! I’m excited to see the artwork you make when you’re outside!

[@sandihester]

Thank you Sasha!!!

[@CreatingCuteArt]

I love to see you explore and play with a new material! This was classic Sandi Hester and I loved it!!

[@sandihester]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@deborahmeyers551]

Awesome Cooper is doing well I love your art hauls Sandi and your sketches here are beautiful the sketchbook first landscape is magic thanks for sharing 💜

[@sandihester]

Thank you Deborah!

[@pearlmacmanus7451]

I am loving your videos. You have such a joyful heart, Sandi💕

[@sandihester]

Thank you Pearl!!!

[@pacificnorthwestambiance5919]

Just saw your recent story and can't wait to hear what you have in store for all of us on Friday.....I am so excited! ~~ After taking your "Tackling 'Issue' Areas in a Still-Life" online workshop in March I am hoping it is something similar....maybe....so exciting!! ~~ Also I just returned from wandering through the many used book stores in Seattle where I found a book about Jane Frank's abstract landscapes. I immediately thought of your recent landscape focus. You have me hooked on getting books centered around one artist, reading about their work and lives. Thank you for the many artist recommendations that you so freely give to all of us emerging artists.

[@sandihester]

Deborah today’s launch IS a new online class 🙌!!! You sharing about going to used book stores makes me want to go to one right now!

[@Julie-vy3oz]

I love new supplies imagining all I can create with everything! I’ve played with pan pastels which I really like (smooth and not dusty) but don’t feel compelled to buy soft pastels, otherwise. I love prismas too and have had fun using my pencils more. Glad Coop is doing ok!

[@jam4441]

Jacksons have some lovely soft pastels .Colour range from 200 colours as well as 14 piece colour shade sets. They are very reasonably priced and Jacksons shipping is very affordable (and sometimes cheaper than local postage). Looking forward to all your new work with your pastels. Thank you for sharing your adventures in new materials with us .

[@sandihester]

I may have to check them out!

[@jamieroberts269]

I love how the self portrait kind of looks like a stippling effect. Pastels are a difficult medium to learn but can be so fun and freeing. Gives you back to school vibes playing on the chalkboard.

[@jamieroberts269]

Try using like eyeshadow brushes, q-tips and even makeup sponges to get different effects, control and blending.

[@sandihester]

It really does give you that feeling!

[@sandylee1717]

Had to rewatch this it was so satisfying ‼️

[@ginawoods2071]

Great video, Sandi! soft pastels are so pretty! I'm not sure what you are using for fixative, but I make a working fixative using skim milk and alcohol 50\50 ratio in a small fine mist bottle - Holbein's small bottle works pretty well. It takes some practice, but it works on all water soluble media - graphite, charcoal and soft pastels. This will help to build up the layers without using toxic sprays. I also n love baby wipes for my hands. Thank you for making our day brighter! I really look forward to your videos!

[@sandihester]

Ummmm Gina I can’t wait to try this!!!! I’m putting skim milk on the grocery list 🙌! Can I use rubbing or do I need to use drinking alcohol?

[@ginawoods2071]

Hi Sandi - any clear alcohol will do - even cheap vodka works. You may need to adjust the ratio and get used to spraying. If you can find them, I like 'mini mister' you can try the hole in mister with just water to get the idea. I saw somewhere online that Van Gogh poured milk over his drawings, so not a new idea. Spectrafix is a nontoxic curative and its basically milk protein and alcohol. Let me know if you try it.

[@ginawoods2071]

Hi - agh autocorrect! You can try the Holbein mister with just water to see how it works. 🙂

[@ginawoods2071]

PS I use rubbing alcohol!

[@gardeniainbloom812]

Yes. Soya milk and water works too. Charcoal artist Kate Boucher has a demo on yt.

[@sandylee1717]

“That was a nice experience”. 😍🥰♥️

[@trishmontesano6703]

Hey Sandi, I love the faces!! I just started looking at my small collection of pastels that I was gifted years ago by my brother and thinking about trying them after I saw your video of the pastels from Jeanne Oliver , now I definitely will go for it!!! Thanks for the millionth time!!!😁

[@kimberlymorris3520]

I saw that you had a new video out and waited until I had a some uniterrupted time to enjoy it. Hid in my craft room/crap room last night and watched it twice with a glass of wine. I have always had an aversion to pastels. It's the scratchy sound they make on paper and the feel of the dust on my hands. Gives me the heebie jeebies just thinking about it! However, I just placed my Blick order and am so excited to give them another try! I am really looking forward to taking them on our upcoming beach vacation and trying them out wet. I also ordered the Jeanne Oliver pastels after your last video. I'm a firm believer in "go big or go home!"

