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.)
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
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- Colorado Craft Company stamp sets:
- 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:
What a beautiful medium
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.
Beautiful colors on both cards.
Your coloring is always so amazing no matter what medium you use! I love the new CCC release!
wow, gorgeous!! The colors are so beautiful!
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.
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!!
Your coloring always amazes me!!!
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
I really enjoy watching you color! Your cards are lovely!
So many mediums to try. Beautiful work with pastels.
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
Your coloring on that blue cardstock is just incredible!
Love your hummingbird with the beautiful colors. Thanks for sharing so much excellent information!
Stunning Card!! Love the soft colors! Beautiful release from CCC!
Lovely, lovely cards!
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.
Thank you for sharing! Love the tips that I get to learn from your video.
Such artwork! Lovely. Thanks for the inspiration.
These are absolutely beautiful! I love your artwork and this release from CCC is fabulous.
They turned out very beautiful! I love the hummingbird! 🙂
Gorgeous designs and coloring! I especially love the beautiful hummingbird!
Always great inspiration, Sandy. Love the new release.. so beautiful
Just gorgeous cards! Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful cards! The hummer is amazing. Love the new release from CCC!
Beautiful pastel work! And another great stamp from Colorado Craft company!
Two wonderful pieces of art. They need to be framed and displayed for others to enjoy!
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!!!
I love your flower and hummingbird on the blue! So pretty!!
Beautiful cards! My mother used to use pastels also! I’ve always loved them. I may need to buy some! Thanks for the inspiration!
I have never worked with pastel colors before…they have their own beautiful hues. Pretty cards. n you for sharing.
Your coloring is amazing as always. So very beautiful! Thanks.
Gorgeous as always! Thanks for the inspiration and a heads up about Colin!
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
Ooh, love that sketchy coloring with the pastels. Your work always amazes me.
Your work always enchants me, and that hummingbird is gorgeous.
OMGosh this is sooo gorgeous. I’m always happy to see your lovely art.
Such pretty cards!
Gorgeous as always!!
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! 🙂
Ooh these are lovely!
Beautiful coloring as always! I’ve been curious about pastel pencils.
your artistic talents never fail to impress- love your work, Sandy
Very pretty cards! Thanks for sharing.