Witness The Amazing Fusion Of Alcohol And Soft Pastel - A Game-changing Technique!

Witness the amazing fusion of alcohol and soft pastels in an exciting new way! This innovative technique is not just a game-changer; it's a fresh breath of creativity that will elevate your art to new heights. 🌟🎨
In today's lesson, we dive deep into the wonders of combining alcohol with pastels to achieve stunning effects. Here's why you'll love this technique:
⭐️ Masterful Underpainting: Learn how to liquify your pastel underpainting with alcohol, setting a dynamic foundation that enhances your ability to layer colors like never before.
⭐️ Vibrant Results with Fewer Layers: Say goodbye to the endless cycle of layering. This method allows for a more spontaneous, colorful, and lively finish with minimal layers.
⭐️ Simplicity and Fun: Discover an approach that is not only effective but incredibly enjoyable, making your painting session an exciting adventure.
The Steps Mentioned in the Lesson:
1. Use Soft Pastels (rather than harder brands)
2. Use a Water-Friendly Pastel Surface (such as UArt, Fisher 400, Pastelmat, Colourfix, etc)
3. Apply Local Color as a Block in (just focusing on big shapes and basic colors)
4. Use 70% Isopropyl Alcohol and a brush (I used a 3/4" brush)
5. Apply alcohol in Sections (Don't be too haphazard)
6. When all pastel is liquified with the alcohol, let dry and add pastels on top.
For this tutorial, I've chosen only the best materials to ensure stunning results:
PRODUCTS USED IN THIS LESSON:
👩‍🎨 Isopropyl Alcohol 70%
👩‍🎨 Fisher 400 Sanded Pastel Paper: The perfect canvas for our technique, offering just the right texture for our alcohol and pastel mix. www.proartpanels.com/fisher-4...
👨🏼‍🎨 Schmincke 120 Half Stick Set: A comprehensive palette of vibrant colors that blend beautifully when activated with alcohol. www.dakotapastels.com/product...
🧑🏾‍🎨 Richeson Color Wheel Neutrals: Essential for adding depth and complexity to our compositions. shrsl.com/4fy6u
👩‍🎨 Royal 3/4" Paint Brush: amzn.to/49E6R9V
FULL Lesson on my Patreon Page:
www.patreon.com/posts/vibrant...
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#pastelpainting #pastelpaintingtutorial #paintinglessons #softpastel
00:00 Introduction
00:36 Reference Image
01:17 Quick Sketch
01:59 Products for This Lesson
04:19 Underpainting in Pastel
10:29 Applying Alcohol
14:46 Pastel Application

[@monetcafe]

Wow! I was thrilled with so many things about this technique. Especially how little pastel you need after you liquify the underpainting with alcohol. Hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think!

[@bmac5242]

Once I finish outdoor planting today; going to head into the studio to try this! Love the technique and your finished painting:)

[@monetcafe]

Yay!@@bmac5242 Hope you love it as much as I did!

[@user-tg8wh7uz3j]

Nice to see the reference image as the painting unfolded. Thank you.

[@cpaints1]

Thoroughly enjoyed so much structured how-to in a relatively short video. Never felt rushed and you kept the idea of creative interpretations/license alive as your painting was not a slave to the reference--in fact is more "alive" than the photo with subtle energy & color additions which seem to add a real sense light possible in the actual (though manipulated) landscape.

[@josefinae1403]

Can confirm, alcohol really helps with my creative process. Specially when served cold.

[@monetcafe]

Ha ha.... I get that. And just as a side note.... any clear alcohol will work with this painting process too. Vodka will do the trick!

[@josefinae1403]

@@monetcafe Jokes aside, I loved what it did to your underpainting, didn't expect such a good result. Good work (as always)

[@monetcafe]

Blesss you! @@josefinae1403

[@garthok6224]

excellent comment!!! LOL

[@monetcafe]

I know, right?!!!! @@garthok6224 😂🤣

[@cynthiacooke9785]

Thanks from a beginner 82 years young

[@monetcafe]

YAY!! Thank you! @cynthiacooke9785 Comments like this are part of why I do this. I love inspiring others, especially in their art journey! Thank you for your sweet comment! Bless you!!!!

[@bethrogers8845]

The heavens are telling us of the glory of God, and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands! Beautiful

[@monetcafe]

Amen Beth! What an amazing God we serve.

