Pastelmat for paper, M&R sharpener, pan pastels for largest areas, pencils for finer details, colored pencils on top for finishing and super fine detail, fixative before colored pencils. Love the piece, I’d love to see more!

@color-dive

2 жыл бұрын

I agree with everything you said! I wanted to cry because she used almost all of the nice pastel pencils on one painting :(, almost a vaste :(, definitely keep the pencils for details....but everyone hast to start somewhere. Beautiful final result :)

@lozbob3824

2 жыл бұрын

You packed a lot of info into that comment wow 😍 x That’s great tips thank you il put these into practice and hopefully my pastel works will improve xx I find that when I blend it seems to take all my pastel away xx Any ideas on blending xxx

@ladyinblack3398

2 жыл бұрын

@@color-dive yeah, the majority should have been done with pan and soft pastels.

@lozbob3824

2 жыл бұрын

@@ladyinblack3398 Thank you so much I really appreciate your time and knowledge 💖🤗 I will definitely put this into practice x

@kendrickwright7237

2 жыл бұрын

Whoever is reading this, I hope you have a great day! Here is some artist inspiration for you 🎨 ✨ kzread.info/dash/bejne/mXydj7GSmZidYNY.html

I love that you’re like “I’m not wasting any of this pencil” and even using the broken bits. I’ve taken you’re advice over the last few months and pushed myself out of my comfort zone to try new things and I’ve absolutely loved it. Thank you for your videos because I’ve learned to be less afraid of perfection, more accepting of my humanity (it’s not going to be perfect because I’m not a machine in a factory) I’m glad I have too because I’ve had others appreciate my efforts and growth as an artist. Keep it up!!

I love your remark that the only wasted art supplies are the ones left unused. This resonated deeply. And ‘Not Nemo’ is gorgeous. 😀

It took 17 hours to finish this masterpiece!Man talk about dedication

Hi Sarah! If you haven’t seen Jason Morgan on KZread, check him out, amazing pastel work! And he has videos with great tips for sharpening, using pan pastels for the backgrounds so you don’t use up your pencils as quickly and so many more! I am new to the medium as well and can’t wait to dive in. I loved how your project came out! Great video!

@scruffy281

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the tip!👍🏻

i find that the "these are expensive, i cant waste them!" mindset really hinders improvement. theres so many things that you need to pay attention to when picking up a new medium - how much of your supplies youre using up should not be one of those things! You might want to pick up some Carbothellos, they're a bit harder and a loooot cheaper. :) Oh and Pastelmat is a must with anything pastel. (And colored pencils as well)

I found that instead of sharpening in a sharpener, scrubbing one side of the pastel on a piece of sandpaper worked better for me. It gave me a flat side for filling in larger areas and a point for doing details. Don't be afraid to work one area and put down some workable fixative before moving on. Such pretty colors

@kendrickwright7237

2 жыл бұрын

Hello beautiful artist, I hope you have a great day! Here is some artist inspiration for you 🎨 ✨ kzread.info/dash/bejne/dIKuz5h9lLXFgpc.html

@tracy-eire

2 жыл бұрын

This works for cleaning colour off stumps too. Sand the stump down to remove the pigment. It goes through stumps fast, but it would resolve some of the issues I've seen Sarah Renae have before!

@randomuser2212

2 жыл бұрын

What fixative do you use? I've used fixatives before, but they either splatter the pastel, or discolor it

@QueenofFlannelColors

2 жыл бұрын

@@randomuser2212 I use the Krylon workable fixative in the can. Never had issues with spatter or color change. You have to hold the can a distance away and kind of feather it over your paper. Let the mist fall on the paper rather than aim right at it.

@randomuser2212

2 жыл бұрын

@@QueenofFlannelColors alright thank you. That's very helpful. It might have been the sealer I was using, or my technique was wrong

I always like to work mixed media. You can use the pastels with colored pencils but the pastel uses up more tooth more quickly than the pencils, so you can’t go as detailed. If you think of it as a 3 step process, you could use Pan pastels for the background so you don’t waste it, then pastel pencils for medium detail, and colored pencils for sharp detail (probably with some pressure and hardly any blending, if any). It’s like putting down a marker or watercolor for your color blocking and then using colored pencil for texture and fine detail. And definitely get some really toothy paper.

