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You are here: Home / Specialty Projects / Birds and Flowers in Pastel Pencils

Birds and Flowers in Pastel Pencils

August 3, 2021 by Sandy Allnock 44 Comments Filed Under: Specialty Projects

I recently came across my Mom’s old pastel tools….she sent them to me years ago along with a bunch of boxes of all sorts of brands of pastels she used for years! I did a drawing or two and kept saying I’d get back to them….and it’s about time. I’ve been seeing a lot of hyperrealistic wildlife art on Instagram that gave me motivation!

Meet Mom’s pastel shapers – and what turns out to be a pencil sharpener!

Supplies for this project are linked at the end of this post. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.

First, about Colin Bradley!

I found him by looking for videos on HOW to use the pastel shapers I’d found in Mom’s stuff. And he has a treasure trove of video instruction. Do you miss Bob Ross? You’ll enjoy Colin.

I just signed up for his online school – the lifetime membership, which converts to $273 for those wondering. Crazy amounts of content, and I’m excited to even have his videos running while I’m working on other stuff. It gets quiet around here and I think he’ll be a soothing voice in the studio – not to mention all his wonderful art tips. For all of you who keep saying I need to teach animal classes? See if Colin is up your alley! (And no I get no commission, I’m just a fan.)

  • Colin Bradley’s School of Art
  • Colin Bradley’s YT channel

And now, my video

I did attempt to use a hand held pencil sharpener but that only sometimes worked. If the pencil was too soft – the navy blue just didn’t want to play nice – then the only solution is a knife or sandpaper block.

Watch the video below or click HERE to see it on YouTube.

The projects

First I tried a regular card, using the Life Lasts set, new from Colorado Craft Company. I had to mask out just the tiniest but of one leaf and the bird’s head to get them to nest together nicely. But I did this on Arches Drawing Paper which got weirdly pilly. I’ve not been a superfan of the paper, but I’m trying a lot on it to see if I find a sweet spot for what works well. This aint it, lol!

There was the slightest bit of black ink that was moved into the color on the card – so I decided not to try black ink again. Instead – I had actual pastel paper, so gave it a whirl. Bigger texture, not as soft – but it worked like a charm. (I also have some pastelbord to try too.) And since I like working on colored papers this was enjoyable!

When finished, both got 2 coats of fixatif. Float the spray down over the art from 6-12 inches, a light coat, then a second light coat. It darkens the color – so if you don’t want the color change, just frame it asap.

Bloghop

There’s suppose to be a bloghop today with CCC – but I didn’t get a list, so check it out by hading over to the CCC blog!

Supplies

Some product may be provided by manufacturers for review and use. Compensated affiliate links are here at no cost to you. If you choose to shop using my EH (Ellen Hutson) links, please accept cookies on that site in order to retain the link to my blog, or that compensation does not happen for me. I appreciate your support of my work with your purchases! Full affiliate and product disclosure | My trusted partners in art

  • Colorado Craft Company stamp sets:
    • Hibiscus Hummingbird
    • Life Lasts
    • Be Free
    • Peonies Frame
  • Faber Castell Pitt Pencil Sets
  • Pastel Shapers *the ones shown are the size 2
  • Delacroix fixatif
  • Card:
    • Arches white drawing paper
    • VersaFine Ink Pad, Onyx Black
    • Acetate, Hero Arts Folded Cards: • EH • HA
  • Hummingbird:
    • Canson Mi-Teintes Drawing Papers
    • Fadeout No Line, Ink On 3 Ink Pads

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sue B says

    August 8, 2021 at 7:02 am

    What a beautiful medium

    Reply
  2. Joan E Sawyer says

    August 6, 2021 at 8:23 pm

    Sandy, I started watching you video’s on youtube and I am very impressed with you, especially of your knowledge of color theory. I hope to use some of your ‘hints’ to make my own art better. Thank you for your passion.

    Reply
  3. Sue D says

    August 6, 2021 at 7:23 pm

    Beautiful colors on both cards.

    Reply
  4. Cindy says

    August 6, 2021 at 5:17 pm

    Your coloring is always so amazing no matter what medium you use! I love the new CCC release!

    Reply
  5. tina z says

    August 6, 2021 at 2:08 pm

    wow, gorgeous!! The colors are so beautiful!

    Reply
  6. Henriƫtte says

    August 6, 2021 at 6:51 am

    Awesome makes Sandy, my favorite is the one with the hummingbird.
    I didn’t know pastels where also in pencil, I thought of pastels in sticks and pans.
    Always learning something from you.
    I have watch the You Tube channel from Colin Bradley, what a great artist.
    Thank you so much for sharing, stay safe and have a wonderful day.

    Reply
  7. Lisa M Byers says

    August 6, 2021 at 6:06 am

    OMG, I love your hummingbird card. It’s awesome! I would love to be able to color like that. I have been practicing like crazy later, especially since I’m laid up with a broken leg. Nothing to do but color, but I’m not complaining. I actually think I’m getting a little better!!

    Reply
  8. Patti G says

    August 6, 2021 at 4:11 am

    Your coloring always amazes me!!!

    Reply
  9. Bunny Hoyle says

    August 5, 2021 at 2:17 pm

    I remember using pastels in grade school. OMG I thought they were just the most beautiful medium there was. It must be special to have your mama’s pastels.

    Your cards are always beautiful. I really like the hummingbird and the hibiscus set

    Reply
  10. Lauryne Cunningham says

    August 5, 2021 at 12:02 pm

    I really enjoy watching you color! Your cards are lovely!

    Reply
  11. Cathy Thomas says

    August 5, 2021 at 11:04 am

    So many mediums to try. Beautiful work with pastels.