[@LadyArtist3059]

I pray before I paint too. God improved my paintings

[@monetcafe]

Praise Jesus! Thanks @LadyArtist3059! I can't help but shout praises to my Savior!

[@user-ei2lm6us2e]

As art students in the 70's we did this as a technique for several lessons, you do hobby art

[@jeanking6662]

I'm going to save this video. I love the technique and there's a great amount of useful information.

[@maritimemystic]

I pray before I paint, too. I feel like it helps me to slow down and be more mindful. Thank you for sharing this technique 💗

[@monetcafe]

Praise Jesus! Thanks @maritimemystic! I can't help but shout praises to my Savior!

[@stampinturtles]

I always pray and ask God to help me. I love that you do that. ❤😊🙏🏻 You have a wonderful way of teaching. Your voice is soothing. This painting is beautiful. I’m definitely going to try this.

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @stampinturtles! Your comment blessed me.

[@willrichards4093]

Gorgeous and Majestic!!!

[@mary-allisonobrien3136]

This is beautiful. I am a new watercolor artist. I haven’t tried any other medium, but after watching this tutorial I’m inspired to give pastels a try.

[@monetcafe]

Wonderful! You may fall in love with pastels like i did!

[@michellewelch6013]

Fabulous! Thank you so much for sharing this technique. Im glad you mentioned the dust, thats so tough for my alllergies and yet the colors and beauty of pastels is so wonderful! I cant wait to try the alcohol technique. And yes, prayer always helps. :). Blessings to you!

[@monetcafe]

Praise Jesus! Thanks @michellewelch6013! I can't help but shout praises to my Savior!

[@andreasmith3705]

I absolutely love your work. I enjoy your humour & generosity & your beautiful choice of words - you also paint with your words - when you describe things & express your views & opinions. I love the way that you engage people & are mindful of your audience. Thank you. May you go from strength to strength. ❤

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @andreasmith3705! Your comment blessed me.

[@rosalindstone7388]

I have never worked with pastels before but was gifted a whole bunch by someone who gave up! Your beautiful painting has inspired me to try your technique. Thank you

[@ConnieSnodgrass-jq9zt]

Very nice!!

[@pilotdawn1661]

Excellent demo and great idea -

[@monetcafe]

Thanks for that input, @pilotdawn1661

[@TmarkN]

I just ordered myself a set of Oil Pastels and now I wish I had ordered Soft Pastels. I want to use them with the alcohol. It looks like fun.

[@YesItsTom2U]

I've been thinking about getting back into pastels and this video came along at the perfect time. Thank you.

[@monetcafe]

I'm so glad! it’s meant to be! You can do it.

[@pamelajunck146]

Thank you! I Did not know you could do this at all. I’m fascinated by this technique💐

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @pamelajunck146! I'm so glad you liked it! Happy Painting!

[@wildjane2010]

🎉wow ❤

[@ginawood5991]

Thank you so much for sharing your talent. Your painting is absolutely beautiful!

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @ginawood5991! I'm so glad you liked it! Happy Painting!

[@lindawiedemann5014]

WOW!!!

[@bonnieblenders4606]

A creation is a success when one wants to step into the scene and explore. This is definitely a success. You've lightened my mood and inspired me to keep going! Thanks 😊

[@sylvandryad6207]

Wow !!! I wish I had seen your videos back in the 80's & 90's when I used soft pastels a lot to do portraits etc !!! I am glad that I found you. I live in Canada, on the Atlantic coast on an Island. Prince Edward Island !!! I will be watching more of your videos for sure !!! I loved this outcome using the underpainting !!! Thank you for doing this channel !!!

[@n2zartist]

My goodness, that is so pretty!!

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @n2zartist! I'm so glad you liked it! Happy Painting!

[@CristinaTeixeiraTV]

very beautiful. thanks for the video.

[@tthappyrock368]

Beautiful! Love this technique!

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @tthappyrock368! I'm so glad you liked it! Thanks so much for watching!

[@lesleyhughes4904]

Stunning.

[@MOstix13]

Very nicely done.

[@rebeccakahrs7290]

Wow….Susan this is just gorgeous. I feel like you have just taken your work to a new level with this technique. Love it! Thanks for sharing

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @rebeccakahrs7290! Your comment blessed me.

[@MaryamMasouleh]

Unbelievable, wow you're an Artist

[@monetcafe]

Awesome @MaryamMasouleh, I appreciate that so much!

