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Colin Bradley School of Art

Have you ever dreamt of being an artist?

Have you ever wished you could draw but never been able to get a good result?

Discover Pastel Pencils, the fast-growing popular art medium that is creating artists from people that never thought they could draw.

Your tutor, Colin Bradley, was told he would never be an artist and then didn't attempt any art for 40 years.

Upon discovering his passion for art and very quickly proving his old teachers wrong, he was determined to help others discover their passion and show that anyone can be an artist.

Read more

Have you ever dreamt of being an artist?

Have you ever wished you could draw but never been able to get a good result?

Discover Pastel Pencils, the fast-growing popular art medium that is creating artists from people that never thought they could draw.

Your tutor, Colin Bradley, was told he would never be an artist and then didn't attempt any art for 40 years.

Upon discovering his passion for art and very quickly proving his old teachers wrong, he was determined to help others discover their passion and show that anyone can be an artist.

With this course, you'll discover the world of pastel pencils, a medium that will feel familiar to you, but also give you the most amazing results.

What's Included:

  • Step by Step Video Lessons

  • Downloadable Written Instructions

  • Pre-prepared Basic Outline

  • 18 Courses including Pets and Landscapes:

    • Tabby Cat

    • Cat Portrait

    • Laying Dog

    • Tiger

    • Black Cat

    • Pig Portrait

    • King Charles Spaniel

    • Barn Owl

    • Chimp

    • Lioness

    • Badger

    • Sunset

    • Boats in Landscape

    • Snow Landscape

    • Beach Sunset

    • Beach Daylight

    • Broadstairs Landscape

    • Back Portrait

The Pencils

Colin uses and recommends Faber-Castell PITT Pastel Pencils. Each subject only uses 6 pencils which makes the lessons easy to follow and great for beginners, but also affordable meaning you don't have to buy a large set.

Pastel Paper

You can use any pastel paper that you like. Colin uses Fabriano Ingres Pastel Paper in the lessons and if you cannot get hold of this then PastelMat or

Outline Drawing

We provide you with an outline drawing for each picture, removing the need for freehand drawing - great. . Use a graphite transfer sheet like tracedown to transfer the outline onto your paper, or, print it straight to your pastel paper using a printer at home.

If you've always want to learn to draw and never thought you had the skill, talent, or ability, then this course is for you. Colin will show you that no matter your level, you can achieve amazing results.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Before you watch the videos, please read this introduction.

The Basics
Pastel Pencils
Read more
Pastel Paper
Blending
Fixative
Using Our Courses
Laying Dog

In the resources section you will find the written instructions, basic outline and Colin's finished picture to use as a reference.

Part 2
Sunset
Part 3
Part 4
Beach Daylight
Part 5
King Charles Spaniel
Barn Owl
Chimp
Part 8
Tiger
Tabby Cat
Broadstairs Landscape
Boats in Landscape
Pig Portrait
Chilham Landscape in Snow
Black Cat
Cat Portrait
Badger
Summary
Lioness
Beach Sunset
Part 6
You've completed the course!
Part 7
Back Portrait

Save this course

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Pastel Pencils for Absolute Beginners - First Time Artists with these activities:
Practice Basic Drawing Techniques
Reviewing fundamental drawing skills like sketching and shading will make learning pastel pencil techniques easier and more enjoyable.
Browse courses on Sketching
Show steps
  • Practice basic shapes and forms.
  • Experiment with different shading techniques.
  • Try drawing simple objects from observation.
Read 'Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain'
Reading this book will help you develop your observational skills, which are essential for creating realistic pastel pencil drawings.
Show steps
  • Read the book and complete the exercises.
  • Focus on the techniques for seeing shapes and edges.
Color Blending Exercises
Practicing color blending with pastel pencils will improve your ability to create smooth transitions and realistic colors in your drawings.
Show steps
  • Create color charts with different pastel pencil combinations.
  • Practice blending colors using different techniques.
  • Experiment with layering colors to achieve desired effects.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Pastel Pencil Color Chart
Creating a color chart will help you understand the range of colors available in your pastel pencil set and how they can be mixed.
Show steps
  • Gather your pastel pencils and paper.
  • Create a grid on your paper.
  • Fill each square with a different color or blend.
  • Label each square with the colors used.
Draw a Simple Still Life
Working on a still life project will allow you to apply the techniques learned in the course and develop your own artistic style.
Show steps
  • Choose a simple still life subject.
  • Sketch the outline of the objects.
  • Add color and shading with pastel pencils.
  • Refine the details and add highlights.
Explore 'The Pastel Book'
This book will provide you with a deeper understanding of pastel techniques and inspire you to experiment with different styles.
Show steps
  • Read the book and study the examples.
  • Try out the different techniques described in the book.
Share Your Artwork Online
Sharing your artwork online will allow you to receive feedback from other artists and build a community around your art.
Show steps
  • Take a photo of your pastel pencil drawing.
  • Post it on social media or an online art forum.
  • Ask for feedback and engage with other artists.