[@sandihester]

Oh my - those will be perfect for a beach trip!!!

[@christinebarone2151]

Thank you for the update on Cooper. We have all grown to love him dearly. I will keep him in my prayers 🙏🏼. I have to admit, Ive tried a lot of different mediums of late and I just cant get myself to like chalk pastels no matter how precious the price.. I feel ( my opinion) you cant help but breathe in the dust , its messy and even the pricey opens are scratchy, and I’m not willing to take a chance with my health from them. Hey, that’s why they make vanilla and chocolate ice cream. LOL 😉 to each his own. Thank you for the review, its always interesting to hear and see what our guru Sandi is up to. 🥰

[@sandihester]

I agree - the dust is a problem but since I’m mainly using them outside it’s not been a problem at all

[@michelleannette7994]

First time watching one of your videos. I love your calming voice and how you bring your audience into the studio with you. Definitely will be watching more❤

[@sandihester]

Thank you and I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@CandySoulAndSoil]

You are so inspiring Sandi. Thank you so much 🥰

[@sandihester]

❤️

[@julietoye9872]

I can't use soft pastels anymore, the feel of them on my fingers gives me the heebeegeebees, lol!!! I used to love using them when I was younger but I actually can't stand them now. And the dust, I'm hyperventilating just thinking about it! Weird, I know, I wonder if anyone else feels like that? Beautiful colours though, I hope you enjoy using them. Hugs for Cooper xxx

[@sandihester]

Yes - others feel that way too! I did at first but I’m use to it now and it doesn’t bother me

[@helloamyholt]

I agree about Prismacolor! They’re amazing. Should be talked about and loved on more!

[@Fie.Franciska]

Gorgeous colour combo omg! ☀️

[@wilmamccoul]

I was going to tease you about your art hauls and how I can't afford them! They look like so much fun. Lol However, fessing up, I have been trying and using Pan Pastels. I look forward to your doing some art work with your new toys! I enjoy watching your works in progress and listening how you make certain decisions. Your decision processes help me look at changing things up for my own work. Thank you, Miss Sandi!! I'm so glad to hear fur baby is doing well. I have four of them and two cats. It's a mess (seriously).

[@sandihester]

So glad it’s helpful Wilma!!!

[@maggiemae6867]

I haven't tried the prismacolor colored pencils yet. I have tried the Caran Dashe Supracolor 2 Soft!!! They are a dream to work with!!! I want to love soft pastels but I can't do the dust on my hands. It makes my hair stand up. LOL. But your landscapes are to die for. Thank you for sharing. Always look forward to your videos.

[@sandihester]

The dust bothered me too at first but it doesn’t now. Just took a little getting use to

[@andreajlmoore]

Aww, so glad that Cooper is hanging in there. I laughed out loud as you tried to capture every scrap of dust to use. I’m like that too...I always try to put excess paint back into those tiny holes in the paint tubes/bottles...it’s a bit crazy but I don’t like to waste it😂

[@sandihester]

I HATE waste!

[@sandylee1717]

Love Grady’s eyes😍‼️

[@SN-sz7kw]

Also - if you save the crumbs - you can combine them to make your own pastel. I collect them by color - but you can make some mystery greys as well by combining them. 💗

[@SusannahFisher]

Such a fun video! I think why a lot of people don't like Prismacolor (me included) is because they break in the casing so easily. The pencils are beautiful and creamy to work with, but sharpening them can be a bear. I've gone through an entire pencil hoping the one break I encountered was the only one - and been so disappointed. It turned out to be a waste of time and money, so I began replacing my collection over time with another brand that doesn't have that problem. As always, such a fun video - you make Fridays the best!

[@sallysims5090]

Interesting to see what you're doing with pastels. Healthful best wishes to Cooper. :)

[@barrybark3995]

its really cool the way you are filming your art journey . I like your idea to only have a limited range of pastel colours

[@dianegibbs]

Yay! Love how you tested them out and got ideas for more moody scenes! Looks great for capturing winter and overcast days! And the scratchiness totally gets me too! I wonder if there is something with the darker colors and how they absorb or not absorb humidity? Hmm something to research. Oh and I write on my hand too, I call it my palm pilot God gave me! Ha!!!