[@dorisjimison7590]

love your work

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much 😀

[@connieratti.ADBestyoucanbe]

Enjoyed your clarity and honesty in your instructions

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @connieratti.ADBestyoucanbe! I'm so glad you liked it! Happy Painting!

[@kellyrivers4769]

Beautiful!

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @kellyrivers4769

[@TheTimeshadows]

My first viewing of your channel. Your underpainting was lovely enough for me, but seeing your final was a real joy. Thanks.

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @TheTimeshadows! Your comment blessed me.

[@benicio1967]

What a gift to have such vision and imagination. Thank you for sharing your art. This was just lovely. I really enjoyed this!

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @benicio1967! Your comment blessed me.

[@deborahmiller1925]

Enjoyed this! Beginner of pastels

[@monetcafe]

Awesome @deborahmiller1925, I appreciate that so much!

[@LaineyBug2020]

Lol, my new reason to keep everclear in my art kit!

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @LaineyBug2020 HAHA... not that kind of alcohol! HAHA

[@rftibbe]

JUST WOW!

[@monetcafe]

Awesome @rftibbe, I appreciate that so much!

[@VegetarianLamb]

So beautiful! Thank you sister for sharing your gift with us!!!❤

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @VegetarianLamb thank you for watching and supporting me! I can't say thanks enough!

[@kentgasaway47]

Enjoyed the demo.

[@barbaracory2716]

Thank you for sharing,

[@deveryburch2373]

With reflections it helps to turn the painting sideways to check symmetry, like a butterfly.

[@cherylcorron979]

Very interesting!

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @cherylcorron979 Thanks. So glad you enjoyed it.

[@Vladimir_Bukov]

Спасибо, есть чему поучиться! ❤

[@monetcafe]

Спасибо огромное, @Vladimir_Bukov! Я так рада, что вам понравилось! Приятной живописи!

[@rogermariart]

That was gorgeous, I work on figure all the time, but this technique look so beautiful that I want to paint 🎨 a landscape 😊 thanks for sharing

[@marybowles1957]

Thank you!! Your video has given me a new tool to use!

[@erica73730]

Beautiful work thank you, looking forward to giving this technique a go💛🤩

[@paulinearnold1801]

Beautiful.

[@DMYMD1]

Great demonstration. I’ve used alcohol before but not much. When I paint a pastel plein air at the Plein Air Easton Quick Draw I think I’ll surprise the crowds with a more liberal use of the alcohol in a spray bottle. They’ll love it.

[@candidadelacruz1155]

I loved❤

[@monetcafe]

Awesome @candidadelacruz1155, I appreciate that so much!

[@Alice-bb2qs]

This video really inspired me to get back into pastels. So excited to try this technique! Thank you for sharing 💗

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @Alice-bb2qs

[@Merletth]

Beautiful

[@JimWinans-il4jl]

Years ahead of you !! Conte crayon and turpentine .

[@monetcafe]

I’ll have to try that.

[@chrispoortinga9400]

Youmake it look easy

[@monetcafe]

@chrispoortinga9400 I appreciate that so much!! You can do it too!! www.patreon.com/susanjenkins

[@carrikartes1403]

Thank you very much. I have struggled with the pastel medium. I have never taken a class or watched a tutorial before. I learned so much from you already. I am now excited at the idea of attempting a pastel with your teaching

[@monetcafe]

Wonderful! that makes me so happy! I have so many free lessons on my channel so have fun!

[@ellearnot1200]

Very helpful

[@angelaarkway2223]

Thank you. I learned a lot. The technique was not new to me. However the way you applied it was. Again, thank you.

[@betsyoglesartist]

Really pretty! Thanks for sharing this new technique.

[@monetcafe]

Awesome @betsyoglesartist, I appreciate that so much! Thanks for watching!

[@bellinatodenise]

Gr8 idea!

[@moshirley2414]

Very interesting, I’ve only used pastels a few times, and always enjoy the results…I can’t wait to try your technique.

[@heatherbozarth6152]

So lovely! I am new to soft pastels. Will try this. Thanks for your videos!

[@monetcafe]

My pleasure 😊

[@maryannmcpherson8609]

This was terrific! Great to learn this new technique. As someone new to pastels it was extremely helpful

[@monetcafe]

YAY!! Thank you! @maryannmcpherson8609 Comments like this are part of why I do this. I love inspiring others, especially in their art journey! Thank you for your sweet comment!