@SarahRenaeClark

2 жыл бұрын

This sounds like a lot of fun and a good approach!

@tabbi888

4 ай бұрын

​@SarahRenaeClark maybe try a sanded paper like pastel mat

Same here. Unfortunately I spent a fortune on PanPastels, the Stabilo CarbOthello's (chalk pastels) that I swatched on the first paper I bought (Strathmore Pastel paper). I had a blast just swatching the pencils and my two fingers were raw from using them to blend but I found that to be the most enjoyable and successful way for me, I actually loved it. I also bought a small box of Faber-Castell soft pastel sticks. Those haven't even been opened. Come to learn after watching not doing which I have become a pro at (need to work on that!) The Strathmore paper is garbage (although I had fun using it to swatch my pencils I used Krylon Workable Fixatif when I was done and put my swatching into the box promptly forgetting the entire experience! (I have issues with my memory thanks to chronic illness, the reason I started learning art in the first place). I even said out loud "I don't even think I've opened this tin and seen these yet" and ta da! My swatches look beautiful (imo) for my total beginner stage. I have been way too scared to try the PanPastels yet. I did wind up learning that Clairefontaine Pastelmat is the best paper made for pastels that apparently offers a very enjoyable experience. So....two packs (for the different colors) and about $90 more out of pocket, I turned thus video on prepared to give it all a try, so I thought...sitting on my off white carpet to spread out and promptly put it all away for yet....another day. I will have to clear off my kitchen table when I'm feeling up to it. I'm even afraid to use a reference before I know how to work this medium. Just like Sarah, I haven't been confident when it comes to paints either. However gouache was nice when I swatched mine so that's where I plan to start again. I gave up too fast when trying acrylics and watercolors. The paintbrush is so foreign to me. All in all pastels have proven to be by far the most expensive and most likely the most challenging medium in my art bucket list. I definitely need to keep reminding myself that unused supplies are wasted supplies and I would hate to flush the thousands I have spent this year on art supplies down the toilet and let all or any of this go to waste. That was the key statement that stuck with me and I think I will make a pretty little sign with that message written on it to put where I see it every day or....I'll forget. If you read all of this, you're a trooper. Happy arting to everyone and to let of the newbie pastel people out there....good luck. 18 hours for Sarah to make a beautiful piece as she's used to her colored pencils....well that freaks me out. I lose interest easily when a piece of art I start runs long and start doubting myself a lot. I need to stop watching and start doing. That's my biggest challenge. Without the help of these videos though, I wouldn't be so far along and probably would have given up. They've taught me so much and I never would have known of all the amazing mediums and supplies that make this so much fun, and it really is. ❤

About the paper it really depends on the artist and on effect you want in the end of you art piece, me myself, I don’t like that scratchy look that the mi teints canson gives out, I like a sharp and crispy with no blanks spots, so I use clairefontaine’s Pastelmat (which is not a cheap paper, but is incredible to work with), it’s more like a really fine sand paper, so you don’t need to put to much strength to lend the pigment. As for backgrounds and major parts of the drawing/painting I use a combination of soft pastels and Pan pastel to do the underpainting, for the first layer, then I do a second layer with a little bit more of details but still thinking as a underpainting using a little bit of pastel pencils, and then I finish with the pastel pencils doing the major details like fur, sparkles in the eyes and so on. I use a combo of Stabilo CarbOthelo, Caran D’Ache and Faber Pitt pastel pencils, depending on my subject of matter I use a color from one set, or from another set and so… To blend I use the sofft knives that come with the Pan Pastels or my fingers (this last one when I want just to smudge a little bit, but really softly…)

@SarahRenaeClark

2 жыл бұрын

This is another vote for the pastelmat! It was already something I was looking into after filming, so I think you’ve won me over. I’ll give it a go!

@thiagofdbs

2 жыл бұрын

@@SarahRenaeClark you will definitely love working with pastelmat. But even though with the mi teintes, you painted an amazing art piece, with no blank spots at all! soooo soft and beautiful! I loved it!! But well you are an amazing artist so you will make always excellent art pieces no matter the paper you use, but I’d love see you testing the Pastelmat!

