How to Choose Pastels for a Painting. My Simple Approach!

Do you ever get overwhelmed by too many pastels? Do you only have a few pastels? One of the challenges for painting with pastels is choosing the right pastels to paint a painting. I like to work with a limited preselected choice of pastel sticks. It allows me to have more harmonious color in my painting. In this video I share the process I go through for selected a limited palettes of pastels. Having a preselected palette can make a huge difference in how you approach a painting so I hope you find this video helpful!
If you enjoyed the video please let me know in the comments and give it a thumbs up! I also invite you to join me on Patreon! Patreon Insiders have access to three years of exclusive content! www.patreon.com/karenmargulis

Пікірлер: 83

  • @Juliskool423
    @Juliskool423 Жыл бұрын

    I’ve been so burnt out lately… finding your videos has renewed me. Thank you SO much❤️

  • @janapeony8561
    @janapeony85619 ай бұрын

    Karen is simply the best.Without her I would be nowhere.Thank you Karen.

  • @marianweaver6038
    @marianweaver60382 жыл бұрын

    I think this is possibly the most informative video you've ever made! As a beginner I have a hard time with color choice and to hear WHY you choose a particular color is very useful. And I really like how you choose colors for each section of the painting. Thank you!

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the feedback!

  • @InfinitaGioiaPatCHesall
    @InfinitaGioiaPatCHesall2 жыл бұрын

    I often make photos of selected colors and I find this useful. Thank you for your precious sharing 😊

  • @jenfleming9384
    @jenfleming93842 жыл бұрын

    Great vid thanks Karen. I often wondered about choosing the pastels at the beginning. Instead of the wash cloth I use a roll of soft toilet paper and rub or wipe the pastel on it . As it becomes dirty I rip it off and bin it, and have fresh white to wipe on. Works good for me.

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    Great idea! Thanks for sharing! I'd like to give that a try!

  • @raindrop5568
    @raindrop55682 жыл бұрын

    Not even half way through and I've already learned a lot. Thank you for sharing ❤❤

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! I appreciate you watching!

  • @vickibrighton9455
    @vickibrighton94552 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much, Karen. I love all of your videos, and appreciate how much you give of yourself to others. You are an amazing artist and teacher. 💜

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much Vicki! I appreciate you watching!

  • @jenfleming9384
    @jenfleming93842 жыл бұрын

    Good tip about using that palette again for a similar painting.

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

  • @marielinesylvie
    @marielinesylvie2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing your preparation method. A great way that will allow me to prioritize the color without being too scattered

  • @louisehones
    @louisehones2 жыл бұрын

    Loved this video and your explanation as to why you select your colors. Thanks 😊

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @dianedesrosiers2057
    @dianedesrosiers2057 Жыл бұрын

    I love the way you explaining.

  • @waterloom
    @waterloom Жыл бұрын

    Thank you Karen! A wonderful lesson on ways to get out of the chaos of my studio box. I’m going to order a mixing tray right now!

  • @rhondakelley5026
    @rhondakelley5026 Жыл бұрын

    Very helpful

  • @robinbrady3030
    @robinbrady30302 жыл бұрын

    I used to raise sheep and hope to see you paint that image. Great information.

  • @judyt4087
    @judyt40872 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this explanation. It was really interesting hear you voice the process. I also love the inclusion of warm 'under the grass' colours in addition to 'dirt' colours.

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @rosaliefunk1629
    @rosaliefunk1629 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you Karen. You explained this so thoroughly. I’ll never choose a pallet my way again. You are a wonderful teacher!

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much!

  • @robinsamuelson3626
    @robinsamuelson3626 Жыл бұрын

    This was so helpful! Thank you!

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    Жыл бұрын

    You're so welcome!

  • @victoriagadd6831
    @victoriagadd683111 ай бұрын

    Brilliant and very helpful

  • @juliadixon-smith5416
    @juliadixon-smith54162 жыл бұрын

    I have learnt so much from your really helpful videos and you are so inspiring. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on selecting pastels.

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    You are so welcome!