[@gopidasmadhavan1519]

Fantastic

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @gopidasmadhavan1519! I'm so glad you liked it! Happy Painting!

[@ryno583]

Thank you for great little technique like use alcohol and for inspiration and helping take the fear out of using pastel!

[@angelalabauve9131]

Thank you so much for sharing this under paint technique. I don’t have a dedicated studio, so this is so helpful. The outcome of your painting is beautiful.

[@meredithmiller4848]

this will be a fun technique to try.

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @meredithmiller4848! I'm so glad you liked it! Happy Painting!

[@JoshuaFinancialPL]

beautiful. great vid production, too perfect music choice during speed painting.

[@hellodenise9612]

Love you work! I used this technique way back in the 90's in my Commercial Art classes. We were doing marker drawings and we used the alcohol markers and prismacolor pencils. The prismacolor pencil would just melt. It was great. If you needed a very saturated color you could add the pastel and then use a cotton ball tip and carefully rub the alcohol in it. This was done on tracing paper or vellum. Turns out really nice!

[@monetcafe]

How cool!!! Thanks for sharing that :)

[@gailjones4165]

Gorgeous, thank you so much for sharing .

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @gailjones4165! I'm so glad you liked it! Thanks so much for watching! Happy Painting!

[@paolam9198]

Just beautiful, wonderful work

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @paolam9198! I'm so glad you liked it! Happy Painting!

[@vikkimikkola5957]

I have a child portait that I need to paint- this technique I think is just the ticket! Beautiful.

[@susankolpack7044]

Beautiful painting and great technique. Thank you for tips on products and their use. 😊God bless you for your inspirational comments ✝️‼️

[@monetcafe]

You are so welcome!!! Praise our sweet Lord🙌🏻💜👍🏻

[@cindybohl9593]

I just discovered you! Very interesting technique! Can’t t wait to try it! Beautiful painting❤️

[@S26ful]

I’m SO inspired by this. So many new ideas flowing. Thank you ❤

[@monetcafe]

YAY!! Thank you! @S26ful Comments like this are part of why I do this. I love inspiring others, especially in their art journey! Thank you for your sweet comment!

[@jennw6809]

In the opening shots, I was thinking "wow, what set is that, it has so many greens!" Excited to see it in action, it looks great for landscapes. BTW I got a Schminke "Dakota Violet" (which is exclusive to Dakota and is similar to Terry Ludwig Eggplant). I wondered how useful it'd be, being so soft, but I found it to be great for finishing dark marks near the base of trees. As a beginner it's easy to lose my darks! I hadn't thought of using it as a wet underpainting, but will have to try that now. I do have a couple Terry Ludwig Eggplant sticks on the way, along with 28 other colors! Finally took the plunge and bought some open stock with the recent sale. May Terry rest in peace, and may his family find comfort.

[@monetcafe]

So glad you took advantage of the TL sale!!! And that's some good info about the Dakota Violet being similar to the Eggplant color. I've got to get some! Hope you enjoy trying the wet underpainting technique!

[@jennw6809]

@@monetcafe I think the reasoning behind it is great, especially for us beginners who can easily overlayer! I saw the same philosophy being expressed by Les Darlow; I watched his demo for PanPastels recently and that was one of his reasons for loving that product (you apply so little product, it leaves most of the tooth left). I found the Liz-Haywood Sullivan video you watched (I think) and I look forward to seeing that too.

[@graziellarocha8896]

❤amazing it was wonderful thank you

[@monetcafe]

Awesome @graziellarocha8896, I appreciate that so much!

[@alera520]

I absolutely love this! I didn’t know you could use pastel oils like this! ❤❤

[@user-dx9rg4ys4i]

I havent worked much with pastels, but this video is inspiring me to maybe give it a try....thank you for sharing.

[@monetcafe]

YAY!! Thank you! @user-dx9rg4ys4i Comments like this are part of why I do this. I love inspiring others, especially in their art journey! Thank you for your sweet comment!

[@osanafeitosat5532]

Amazing... beautiful techinique. Congratulations.👋👋👋

[@anabellamaldonado9617]

Thanks for this wonderful tutorial love the results I am going to try it that way. God bless you

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @anabellamaldonado9617 that's awesome!!