You need a mahlstick, it helps keep your hand above the space naturally especially with chronic illness. It’s not just for painting also try fixative spray for pastels and colour pencil for this.

@Nyssieelise

2 жыл бұрын

The art store Bayswater has the sticks

@missjoshemmett

2 жыл бұрын

Had to look up mahl stick. With my very thin skin, my wrist would be a mess. But Sarah might be able to use one easily.

@Nyssieelise

2 жыл бұрын

@@missjoshemmett why would it hurt ? I have similar issues but you use it to lean on paper or canvas ?

@ArtySubu

2 жыл бұрын

@@missjoshemmett you could make your own mahl stick with padding? 👍🏼

I really appreciated your honesty as you learned to work with these. Your hubby is awesome for gifting you this amazing present!! Kudos to Caran d'Ache for making it right for you. you should definitely check the other pencils in the top layer though.

Mahl stick and an easel working top to bottom makes sure the dust falls away from the finished art and you don't smudge. :)

Your piece is gorgeous and your brave spirit astounding. I’m new to this thing called art and wondered what pastels even were. Thanks for your hard work, frame it and display it. Well done!

I love that you are not afraid to show us your learning process and also your difficulties.

That’s absolutely lovely Sarah and it proves that it’s good to try new things whether that be mediums or techniques. Thanks for the inspiration.

Turned out amazing Sarah!! I have a VERY small set and I had the SAME issues with breakage and sharpening. I have nothing to offer for a solution 😆 thank you for experimenting before us! Thank you for all you and Shane do!

Yay!! Been thinking about this video all day!

When I sharpen pastel or charcoal pencils I use a simple potato peeler. I peel the wood away and I have an easier time adjusting my sensitivity with the peeler. It's not for everyone, but it really works for me.

It turned out great! I have used a lot of pastel pencils but I never had breakage like that Before however I have never used that particular brand. Your paper makes a huge difference in the texture of your finished piece and how many layers you can do. I did a side by side comparison of pastel papers on my channel to show how type of paper and it’s texture makes a big in the finished project. I bet you would like something like a sanded paper (pastel mat and Uart make great paper). Also using a toned paper or doing an under painting can make a big difference in a project like this when there is so much of one color being used.

Try to use pan pastels for backgrounds and sometimes detailing too while using these, it helps and the tools are great

What a lovely gift! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I like using mixed media do this is a product I am eager to try. Thanks again!

Beautiful as always !❤

So amazing! Your first go to pastels and you created a masterpiece!

Beautiful! I like pastels more in theory than in practice, but I enjoy watching others using them. I think I like the videos where you use colour pencils more, but occasionally this sort of experiment is fun.

Wow! Sarah, your drawing turned out really beautiful! I'm pretty sure that these pastels are not for me. I can imagine how messy I would be using these pencils. ✏ No need for me to buy a medium that I couldn't master. I'll just stick to regular colored pencils. Thanks for sharing your experience with us, Sarah! You rock!

@cindyderosier

2 жыл бұрын

Almost word for word the comment I was going to write!

@Ess81

2 жыл бұрын

@@cindyderosier haha me too!!

@mariannt6612

2 жыл бұрын

Hello there :) I use pitt pastel pencils for coloring and turns out very nkce! I am not an artist, never learned art, and I love pastel pencils!! Faber castell and Derwent which I use, with paper sticks, very nice!! I advise to give it a try. You can buy only 2-3 pencils to see :)

@carolbatchelor5855

2 жыл бұрын

@@mariannt6612 Thank you! I'll give it a try.

Thank you for this. I love that you are so willing to take risks and try new things. It helps encourage me to do the same. Even if/when I make a mistake, that's ok. What isn't is just like you said, leaving unused supplies. That would be a waste. As a perfectionist and so OCD, I love that I can come to your channel and watch you try new things. It is so helpful in getting over that fear that I won't do it just "right." You can't learn without making a few mistakes. And your finished piece was so beautiful! I also love your positive spirit through it all! Thanks again.

I love this work! Please do another.

Beautiful work! I agree about the wasting supplies. I hear/read it all the time. I love that you just jump in there and try something out. its the perfect way to learn. Make sure you spray your beautiful work with a fixative so it doesnt smear.