    Reply
  12. Mary Holshouser says

    August 5, 2021 at 8:08 am

    I loved Bob Ross (got to paint with his one
    during that time period). I’ll have to check
    out Colin. thanks for the tip. Your cards
    are wonderful. txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply
  13. Allie Muserallo says

    August 5, 2021 at 7:44 am

    Your coloring on that blue cardstock is just incredible!

    Reply
  14. Ann Tolman says

    August 5, 2021 at 5:38 am

    Love your hummingbird with the beautiful colors. Thanks for sharing so much excellent information!

    Reply
  15. Joan Pilote says

    August 5, 2021 at 5:22 am

    Stunning Card!! Love the soft colors! Beautiful release from CCC!

    Reply
  16. Heike says

    August 5, 2021 at 4:38 am

    Lovely, lovely cards!

    Reply
  17. Ramona J Douglas says

    August 4, 2021 at 7:28 pm

    I love the hummingbird and the flower. You did an awesome job on them. I loved it so much I had to purchase it for myself.

    Reply
  18. Zhennie C says

    August 4, 2021 at 7:15 pm

    Thank you for sharing! Love the tips that I get to learn from your video.

    Reply
  19. Jeanne Rice says

    August 4, 2021 at 6:56 pm

    Such artwork! Lovely. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
  20. Maria Petkash says

    August 4, 2021 at 4:53 pm

    These are absolutely beautiful! I love your artwork and this release from CCC is fabulous.

    Reply
  21. Kelsey Thomas says

    August 4, 2021 at 4:29 pm

    They turned out very beautiful! I love the hummingbird! šŸ™‚

    Reply
  22. Denise Bryant says

    August 4, 2021 at 4:19 pm

    Gorgeous designs and coloring! I especially love the beautiful hummingbird!

    Reply
  23. Christel Metcalf says

    August 4, 2021 at 4:05 pm

    Always great inspiration, Sandy. Love the new release.. so beautiful

    Reply
  24. Sandra Baggarly says

    August 4, 2021 at 2:43 pm

    Just gorgeous cards! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  25. Geri S says

    August 4, 2021 at 2:03 pm

    Beautiful cards! The hummer is amazing. Love the new release from CCC!

    Reply
  26. Sheri Kempke says

    August 4, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    Beautiful pastel work! And another great stamp from Colorado Craft company!

    Reply
  27. Cheryl Stauffer says

    August 4, 2021 at 1:27 pm

    Two wonderful pieces of art. They need to be framed and displayed for others to enjoy!

    Reply
  28. Lori Spitzer says

    August 4, 2021 at 1:24 pm

    Hi, Sandy – The above will give you some insight as to the phrase “mi” (half / part / partial) – “teint(e)” (past participle of verb “teindre” (to dye / stain). This is not like “I got a stain on my blouse” but more like “@Lori Goldstein tea stains the lace on the edge of her cami.”

    Love your work SO much! Thanks for another excellent video!
    Lori S in PA
    p.s. Am very excited about this release! Love every single offering of this batch!!!

    Reply
    • Lauren Zertuche says

      August 4, 2021 at 3:42 pm

      I love your flower and hummingbird on the blue! So pretty!!

      Reply
  29. Cindy Aguirre says

    August 4, 2021 at 1:12 pm

    Beautiful cards! My mother used to use pastels also! I’ve always loved them. I may need to buy some! Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  30. Tari Ristorcelli says

    August 4, 2021 at 12:34 pm

    I have never worked with pastel colors before…they have their own beautiful hues. Pretty cards. n you for sharing.

    Reply
  31. Talitha Wright says

    August 4, 2021 at 12:19 pm

    Your coloring is amazing as always. So very beautiful! Thanks.

    Reply
  32. Donna Walls says

    August 4, 2021 at 12:10 pm

    Gorgeous as always! Thanks for the inspiration and a heads up about Colin!

    Reply
  33. Anne Sturgeon says

    August 4, 2021 at 11:40 am

    Now it comes out… your Mother is responsible for your wonderful talent! What a sweet gift and knowing she had these in her hand makes them even more special! Lovely job Sandi. I just knew you would be wonderful with this lovely hummingbird. I love the birdcage in this set and I think the sentiments are so lovely in all the new sets. Nicely done and TFS

    Reply
  34. SHartl says

    August 3, 2021 at 11:04 pm

    Ooh, love that sketchy coloring with the pastels. Your work always amazes me.

    Reply
  35. karenladd says

    August 3, 2021 at 10:29 pm

    Your work always enchants me, and that hummingbird is gorgeous.

    Reply
  36. Margo E Newton says

    August 3, 2021 at 9:16 pm

    OMGosh this is sooo gorgeous. I’m always happy to see your lovely art.

    Reply
  37. Marisela Delgado says

    August 3, 2021 at 8:32 pm

    Such pretty cards!

    Reply
  38. Kathleen Ann OBrien Pisupati says

    August 3, 2021 at 6:58 pm

    Gorgeous as always!!

    Reply
  39. Helen F says

    August 3, 2021 at 6:29 pm

    Just gorgeous! I love the look you achieved, How wonderful to use your Mum’s pencils! Very special! Thanks so much for the great inspiration! Stay safe! šŸ™‚

    Reply
  40. Gab says

    August 3, 2021 at 3:58 pm

    Ooh these are lovely!

    Reply
  41. Catherine L says

    August 3, 2021 at 3:27 pm

    Beautiful coloring as always! I’ve been curious about pastel pencils.

    Reply
  42. Dee Earnshaw says

    August 3, 2021 at 3:13 pm

    your artistic talents never fail to impress- love your work, Sandy

    Reply
  43. Sandra Baggarly says

    August 3, 2021 at 2:50 pm

    Very pretty cards! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

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