  • @wolfgangtoeglhofer1710
    @wolfgangtoeglhofer17102 жыл бұрын

    Great 101 pastel color selection tutorial - thank you Karen

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    You’re welcome 😊 Thanks for watching!

  • @jeannerenaud2357
    @jeannerenaud23572 жыл бұрын

    Merci, Karen, super vidéo.❤️

  • @flyinghaggertys9362
    @flyinghaggertys9362 Жыл бұрын

    I’m just starting to paint with pastels amd I love your advise so much! : Paint what you think ☀️ that’s such a simple but really positive & powerful way to create. thank you for these videos and sharing your knowledge! You are a joy to watch and to listen to and your art is so beautiful.

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!! I appreciate you watching!

  • @SusannahFisher
    @SusannahFisher2 жыл бұрын

    Terrific video!! Very helpful as I’m starting a new painting too.

  • @shayeshephard7487
    @shayeshephard74872 жыл бұрын

    This is an excellent video Karen on sharing in depth information on the important step of planning the right color choices to help the painting go smoother with less confusion. Thank you so very much!!!

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you ! I appreciate you watching!

  • @florinpetcu1044
    @florinpetcu10442 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Karen for another helpful video!

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    You are so welcome!

  • @ElizabethBattle
    @ElizabethBattle Жыл бұрын

    This was sooooo helpful! Thank you!

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    Жыл бұрын

    You're so welcome!

  • @kristynsinnott3673
    @kristynsinnott36732 жыл бұрын

    Wonderful! I really needed this!!

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching!

  • @anettedouglasdotter
    @anettedouglasdotter2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for this, Karen! ❤ So inspiring and helpful! 🙏 Greetings and wishes of a colourful 2022, from Sweden! 🌟🇸🇪

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Happy New Year!

  • @jeantemplemeyer366
    @jeantemplemeyer3662 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the great videos!

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much for watching!

  • @tzipporahbragg9798
    @tzipporahbragg97982 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, Karen. That's very helpful. It gets me excited to get painting with pastels.

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    You are so welcome! Have fun with the pastels!

  • @hArtyTruffle
    @hArtyTruffle2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Karen. Very helpful info 👍🏼

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    You are so welcome!

  • @mreinstein48
    @mreinstein482 жыл бұрын

    Alway sa joy to watch a new video from you Karen! A big thank!

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!

  • @droberts276
    @droberts2762 жыл бұрын

    This was so helpful in teaching me how to think through picking pastels for a painting. Thanks!

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    You are so welcome!

  • @clairebureau5881
    @clairebureau58812 жыл бұрын

    Incredibly helpful! And here I always thought that in your demos, the right pastel just magically appeared when you needed it! 😉Thank you and all the best for 2022!

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!

  • @petrajimenez7323
    @petrajimenez73232 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this very informative video .

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Petra!

  • @betsyconway6302
    @betsyconway63022 жыл бұрын

    Very helpful, especially like the Why of choosing the pastel. Thank you

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    You’re welcome 😊

  • @joyceroy4644
    @joyceroy46442 жыл бұрын

    Karen, This lesson is extremely helpful and one that I needed as color choice has always been a challenge for me. I also have difficulty when painting water on choosing the correct colors to depict the sparkles on moving water on a bright, sunny, breezy day. Could you please address this for me and possibly at some point do a demo on this. Your demos are so informative and inspirational. One of the first things I do daily is to turn on my iPad and search for your demos on Utube. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching my videos Joyce! I will put your requests on my list!!

  • @josephineherrera8508
    @josephineherrera85082 жыл бұрын

    Would that I be so inclined to organization! Thank you Karen.

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    I know! Sometimes I don't feel like doing it but it always makes a difference when I do!

  • @sharoncbechtold9608
    @sharoncbechtold96082 жыл бұрын

    So happy I found your channel! I've been wanting to paint with pastels for many years. I have a great collection of colors but no real clue how to use them. I painted my first pastel following your process and it doesn't look aweful!!! So excited to continue learning. Thank you!!!

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yay!! That makes me so happy! Keep on painting!!