This is beautiful and it was the first time ever using them i wish things came so easily to me ...thanks for the video❤❤❤

I've only just come across your channel so I'm going on a binge but you said something in this video that really hit me - about the only wasted art supplies being the ones that remain unopened and unused - For some reason art and craft supplies feel a bit precious to me so I buy things and then because I lack the skill, I don't use them as I don't want them to be 'wasted'. Thank you for reminding us that learning is not a waste, I actually really needed to hear that! Thank you so much 🙌

You are truly talented, this is amazing, and with a new medium you hadn't touched before, well done. Ive been so thick, all this talk of pastel pencils, I thought it was just pastel colours, and I couldn't understand the hype. Watching this I now realise it's actual pastels within a pencil shape. I get it now. Don't think I'll be trying, but this was great to watch 🙂💕🦋

I'm in awe of how beautiful this is. The kind of art this beginner dreams of making!

Looks sooo good. I’d be framing it as well. Well done x

Pastel pencils are normally for fine details on top of your base colors that are laid down with pan pastel or block pastel; that’s probably why they kept breaking. Another note: you’ll almost always see paper texture on pastel drawings unless you heavy layer and seal between layers with a fixatif (and even then)

@SarahRenaeClark

2 жыл бұрын

It’s hard to show just how much these were broken inside. It wasn’t just from overuse (except maybe one color, which I won’t be asking for a replacement for)

@benjamina6915

2 жыл бұрын

Pastel pastels aren't for fine details on top of base colors only, plenty of artists that use them for complete artworks. I've used them for years and never did have them breaking, not like this, not even when doing my underpainting with them.

@happiflowrr

2 жыл бұрын

@@benjamina6915 Ah okay, anecdotally I’ve always had considerable breakage when using pastel pencils and was not surprised at this amount in the video. Edit: just to clarify, I mostly work with charcoal and my vine charcoal doesn’t break frequently so I’d like to think it’s not a “heavy hand”

@benjamina6915

2 жыл бұрын

@@happiflowrr that’s interesting. I’m using various brands of pastel pencils and don’t have this breakage issue at all. Haven’t used Caran D’ache pastel pencils though, but since every other product I own it from them is of the highest quality, I can’t imagine these would somehow be inferior in quality to other brands. I have a set of Derwent pastel pencils from the 90’s when they were first released. That set has seen its fair amount of travel, being thrown into boxes, a left over of an architectural agency and none even of those have any breakage at all.

Thanks for this most interesting and also fun video. Your process was wonderful and I’m happy that customer service was so great too. Along with the idea of using pan pastels for the background, Caran D’Ache makes pastel cubes too that match the colors of the pencils precisely. The pastel cubes would work really well for backgrounds too.

Howdy and happy day!! I’ve been toying with the idea of buying a hand bridge for my graphite drawings, bc wax paper or tracing paper is helpful but still smudges me and my study. Great job with the pastels and I appreciate the upload, thanks for sharing!! (I would totally buy that shirt!! “Used art supplies are better than a blank canvas” )

@SarahRenaeClark

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve never heard of a hand bridge until today!

THANK YOU 🙏 I needed the speech on using your supplies and not letting them sit. I’m so bad at buying things but not using them because I don’t want to ruin them. I find myself giving things away before I even try to use it. I don’t know what mental rationing this is. I do it with everything

Your artwork came out Amazingly Beautiful 💖Sarah!! I love how you take your try & fail with such positivity✨ which is Truly helpful in my thinking when I am coloring & keep learning and having fun. I have to say pastel pencil pencils have been a mystery to me on how to use them. In many tutorials, I have seen people use them for drawing. So glad you made this video, gave a lot more information on these type of pencils.😊🎨

Hi Sarah, I have been watching you for some time; and frankly, it doesn't matter what all you do: we just love watching the experiences you share. So please do more of all of it: more new mediums, more topics on markers, pencils, and product comparisons...all of it! :)

Thanks Sarah - fun and informative as usual. What a lovely piece, I hope you put it on the wall behind you so we can see it on all your videos.😀💜

Beautiful job...well done!