[@sandihester]

Yes, I’ve heard that the darker colors are scratching 😒

[@ayaartvlog6934]

The pastels are very warm colors.love it❤

[@cotedelpiano]

I love watching you try new materials, I've never tried those kinds of pastels but they look delicious, specially when you added water! so tempting haha

[@sandihester]

They are fun for sure!

[@michelepastele5347]

Hi Sandi - I bet you would like some vertical spiral bound flip pastel paper probably better than your regular paper journals. That's one thing about chalk pastels - always lots of dust. Great haul of stuff. I've never used the Great Americans but they look like they have a nice feel. I've also never used pastels to any extent with water. Enjoy!

[@eileenreillyarts1229]

I've been wanting the Unison Landscape set but couldn't justify my local art shop's full set. Then Jackson's had a Unison sale so I got the half stick Landscape and Portrait set. Arrived in a week and no breakage! They are much more portable as half-sticks. And those Fabriano books are the best. I always bought them at the NYU bookstore for each course I was doing.

[@eileenreillyarts1229]

The card in my box said some may be scratchy but once you work them they are fine. It's just a film.

[@sandihester]

I really wanted the half sticks!

[@desireeyoung2814]

Oh my gosh, it is so much fun to see you experimenting with soft pastels. My mom and I started painting with them in the last year, and what a fun medium! I had the exact same anxiety breaking mine, but they are SO much nicer to use afterwards. It is expensive, but I’d HIGHLY suggest getting some Claire Fontaine Pastelmat or some Uart sanded paper in either 400 or 600 grit. The texture on these papers “grab” hold of the pastel, so you have hardly any dust. It also allows you to add several layers, which just makes the painting come alive. I tried the clear gesso, and even plain sandpaper from the hardware store. But once you try the sanded paper or pastelmat, you will fall even more in love with this medium! Love how you turned yourself into Grady, LOL. Prayers for your sweet Cooper! ❤️

[@sandihester]

Great tips - thank you!

[@dianelodico2166]

I love Unison pastels. I usually “finger paint” with them. Creamy smooth.

[@diaryofcolours]

I'm so excited to see you use the Art Creation sketchbooks! They've been my no.1 favourite sketchbook for over a year now (though I hated the first one I bought 4 years ago). But ooohh, they're so yummy for how cheap they are!

[@sandihester]

Yes - I agree!!!

[@lindyashford7744]

The colours will mix very differently to paint. You may find that smearing too early will fill the pores of the paper too much to take a lot of pigment on top. Ideally a paper that will take more working would be better, specialist pastel papers are good, though I have had really great results with recycled tinted papers and handmade papers too. The most the papers ‘take’ the pastel the less dust. You will get used to the dust quite quickly and not worry so much about your hands. Have a lot of fun with these, they will suit a lot of your techniques! Really nice to see you experiment, I love those mustardy colours too. I have two different selections of unison and love them. Pastel is definitely its own medium. Count on needing a lot of fixative! A work in pastel is called a painting anyway. The thin square pastel you liked looks like a hard pastel, there’s a number of good brands, conte a Paris and creta colour are ones that come to mind but there are others that are good too. If the dust continues to bother you but you like the medium their dust fall out is a lot less.

[@sandfly60]

Using pastel papers makes such a difference. Pastelmat and other sanded papers.

[@tammyjames3999]

Ooh I need a tin like that for my neocolors great video Thankyou ❤️

[@reneescott6249]

This set is GORGEOUS!! I never liked soft pastel until about a month ago. I have a cheap Faber Castell set. Oil pastel is much more my thing. I started to use my soft pastels like I would use charcoal and found that I’m really enjoying it. Maybe you could pretend the scratchy feel is colored charcoal 😊😊❤️❤️

[@sandihester]

I’m actually really loving them - took me a little bit to get use to them. But now that you mentioned it - I do LOVE charcoal which is similar in feel

[@mollyrobbins1515]

I use a big portfolio to paint on and for temporary storage. I tore out the paper flaps inside & took off the string ties, then I use big clips to hold what I am working on & keep the portfolio closed. It works like a charm.

[@sandihester]

I like the clip idea!

[@robincivis9501]

Talking hands...I love it!❤

[@annacastellano4512]

oh my goodness. first time view to the channel. love who you are and that artwork in the back ground is SO beautiful 😍 💖

[@sandihester]

Thank you Anna! And welcome!

[@rosegush533]

I love Prismacolor pencils but know that people hate how easily the lead inside the pencil breaks if they are dropped. One of mine rolled off the table and has never sharpened right again! I'm not sure if this is still an issue but I know that's why several artists switched things up. Love the haul and your videos!