Career center

Learners who complete Pastel Pencils for Absolute Beginners - First Time Artists will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Custom Pet Portrait Creator
A Custom Pet Portrait Creator specializes in making portraits, usually drawings or paintings, of people's pets on commission. Pastel Pencils for Absolute Beginners is extremely relevant to anyone creating custom pet portraits. The course includes many lessons on drawing animals with pastel pencils, including a tabby cat, a laying dog, a tiger, a black cat, a pig portrait, a King Charles spaniel, a barn owl, a chimp, and a lioness.
Fine Artist
A Fine Artist creates original artwork using a variety of mediums and techniques, often exhibiting their work in galleries or selling independently. This career allows for creative expression and the exploration of personal themes and styles. Pastel Pencils for Absolute Beginners is designed to introduce aspiring artists to the medium of pastel pencils. The course is useful as it provides step-by-step video lessons and downloadable instructions, including subjects like animals and landscapes, which are fundamental to artistic development for a Fine Artist.
Portrait Artist
A Portrait Artist specializes in creating likenesses of individuals or animals, capturing their personality and features. This often involves working on commission for private clients, creating a lasting memory. Pastel Pencils for Absolute Beginners can be especially beneficial, as it includes specific lessons on portraits of pets and people. The course may help a Portrait Artist refine their techniques and gain confidence in using pastel pencils to create realistic and expressive portraits.
Art teacher
An Art Teacher educates students of all ages in various art forms, fostering creativity and developing artistic skills. They design curricula, instruct students in techniques, and assess their progress. Pastel Pencils for Absolute Beginners can be directly applied in teaching beginners the fundamentals of drawing and pastel techniques. Because the course provides structured lessons and covers a range of subjects, an Art Teacher can adapt these materials for their own classroom, making it a valuable resource.
Freelance Artist
A Freelance Artist works independently, taking on various art-related projects for different clients. This can include creating custom artwork, illustrations, or designs based on specific needs. With its clear instructions and focus on accessibility, the course can help a Freelance Artist broaden their skill set and offer pastel pencil art as a service. Moreover, the course's emphasis on creating art even without prior experience makes it a great resource for those who wish to begin a career as a Freelance Artist.
Graphic designer
A Graphic Designer creates visual concepts that communicate ideas, inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports. A course like Pastel Pencils for Absolute Beginners may be useful because understanding visual art principles, which this course helps develop, are important for effective graphic design. Learning to draw with pastel pencils helps in understanding how to combine colors and arrange elements to create a visually appealing and communicative design.
Illustrator
An Illustrator creates images for various media, including books, magazines, and websites. This role often involves conveying specific messages or telling stories through visual art. A course like Pastel Pencils for Absolute Beginners may be useful for building a foundation in artistic techniques, especially in understanding color, form, and composition, all of which are essential for effectively communicating ideas visually as an Illustrator. This course is particularly good for someone who wants to discover whether they have the talent to pursue this career.
Tattoo Artist
A Tattoo Artist creates permanent designs on clients' skin using needles and ink. This career demands strong artistic skills, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of hygiene and safety. The basics of drawing, shading, and composition taught in Pastel Pencils for Absolute Beginners are transferable to tattoo art. Someone wishing to be a Tattoo Artist may find this a good entry point to art.
Set Designer
A Set Designer creates the visual environment for theater, film, and television productions. They collaborate with directors and other designers to develop sets that enhance the storytelling and create the desired atmosphere. Pastel Pencils for Absolute Beginners may be especially good for Set Designers who want to produce preliminary concept sketches for set design. The course also provides a basic understanding of drawing and composition, which informs the creation process.
Muralist
A Muralist creates large-scale artwork on walls or other surfaces, often in public spaces. This work can be commissioned by businesses, communities, or individuals, and it requires both artistic skill and the ability to work on a large format. Pastel Pencils for Absolute Beginners may be useful for any Muralist who wishes to explore preliminary sketches and develop proficiency with color and composition. The course's focus on animals and landscapes will further develop the skills of a Muralist.
Textile Designer
A Textile Designer creates patterns and designs for fabrics used in clothing, upholstery, and other products. This role combines artistic creativity with technical knowledge of textile manufacturing processes. With its emphasis on color, composition, and visual expression, Pastel Pencils for Absolute Beginners may be useful for Textile Designers. The course may improve a designers' ability to create visually appealing designs.
Animator
An Animator creates moving images using computer programs or freehand techniques. They design and create storyboards, animations, and visual effects for various media, including films, television shows, and video games. Pastel Pencils for Absolute Beginners may be useful for refining freehand drawing skills and understanding artistic composition. The course provides a foundation in traditional art techniques, which can enhance an Animator's ability to create compelling visual narratives.
Art Director
An Art Director is responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and film and television productions. They decide how to best represent the desired mood, message, concept, and style. Though a course called Pastel Pencils for Absolute Beginners may not be directly related, the course may help one develop an appreciation of aesthetics and artistic expression. These qualities are useful for an Art Director.
Art conservator
An Art Conservator preserves and restores artwork, ensuring its longevity and maintaining its original condition. The role requires a deep understanding of art history, materials, and conservation techniques. Pastel Pencils for Absolute Beginners may be useful because it provides a basic understanding of pastel pencils as an art medium, which is helpful for understanding how such artworks degrade and how to best preserve them. This course may also build appreciation and greater knowledge of the medium itself.
Art Therapist
An Art Therapist uses creative methods to help people explore emotions, reduce stress, and improve mental health. This role requires a background in both art and psychology, with a master's degree often required. Pastel Pencils for Absolute Beginners may be less directly applicable, but learning an art form like pastel drawing can provide insights into the creative process and its potential for emotional expression. An Art Therapist may use this knowledge to guide their patients.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Pastel Pencils for Absolute Beginners - First Time Artists.
Provides a comprehensive guide to working with pastels, covering various techniques, materials, and subject matter. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced artists looking to expand their knowledge of pastel art. While it covers soft pastels more broadly, the principles of color mixing, layering, and blending are directly applicable to pastel pencils. This book serves as a useful reference for exploring different approaches to pastel art.
Teaches you how to draw what you actually see, rather than what you think you see. It classic guide to unlocking artistic potential by tapping into different modes of perception. While not specific to pastel pencils, the core principles of observation and translating visual information to paper are invaluable. It provides a strong foundation for any aspiring artist, especially those new to drawing.

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