That was amazing! Thank you!

You did an absolutely AMAZING job!!!

So beautiful I loved it 😍

It looks great!!

It came out so beautiful

It looks so realistic!

It's looks amazing!

Gorgeous piece.

Loved watching your process of learning a new medium! When you talked about covering the white texture of the paper I know a lot of artist use watercolor as a underlayer with pastels on top. Great job!

@SarahRenaeClark

2 жыл бұрын

Interesting! I haven’t heard of mixing watercolor with pastels so this sounds fun!

@miabellaroseart

2 жыл бұрын

@@SarahRenaeClarkit was something new to me too-I don't use pastels all too much though. I first heard it from Lindsay The Frugal Crafter.

That is an awesome piece!

Im excited and i know this will be challenging im gonna buy Pastel pencils soon, after having fun and exploring with color pencils ....im watching all artists like you here on YT just to prepare myself youre work is great 👍

Oh, this is outstanding!!!!

This is beautyfull! I've come over from Jazza's channel and I have to say I enjoy watching your videos as much as his. Good job!

Magic Erasers will clean your desk up 👍🏻👍🏻

Your end result is stunning!

Gorgeous artwork Sarah Renae! 👏With those kinds of gifts I want to adopt Shane.😃 I use a Derwent pastel sharpener and found it worked well. I didn’t purchase Caran D’ache pastels as they are so expensive although I love their other pencils but I wanted to try colouring full drawings using pastel pencils rather than my PanPastels so I decided on KOO-HI-NOOR 24 and Stabilo Carbothello 60 when I wanted more colours . I had a problem with only one pencil breaking once I started using my Derwent sharpener rather than my other sharpeners. I enjoy the fact I can finish a piece in a short time but to be honest I much prefer pencils and other art supplies. Great video🙏💖🌹

Nicely done. You have a talent for encouragement.

Sarah you are truly talented, I love watching you. Very artistic and funny. Stunning art work 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👍🏾🥰

I love the ARTWORK!!!!!

I hope you’ll post more as you progress in your journey with pastel pencils. I have the Carbothello but haven’t used them much to be honest as I don’t really understand pastel techniques yet.

For dust free(ish) use pastelmat, it allows for layering and fine detail. I also recommend you try LuxArchival paper which is a sanded paper though it will be dustier than pastelmat I think it produces richer color and more layering. Both are good for colored pencils aswell. PanPastel to cover base layers fast. With these papers you don't have to press hard at all so breakage shoudln't be a problem. The Canson paper is not great in my experience, especially if you want something smooth. I'd be very excited to see what techniques you develop with these papers.

@SarahRenaeClark

2 жыл бұрын

After SO many recommendations, I’m definitely going to give them a try!

LOVE it 😍, it’s awesome!

Love the Pastel Pencils 😊

Wow!! You did an amazing job on your "Lemo" fish!😉 Thanks for another amazing video! I'm addicted to your channel! And I'm learning so much watching you as I colour! Thank you!!🙏💖

it's stunning sarah!! can't believe it's you're first time!!

I love these kind of video and I love watching your videos

These are my favorite Pastels. It’s so funny, I don’t want to use them because I don’t want to get the box messy haha! But I do use them occasionally. Great video! Thank you for sharing!

I’m fascinated by ur art❤ so pretty! It’s my favourite channel from now on ❤❤❤❤ I do doodles, then embroider it. Got amazing idea from ur work

I used to work with pastel before when I was a kid, it really sticks to your hand.

Wow! So realistic!

Wauw looks absolutely stunning. Despite the pencils breaking alot well done.

Well I had been thinking of buying these pencils but thankfully I watched this video, I will stick to the old system , thank you for sharing 🤗

ive just been watching ur videos for about two hours now. they are really satisfying lol

Great job, I would highly recommend getting a can of Krylon Fixitif spray. I use it on all my projects even pencil and gel pens ( especially glitter ones) 👍❤ good to see you successfully go out of your comfort zone a little.

It looks great 💜

I love this artwork it’s really cool

Your artwork turned out so beautiful, Sarah!

@SarahRenaeClark

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Beautiful work. I am so impressed. I have soft pastels, not in pencil form, and would not even think to take on something like what you did. You are a very creative woman. Thank you for this fantastic video.