[@ginamccracken5380]

It was an issue for me too. I never dropped mine but I think the post office played soccer with the pencil set. I notified the company I ordered from about the color core being broken and how it would fall out. I sent them back not once but twice. My NOW 3rd set arrives and same problem. The company refunded my money and I invested in the complete set of Polychromos by Fabre Castell. Best investment I ever made. There is a Pro and Con that I noticed compared to Prisma. With Polychromos you can build up a lot more layers without getting wax blooms like you do with Prisma. However, the Prisma white works so much better for blending out colors compared to the Polychromos white pencil. Other than that, I'm a happy camper with the Polychromos.

[@nemo9540]

I absolutely love the unison brand of soft pastels, they may be a little smaller than many other brands but they are loaded with pigments and not as much binder. I bought the portrait set and they were so satisfying to use, I highly recommend them over sennelier.

[@Harkart59]

I always try to be so organized and clean but I just can't work that way 😂😂 Another great video! Thanks! Give Cooper a gentle hug. Our boy Memphis is 16 and he is just learning how much he loves the doggie ice cream treats now.

[@sandihester]

I can’t work clean either and frankly I don’t want to 😂

[@TheRecoveringCreative]

I’ve been watching this video for the past few days 😄 going back and forth if I want to try dry pastels again, and the wetting and layering convinced me and boy is it fun!! I remember not liking pastels years ago but it was probably the method I really didn’t like. Thanks for inspiring play and experimenting

[@scoanime]

Great video. It looked like you were having a great time. All the dust gives me a bit of anxiety especially since my art space is a corner of my closet. That would end badly 😂 but I'm loving the work you're making with them

[@sandihester]

Yes - that could be bad Sandra 😂

[@junemaguire5053]

The pastels look very nice thank you.

[@GoldenAstroCat]

I LOVE Unison soft pastels, they go on like butter and the colors are quite neutralized/greyed. The thing with any soft pastels is you need paper with some 'tooth' so the pastel particles have a place to go. You will find it less dusty if you work on pastel paper which has a fine texture to hold the pastel. Soft pastel will basically fall off smooth paper. You could try gessoing the paper first to give it more 'grip'. Have fun! 😊

[@sandihester]

Good tips

[@jillianstone1]

​@@sandihester Try clear gesso on a few pages of your journal, it's super gritty. Also, there is something called sanded paper/board. It looks and feels like sand paper you'd find in a tool box in the garage-seriously!. But it's actually artist grade paper made just for soft pastels and its pricy (of course). I confess I'm inspired to dust off that big box of Sennelier pastels in my art closet.

[@loiseilers5058]

Hi Gwyn! Great advise. Do I know you? 😉

[@louisetomlinson-sylvest3726]

They look lovely. You an get little desktop vacuum cleaners that are good for dealing with the dust. Jenny Manno uses them.

[@After40Art]

I love pastels. I mostly use pastel pencils but I have some sticks too. Mostly sennelier. Save the bits and dust and you can mix them into your own little sticks when you save enough of it (I have few jars with similar colors collecting) with a bit of water or alcohol. Seen a few videos here on KZbin about that and it can save money esp if you like mixing your own colors.

[@sandihester]

Great tips!

[@SonyaBatten]

Sandi, if you want to work with them in your normal sketchbooks use clear gesso it has grit in it. Or I make my own with Matt gel medium that I already had in my stash and add bi carb Soda. Add a little water and smear on your page first. Makes your page nice and gritty for the pastel to hang onto. ❤

[@julielondon4759]

Helpful and inspirational! Thank you so much for all that you do!❤️

[@sandihester]

🥰🥰🥰

[@trudiatherton7112]

I love soft pastels but they can be expensive, and crumbly. I like the rembrant ones beccause they are cheaper. So pleased too hear Cooper is doing ok X x

[@sandihester]

I need to try some Rembrandt

[@wulfseig1864]

Soft pastels were always a no go for me. Then I tried them. Now, can't stop. The dust and messy fingers bother me but a microfiber towel and a keyboard vacuum make it bearable. Also, using an easel, make a dust catcher, to paint helps as well. I just love them. So happy I tried. ❤❤❤

[@sandihester]

I always felt that way too but I’m addicted now too!

[@patvalenzuela5105]

So happy you love them.

[@kriksis]

Hello Sandi! I always avoided soft pastels as I thought of them as super messy art supplies , but then this video came up and all the unison pastel colours look so good. And I didn’t know that you can use water with them! I am on art supplies ban but maybe I might get some colours and experiment with mix media for my illustrations. Thank you for the video!

