My Favourite Pastel Pencils

My Favourite Pastel Pencils

My Favourite Pastel Pencils Many of my students ask me about which pastel pencils are the darkest, the softest, the brightest, the lightest  so I’ve put together this useful list of my favourite and most useful pastel pencils. But first off, lets talk about THE...

3 Tips For Starting A Pastel Painting

3 tips for starting a pastel painting.   Really simple quick tips that can save you from feeling annoyed and frustrated once you’ve finished your painting.  And believe me, I know the frustration haha! Tip 1 Buy the frame first Tip 2: Add an extra 3-5mm to your...
Atomic Habits

Atomic Habits

I’ve  been reading a book called Atomic Habits (currently No. 1 in the Amazon charts) and I have to say it’s one of the best self help books I’ve ever read!  I’m only a third of the way through and already there are two BIG take-aways that are...
Is It Cheating To Trace?

Is It Cheating To Trace?

Tracing in art is an emotive subject and some people get upset about it.  However, I’m happy to say that I don’t get upset about it, instead I embrace it.  And why not?   So let’s start with the question why shouldn’t you trace? There are only...
How to Use Sofft Tools

How to Use Sofft Tools

Sofft tools are primarily used with Pan Pastel but I like to use them with soft pastel sticks too. Especially when I paint human portraits. They allow you to apply very light, even layers of pastel that blend very smoothly.  Watch the video to find out more.  ...
Warm Fingers in the Studio

Warm Fingers in the Studio

.Aside from my absolutely beautiful Aurora sky fleece lined gloves that my friend made me for Christmas, there is something else that is keeping me warm whilst I pastel the hours away! As some of you know, I use a magnetic board to work on.  It’s so useful to...