@SarahRenaeClark

9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much 😀

So happy Caren d'ache addressed the issue, glad I started with a lower cost brand. I would be in tears with that much breakage! Beautiful work...

Yes! Please frame it. :) You would get to enjoy it so much. Thank you for being our test subject. Another great video.

I feel your pain with the breakages and the sound! I bought a set of pastels direct from the pencil factory when I visited the UK years ago. (20 years?) I had only used them a few times because they are so frustrating. The emotional torture of pencils breaking is heartbreaking! I never drop my pencils and have always kept them in the tin. Anyway, I think you have inspired me to get them out and try again. Thank you for the amazing amount of editing and fun bits you have included to reduce this video to a manageable time!

Love your encouragement of saying that wasted supplies are ones left unopened

Beautiful!!!

You are INSANE! To take this project and go until the end... also the bravest. But seriously: a sharpener that I love to these specific pencils is the really cheap sharpener for pastels from Derwent. Work as a charm for me, but we know its always kind of personal. Thank you and xoxo from Brazil

Your experience in colored pencils shined through!

Maybe at this time someone already told you, but a slightly humid towel will help you A LOT to keep your hands clean. I love pastels! Your set is soooo beautiful!

Great video!!!!!!! I would love to see you work with watercolors!!! I love them and I think seeing your point of view and how you use them would be beneficial to me. Thank you for the great soft pastel work!

@SarahRenaeClark

2 жыл бұрын

I definitely want to try watercolors!

I have just gotten in to pastels. I ordered panpastels. I watched one great pastel artist that uses clairefountaine pastelmat paper pads. You are brave and did a great job! Thamks!

I’ve only been colouring for about 10 months,so still pretty new, I bought some pastel, pencils and love them them ,they haven’t broken,but,like you I got very messy! I did find I needed to use the paper stump a lot. The first thing i coloured was a pre printed canvas,I’m really pleased with it. My pencils are by KOH-I-NOR and cost around £30 from Create and craft tv here in England. Good luck with your pastel pencil drawing!🌺

Excellent video! Thank you.

I use pastel pencils, although sparingly with alcohol markers, their opacity covers some sins, and evens some unsuccessful blends. I can use them to lighten areas that went a bit more dark than hoped and they they can create some nice soft highlights.

never used pastels before. I am tempted but will work with my pencils a bit longer. I will try but not yet. Love your videos.

Really amazing drawing mam👌🏻

Wow. Wow. Caran D’Ache. Wow. Just wow. What a gift.

The best paper is Pastelmat by ClaireFontaine. I use Rembrandt pastels for large areas and Faber Castell Pitt Pastel for the details (by far, they don't break that usually, that's why I love them) You can blend using a finger, a blender, cotton and also using baby oil which allows you to add more layers above when dried. Fixative is fine for adding layers, but pastelmat paper is good enough for the pastels preventing the fading away if used another papers, you will notice that for sure. Btw, normally we say we draw when we use pencils, but with pastels we can say we paint even though are pencils as well. I love the painting you created!

@ladynym89

2 жыл бұрын

I use a sharpener from Koh-i-Noor, special for pastels. Also a cosmetic one could be a good idea

@SarahRenaeClark

2 жыл бұрын

I’m definitely getting some Pastelmat after this!

I bought the derwent 36 pastel pencil set about 2 months ago. I love them. I use the dahle 133 to sharpen them.

I would love to see you do a piece using the pan pastels for the background (using a masking sheet for the focal), the pastel pencils for the focal point, and then regular pencils for the fine details. You can use workable fixative on each layer once you're satisfied with the color blending. You can color right over the top of it. It's how I prevent my regular No2 pencil drawings from going sideways and have since high school. PS. I only recently discovered you thanks to Jazza and I've really been enjoying watching you while I knit.

Pastelmat Paper is the best surface to use. You would like that paper for your colored pencils as well. Pastlemat takes many layers. You don't have to press hard, and that helps with the longevity of your pencil points. You are using not only one of the most expensive pastel pencils but one of the softest, they require a softer touch. All the best for your next pastel adventure! Enjoyed watching your new experience with my favorite medium.