[@Paul-su3qh]

Hello again Ana, I just watched your latest video in which you were practising to challenge yourself to paint from a reference photo you had taken. I watched you working away with underpainting in order to determine where and what size your drawing was on the canvas. Naturally. This is always an important step in the process. Then as you began to refine your work. I could not help but wonder what colours you were using, as they appeared to be grey or black in the video. I am sure that many people viewing your video, would also appreciate knowing what your choice of colours are, as well. Nevertheless. I loved the paintings you made. It is also interesting to note that you often paint, using small panels, which creates a tight approach to your style. Have you ever used larger canvases or canvas boards to create larger works? Once again, Ana, I love listening to you sharing your thoughts on painting and your experiences, too.looking forward to more of the same. Thank you for sharing. Take care now. 😅❤

[@monetcafe]

YAY!! Thank you! @Paul-su3qh Comments like this are part of why I do this. I love inspiring others, especially in their art journey! Yes I have done some pieces on a larger scale. Thank you for your sweet comment! I appreciate it!

[@MiniMu-2008]

I love using alcohol on art too. I’m just starting to use pastels.

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @norapavia7211 that's awesome!

[@MB-kf3yx]

New to pastels....thank you for sharing a how to utilizing the new technique.

[@monetcafe]

Awesome!! Bet you’re going to get addicted to this wonderful medium!

[@sabid100]

Loved this video!

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @sabid100 thanks so much! I appreciate that!

[@alohasernasie2510]

❤

[@yogibakshi2375]

❤🎉🎨⚘️beautiful painting. Love the blue mountain's at the back against the cloud's and the reflection's in the water.

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much 😀

[@wormpielars979]

you're a SAVIOUR thank the stars this video came out just when i was struggling with opaqueness and pastels

[@kindredspiritfly]

this looks wonderful! I will try it!

[@monetcafe]

YAY!! Thank you! @kindredspiritfly Comments like this are part of why I do this. I love inspiring others, especially in their art journey! Thank you for your sweet comment!

[@jackiephillips2714]

This is absolutely amazing!!!

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @jackiephillips2714

[@russellgeare523]

Very cool, thank you

[@monetcafe]

Awesome @russellgeare523, I appreciate that so much!

[@Grlinadk]

It is so funny I was just talking about how I don’t like soft pastels today, then this video came up. What a beautiful picture! I guess I will need to play around with soft pastels more. 🧡

[@monetcafe]

YAY!! Thank you! @Grlinadk Comments like this are part of why I do this. I love inspiring others, especially in their art journey! Thank you for your sweet comment!

[@patriciacarter9774]

Excellent video!

[@monetcafe]

Awesome @patriciacarter9774, I appreciate that so much!

[@lilianaperotta6182]

Thank you very much Susan!! I' ve just learnt about this technique about two months ago and I didn't quite understand what it was meant for. You explained it so much in detail and gave the reasons why it is so useful that now I can't wait to try it!!

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @lilianaperotta6182 Wonderful! I'm sooo happy to hear I"ve helped you!

[@adrianolima4863]

Maravilhoso, obrigado por compartilhar seu processo!

[@monetcafe]

Incrível @adrianolima4863, agradeço muito!

[@abrahamsuarezpinera9170]

Keep on going you do great.

[@monetcafe]

Awesome @abrahamsuarezpinera9170, I appreciate that so much!

[@user-cj7px9hc7n]

Really great tips about pastel and alcohol. I use Kitty Wallis sanded paper so this will be easy to incorporate. Thank you!

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @user-cj7px9hc7n

[@snauzlover]

Beautiful! Thank you, 😂

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @snauzlover Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lauranay5156]

I ran across this tutorial, sort of by accident. I haven’t watched many tutorials but the way she explains and teaches everything is a mark of an experienced communicator. I felt like this is something I could do easily, even though I’ve never worked with pastels before. I enjoyed this very much thank you.

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @lauranay5156! Your comment blessed me.

[@thedarndestthingbymikelang485]

This was awesome and beautiful way to do pastels

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @thedarndestthingbymikelang485! I'm so glad you liked it! Happy Painting!

[@deepowers3117]

This is an amazing technique. It was almost as though the under painting was a picture in itself. I have not used pastels and think I need to start with something more basic than this technique, but I intend to keep it in mind for when I am a little more experienced. The idea of liquefying the soft pastels has definitely given me some ideas for experimentation. Thank you so much for showing us this wonderful technique!

[@monetcafe]

Glad it was helpful!☺️❤️💜