In Tasmania to teach a 10-day Art Retreat, I had a couple of days on my own. The view across the road had such a nostalgic feeling that I had to paint it. Here’s the progression of the pastel painting.
Being inspired by my students and their art-making is one of the reasons I love to teach. Seeing their breakthroughs is such a reward! Here, I showcase some of their work.
We dive deep into the details of this portrait by artist Laura Anning Bell. Located in Tate Britain, it’s believed to be a depiction of Annie Horniman, a pioneer of the repertory theatre.
New Zealand artist Julie Greig shares her pastel landscapes along with her process. She also takes us through her journey to becoming the artist she is today.
A blind contour drawing can help get you into the art-making zone. Take time to slow down, look, then really see!
A recap of my New Zealand pastel workshop Feb 2024
Guest Allison Krajcik takes on a journey from watercolour to pastel in her search to capture the inner glow of flowers and seed pods.
How do you go from thumbnail to underpainting? Gail gives examples of a thumbnail with a corresponding underpainting along with the final pastel.
A blind contour drawing can help get you into the art-making zone. Take time to slow down, look, then really see!
A recap of my New Zealand pastel workshop Feb 2024
Guest Allison Krajcik takes on a journey from watercolour to pastel in her search to capture the inner glow of flowers and seed pods.
In Tasmania to teach a 10-day Art Retreat, I had a couple of days on my own. The view across the road had such a nostalgic feeling that I had to paint it. Here’s the progression of the pastel painting.
Being inspired by my students and their art-making is one of the reasons I love to teach. Seeing their breakthroughs is such a reward! Here, I showcase some of their work.
We dive deep into the details of this portrait by artist Laura Anning Bell. Located in Tate Britain, it’s believed to be a depiction of Annie Horniman, a pioneer of the repertory theatre.
New Zealand artist Julie Greig shares her pastel landscapes along with her process. She also takes us through her journey to becoming the artist she is today.
How do you go from thumbnail to underpainting? Gail gives examples of a thumbnail with a corresponding underpainting along with the final pastel.
You just never know when a painting of yours will find its home! Gail shares a story of how a chance encounter led to a connection. And a sale.
This February (it has 29 days!) let’s jump into a Daily Painting Challenge. It’s a great way to kickstart the New Year!
Gail shares why she can’t live without these tiny companions even when racing the clock on location.
The best way to jumpstart your art practice is to create momentum. Gail shares how she learnt this lesson on a trip to La Manzanilla, Mexico
Philippine Pastel Artists was one of the recipients of the IAPS 2023 Global Society Grants. Let’s find out more about them!
As I was reminded recently by a dear friend, as artists, we possess a unique gift—the ability to perceive the extraordinary
During our recent 31-pastels-in-31-days Challenge, Nicolette van Dam charmed us all with her paintings based on the alphabet and the Alice in Wonderland books.
Time to brush off those money taboos. Join me as we redefine the relationship between art and the currency it deserves.
Painting the big shapes first establishes the composition and value pattern. Big shapes give your work an underlying strength. Let’s look at five examples!
From the importance of a balanced pressure in pastel strokes to the significance of unexpected textures, David Shkolny unveils how he captures the essence of the landscape
Letting go of the outcome of a painting can free you up to take risks. Basically, this mindset gives you creative freedom! Ruminations following the month of 31-pastels-in-31-days Challenge.
When a pastel painting takes my breath away, I want to share it! Let’s look at the details of this portrait by English artist John Russell
Guest Andrew McDermott shares tips for spontaneity, textures, and maintaining a loose painterly style, all while having fun with your artwork.
Discover the many reasons Gail Sibley is profoundly grateful to be an artist at this time of Canadian Thanksgiving
Preparing for the HowToPastel 31-Pastels-in-31-Days Annual Challenge: Your ultimate guide to success through the month of October. Join us!!
Dive into the fun of seeing my self-portrait come to life with unconventional colours. Restriction can be so beneficial!
Uncover the magic and mysteries of colour temperature. Let’s look at why it’s so important to understand this aspect of colour!
Let’s delve into the creative potential and transformative possibilities that come from working in a series!!
How the story behind The Vesuvius Ladies collection of paintings proves the importance of this idea!
Gail shows you the difference between seeing an Edgar Degas painting online and seeing it in person!
There are so many ways to be artistic, and no one way is better. I believe, that art is a journey that we can all take, and that being creative is something that is healthy and possible for anyone.
In the How to Pastel Blog I let my love and the enjoyment I receive from teaching about pastels inspire and encourage others to explore the art form. The blog has tips, reviews, guests, and all manner of information about pastel use through the years – old and new.
So, please enjoy my posts and subscribe to receive the latest issues.
![Pastels on black aper: Gail Sibley, "Untitled [at this point], Mount Vision pastels on Sansfix pastel card, 5 1/2 x 7 3/4 in](https://www.howtopastel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/IMG_9649-2.jpeg)
Be a part of HowToPastel’s journey in everything pastel. Subscribe today!
Your information will never be shared or sold to a 3rd party. Privacy Policy