[@sandihester]

You’re so welcome!!! I’m glad you enjoyed it!!!

[@kriksis]

@@sandihester Yes! :) I even filmed a video about this new discovery and tagged you in it as a reference.

[@sandihester]

@@kriksis I just saw that and I just put your name and face together! I love your videos - I don’t get to watch much because I’m always so busy but you have a great YT channel! I can’t wait to watch the video tomorrow with a cup of coffee and thank you for the shout out!!!

[@kriksis]

@@sandihester aww thank you for the kind words Sandi! I understand that completely! btw.I'm waiting for some more pastels to arrive and guess addiction has started! :D I also had some comments to try pastels with gum Arabic instead of water so it would fix up better, just thought to let you know too!

[@sandihester]

@@kriksis yes, I've heard that same thing. I'm watching your video now. Try using less water as you rewet them and it will be more like gouache or paint. I've been ordering more and more - I hear ya with the addiction :)

[@deborahruth5072]

I wonder what happens if you use a mix of Gum Arabic and Water in the water brush? I think I will try that out. I have a set I haven't really played with yet as I had been doing a lot of watercolor and am just getting back into mixed media. I love to watch you having fun and experimenting.

[@sandihester]

Someone told me that works - go for it! 🤗

[@anitawaclawik4286]

Good to hear that Cooper is doing Okay

[@lynnefibreart]

Another fabulous video, thank you. I wonder if you lightly misted the pastels with water as you put them down, if this would reduce the dust?

[@laurenbell1485]

The square pastel near the end is probably Nupastel. I love them! Not too expensive. Also if you love really soft almost creamy pastels, Jackson’s own soft pastels are glorious. Super soft and buttery.

[@sandihester]

I’ve heard Jackson’s are good! I’ll check out Nupastel!

[@brittanydaniels1102]

@@sandihester I think Nupastels are being discontinued by Prismacolor.

[@teresamazotti1315]

I am happy to hear the Cooper is doing better. The Unisom look like chalk pastel? I have not used them before. I will get a few and try them. I like the wet or dry component.

[@sandfly60]

No chalk generally in good soft pastels. Mostly pigment with a little binder like gum tragacanth or even a clay.

[@LouStineArtStudios]

I wonder if you could use matte medium with the soft pastels instead of water? Might preserve the value and set it. Could be a fun experiment.

[@maibritton2882]

TARGET has sidewalk chalk holders... basically they are like pencil extenders. you might have to buy some sidewalk chalk and adapt the holder or look for writing chalk holders at a teacher supply store or online? I know most schools use white boards now , but its a thought.

[@erikapeterson3484]

The darkest blue cigar from Joanne Oliver also was really scratchy if I recall. I wonder if it's something about the pigments used.

[@sandihester]

Yes, others have said that darker colors are more scratchy in general

[@pallavichandra8281]

Lovely! Since you are getting into soft pastels, maybe you might want to try Pan Pastels. I use them with pastel/colour pencils and simply love them. Not scratchy at all and way less dusty.

[@sandihester]

Several people have recommended them! I may give them a try in the future.

[@actuallyfrankie]

I love what you do with soft pastels! Unfortunately due to my allergies I can't handle the smell of fixative, but am inspired by the looseness of your sketches to maybe try doing a similar style with my Neocolor IIs (which tend to smudge less when I get them wet) or with my watercolors and Prismacolor colored pencils. (I am ALSO on a ban!) I wonder though if I get Inktense blocks and wet them down, do they still need fixative? Because I saw you also use them in a similar way!

[@sandihester]

I use fixative on all my stuff in my sketchbook except when I use only paint. And I found a more natural one that I’ll be sharing soon

[@elinsaimi7926]

Nice video is good work in this world full power 🤩 .and always good your days of life!📌💓👍

[@suzannemarshall7458]

i love prisma color too. they do great work for me

[@sandihester]

Someone else mention therm

[@sandihester]

“Them”

[@MeganCartyArt]

I’m obsessed with these colors!!!! Yes, you would always wear a face mask in studio for these. Before long it’s all in your nose and you blow out colors. 😬

[@sandihester]

Blowing out pretty colors could be fun though 😂🤪

[@annevai]

Thinking of splurging on that unison set. Have you ever tried the sennelier soft pastels? The sets are a little more affordable!