  • @ranjanachand9306
    @ranjanachand93062 жыл бұрын

    Very good tips and ideas. Thanks.a very happy new year to you and your loved ones.. Be safe

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Happy New Year to you!

  • @jenniferreid2700
    @jenniferreid27002 жыл бұрын

    Really helpful video, Karen, to make me add some more structure and discipline to what is generally for me a somewhat hasty and haphazard process..! Did you end up posting the finished painting anywhere where we could see it btw (sorry if you’ve already addressed that and I just missed it)? Would be great to look closely at where / how your color choices were ultimately used…. Fantastic content as always - thanks Karen!

  • @oldlady1946
    @oldlady19462 жыл бұрын

    In your soft pastel box do you mix different brands of soft pastels?

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes I mix the medium soft ones together which are mostly Terry Ludwig and Diane Townsend. I keep the hardest ones and the softer Sennelier separate.

  • @deborahbarbaccia6813
    @deborahbarbaccia68132 жыл бұрын

    Hi Karen, I've been painting in pastels for several years now, but feel like I've lost my way quite a lot over the last few years. I'm trying to get back on track. I do usually pick my colors before starting, so it's not so overwhelming. Is there anything you can suggest for me to help me get back on track? I feel like I don't know what I'm doing. Maybe becoming a patron of yours??? I haven't done many landscapes. 95% of mine are large florals, and a few beach. Also do you have more than one of each color pastels in your box? Thanks for your help.

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi Deborah! The first step is to want to get back on track and the next is to find some inspiration! I highly recommend going our Patreon group. Not only is there a lot of instruction available, we have a warm and supportive community that can really be helpful! I hope to see you there!

  • @deborahbarbaccia6813

    @deborahbarbaccia6813

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@KarenMargulis hi Karen, yes thank you so much for getting back to me. The last few years have been very difficult, as they have been for many people. But I lost my job due to covid , my daughter moved to Florida ( I miss her terribly), the art school Id gone to for years closed down. The founder was no longer able to teach due to Alzheimer's and is now in a nursing home. I really miss that and seeing my friends there. I think that's the biggest thing. I loved going there. Then my dad passed away of old age, 100yrs. Last Christmas Eve. So one year ago this year. So that's been tuff too. Before all of this happened I was working on building a business with my art. Possibly a Instagram account to sell my art on line. Thank you for your kindness. Should I go to your website to sign up for your patron group?

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@deborahbarbaccia6813 Wow that has been a tough few years! We would love to have you join us! You can go directly to the page and it will guide you through joining. www.patreon.com/karenmargulis

  • @deborahbarbaccia6813

    @deborahbarbaccia6813

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@KarenMargulis Karen thank you for your kindness. I do have my son 33 still living home with me , we get along well. Things could always be worse. And I know there are some people who have had it worse then me. I know things will work out it will just take some time. Fortunately I have my son here and my daughter, and some very good friends and family that are very supportive. Again thanks so much for your support.

  • @susancapin5975

    @susancapin5975

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@KarenMargulis I learned so much from your excellent video. I watched it twice. I have a set of the Terry Ludwig’s that you curated and have just ordered a set of Sennelier half sticks. I also have an assortment of old Grumbachers that I rarely use. I favor the TL’s!!! I also ordered a set of NuPastels in addition to the ones I have. I hope this will be sufficient. I’m doing a commission of a white poodle on grass 18x24”. I am using an Ampersand pastel board. Do you have any suggestions for me? I’m working from a photo. I have watched a few tutorials on Utube. Thank you for sharing your valuable information in this video!🎨🥰

  • @klaudiadollbaum6382
    @klaudiadollbaum63822 жыл бұрын

    Question….when you are cleaning the pastels as you select them….is that towel damp or dry?

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    The towel is dry! Thanks for watching!

  • @minnahumble2294
    @minnahumble22942 жыл бұрын

    You forgot the link for the butcher tray.

  • @KarenMargulis

    @KarenMargulis

    2 жыл бұрын

    Sorry! I get them online at Blicks

  • @FlibidyFlu
    @FlibidyFlu2 жыл бұрын

    Please, please, please. Stop moving the camera all the time. Thanks.