[@cynthiaa574]

I actually order from Jackson’s all the time specifically because they ship and deliver wayyyy faster than blick or any other U.S. stores AND they are usually cheaper in prices . Jackson’s packaging is also amazing and very eco friendly

[@sandihester]

Yes, I like they’re packaging MUCHA BETTER!

[@sueanderson7386]

I wonder what would happen if you added some gum arabic to your water brush? Because watercolour is a mixture of pigment and gum arabic. It might improve the pigment to adhere to the paper? Less dusty?

[@susanmarcoux7005]

You are sooo entertaining!...I don't need Netflix anymore, lol.

[@sandihester]

😂😂😂❤️ thank you!

[@gwenritch]

omygawdd where do I start! I used soft pastels for a fews years and love them but my asthma is triggered with them so I have put them away. Maybe will try outside as I feel guilty not using them after investing so much money in them! Anyways, I use Unison and love them. So buttery. If you want to try a beautiful stick that has a nice feel in your hand …try a Terry Ludwig soft pastel stick. You have to go to their website as Dick Blick doesn’t carry them. You may find them in an art store. I bought mine in Canada in an art store, They are more expensive then Unison but maybe a birthday stick or two would be nice! I have a very beautiful set of Terry Ludwig Portrait set and the colors are so muted! yummy! You have inspired me to go play with them and try with water! Could you provide Sarah’s youtube link? Is she the illustrator as I could not find her. Oh and I had the whole collection of pan pastels, they come in a compact case which is fun for travel too! they are fun to play with as well. Thanks Sandi for another long video which I saved for my Saturday morning cafe! looking forward to seeing more pastel fun! cheers Hugs to Cooper!

[@sandihester]

I follow Sarah Dyer on Patreon.

[@MonicaReentsArt]

I love pastels, but I recently found Richeson Shiva Oil Sticks at Jerry's Artarama... and I need all the colors! I love them alone and in mixed media. They are really smooth and blend beautifully. Have you ever used oil sticks? If so, what are your thoughts?

[@sandihester]

Yes, I have lots of oil pastels and I love them

[@mekagooden4915]

Hi Sandy. Love those colors! You inspired me to get some oil pastels but now I’m thinking I should have purchased the soft pastels. Do you find them to work better on certain paper? I’m using mine in watercolor paper and I find them to not smear and layer over very well.

[@sandihester]

They are both such different mediums and I love both for their own qualities

[@Keniv.]

Hello, I have every colored pencil out there🤦🏻‍♀️ I love my Prismacolors but one thing you should check for, at the end of the pencil look to make sure the core is centered, if not centered be careful how you sharpen them as they will have a tendency to break. When I’m working with soft pastels I use Huggies original baby wipes, it cleans your hands so fast and you can keep working your art. It was so much fun watching you mix colors and blending and adding water! Have you ever used Pan Pastels, they are Uber expensive but they have a nice landscape set, be careful with other sets as they have duplicates…sorry I ramble.

[@sandihester]

Thank you. -all good info!

[@Keniv.]

@@sandihester Oh,my pleasure!

[@shebaknee]

Ohhhhhh LOVE this video! I have these beautiful (non scratchy) buttery set of soft pastels. I’ve not really been using them much because I hate losing the colour when fixative goes onto them. In your experiments have you found a solution to that? Any magic fixative that helps with minimal loss of brightness?

[@sandihester]

Yes about fixative and I’ll be sharing soon in another video

[@Sara-cp7de]

I'm so curious to see what you will do with these pastels

[@sandihester]

I’ve been making a ton of landscapes!

[@SN-sz7kw]

Oh! & another tip - if you put some ground rice in your little travel box it will cushion and clean the pastels. 💗

[@sandihester]

I’ve heard that - just haven’t done it yet.

[@ntakovacj3644]

A great experience. I can barely watch it -- need to try it as soon as it's over!

[@ellengoodloe9786]

glad to hear that Cooper still has a twinkle in his eye :)

[@cindyfall8063]

A lot of people save the little crumbs. I know I do! You can even shave some off with an exacto blade and apply them with smaller brushes.

[@michelepastele5347]

Use your liquid glove stuff too - makes it so much easier to get it off your hands.

[@sandihester]

I have used that but I don’t always remember

[@janechorlton5015]

You might like to try different papers especially pastel papers as different pastel lines work better with different substrates. Harder pastels work really well with sanded papers and Great Americans work well with printing paper and using razors to scrape. If you are worried about dust pastelmat pastel paper holds the pastel really well and is a good multimedia paper, some put colour pencils over pastel using this paper especially.