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Colin Bradley School of Art

In my 30+ Years of Teaching Experience I have found that Pastel Pencils is the by far the easiest art medium to pick up and learn.

In this course you will learn how to use a range of pastel pencils to create 5 stunning pictures.

  • Peaches

  • Bowl of Cherries

  • Tomato and Fennel

  • Burning Candle

  • Wine Glass

I believe these three subjects are a great combination of learning techniques for drawing still life. You will learn how to draw a variety of different subjects - from fruit to candles to see through glasses - even turkish delight

Read more

In my 30+ Years of Teaching Experience I have found that Pastel Pencils is the by far the easiest art medium to pick up and learn.

In this course you will learn how to use a range of pastel pencils to create 5 stunning pictures.

  • Peaches

  • Bowl of Cherries

  • Tomato and Fennel

  • Burning Candle

  • Wine Glass

I believe these three subjects are a great combination of learning techniques for drawing still life. You will learn how to draw a variety of different subjects - from fruit to candles to see through glasses - even turkish delight

There are elements in all 5 pictures that I feel a student will learn so much from and be able to apply the same techniques to their own work.

For all pictures I use Sand Coloured Fabriano Ingres Paper, this is a great neutral tone and works so well for all kinds of subjects. It is ideal for someone fairly new to pastel pencil work as you can erase so easily on the paper. I also use Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils and refer to these throughout the course. You can of course use any materials that you wish to use.

I would recommend this course for intermediate level artists. Perhaps you have tried my free courses and want to venture into the next level up or have already used Pastel Pencils before.

If you are just starting out with pastel pencils let me not discourage you from giving this subject a go, you will certainly learn a lot from the lessons and hopefully enjoy it as you do.

I provide you with an outline drawing for each subject so that you do not have to draw free hand. Trace this through to your paper or print it straight out using your printer.

I walk you through step by step with Video instruction how to draw each stage. You'll learn techniques behind drawing still life subjects and create pictures you can be proud of.

I have broken the course down into bitesize chunks that you can follow and return to with ease.

If you love drawing and want to discover easy techniques to create stunning art that you can transfer to your own pictures then this course is for you.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Please see the Article for the introduction to the pencils and materials recommended for this course.

In this general introduction video I talk about the basic materials - the Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils, colour shaper, double ended eraser and sharpening your pencils.

I show the Fabriano Ingres Paper that is used for the courses.

I also show how to transfer our line drawing onto your pastel paper using a Tracedown Carbon.

Read more

In this video I show you the brands of pencils and paper that I work with. In this course we only use the Ingres and the Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils.

We are not allowed to provide direct links to purchase the materials however you can find the materials on either our store ("Colin Bradley Art Store") or Amazon.

This is Part 1 of the course. I have included the outline drawing and my finished picture in the resources section (indicated by the folder icon if viewing on a computer). There is a PDF and JPG version of the outline drawing.

This is Part 2 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 3 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 4 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 5 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 6 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 7 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 8 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 9 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 10 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 11 and the final part of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 8 and the final part of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 7 and the final part of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 4 and the final part of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

We hope that you have enjoyed this course and have learnt pastel pencil techniques that you can translate to your own pictures and artwork.

If you would like to share your artwork with us or get in touch please drop us a message in the Q & A section or via the Udemy messaging tools. We would love to hear from you.

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Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Uses Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils, which are known for their high quality and vibrant colors, making them a favorite among artists of all levels
Employs Sand Coloured Fabriano Ingres Paper, which is ideal for pastel work due to its slightly textured surface that helps to grip the pastel pigments
Provides outline drawings for each subject, which allows learners to focus on shading and coloring techniques rather than struggling with initial sketches
Recommends specific brands of pencils and paper, but encourages learners to use any materials they prefer, which allows for flexibility and experimentation
Teaches techniques applicable to a variety of subjects, which enables learners to transfer their skills to their own artwork and develop their personal style

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Reviews summary

Learn still life with pastel pencils

According to learners, this bundle provides a clear and easy-to-follow introduction to drawing still life using pastel pencils. Students appreciate the step-by-step video instructions and the inclusion of helpful outline drawings, which make it accessible even for those who are not confident in freehand drawing. Many feel they achieved impressive results and found the techniques useful for creating their own artwork. While the course recommends specific materials like Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils and Fabriano Ingres Paper, some learners note that these can be expensive, although most find alternative materials work well. Overall, the course is described as enjoyable and highly effective for learning pastel pencil techniques.
Specific pencils and paper are suggested.
"The instructor recommends specific pencils and paper throughout the course."
"I used the suggested Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils and found they worked well."
"Information about the recommended Fabriano Ingres paper is provided."
Pre-drawn outlines simplify starting.
"I love that the outline is provided as I am not good at drawing outlines myself."
"Having the outline drawing available made it much easier to get started."
"The provided outlines save a lot of time and frustration for beginners."
Good for those new to pastel pencils.
"Although it says intermediate, I found this course very accessible as a beginner."
"Perfect for someone just starting out with pastel pencils."
"Even with no prior experience in pastels, I could follow along and learn."
Learners proud of their finished art.
"So pleased with the result I achieved."
"My picture turned out great thanks to the clear instructions."
"I'm really happy with the finished artwork I produced following this course."
"I didn't think I could draw this well, but the course helped me create a picture I love."
Videos offer clear, guided steps.
"The step by step directions were so easy to follow, and the end result was amazing."
"The course is easy to follow step by step and the finished pictures are great. I learned a lot."
"Excellent, clear step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow for a beginner."
"I loved this course, very easy to follow steps and explanations."
Required materials can be expensive.
"The recommended materials, particularly the pencils, can be quite expensive."
"Be prepared to invest in the specific pastel pencils if you want to match the instructor's results."
"Using alternative, cheaper pencils yielded slightly different results than expected."

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 Draw Still Life with Pastel Pencils - 5 Course Bundle! with these activities:
Practice Basic Shading Techniques
Practice fundamental shading techniques to improve your ability to create depth and form in your pastel drawings.
Show steps
  • Gather reference images of simple objects with clear light and shadow.
  • Practice shading spheres, cubes, and cylinders using pastel pencils.
  • Experiment with different blending techniques to achieve smooth transitions.
Review 'Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain'
Improve your observational skills and learn to see shapes and values more accurately, which is crucial for realistic still life drawings.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on edge perception and light and shadow.
  • Complete the drawing exercises in the book, focusing on contour drawing and negative space.
Create a Color Chart for Your Pastel Pencils
Familiarize yourself with your pastel pencil set and understand the range of colors and values available to you.
Show steps
  • Gather a sheet of paper and label columns with each pastel pencil color.
  • Create a swatch of each color, layering and blending to see its full potential.
  • Organize the chart in a way that makes sense to you, such as by hue or value.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Blending Techniques
Master blending techniques to create smooth transitions and realistic effects in your pastel drawings.
Show steps
  • Practice blending different colors together using your fingers, blending stumps, or color shapers.
  • Experiment with layering colors and blending them to create new hues.
  • Focus on achieving smooth gradients and avoiding harsh lines.
Draw a Simple Still Life from Life
Apply the techniques learned in the course to create your own still life drawing from observation.
Show steps
  • Set up a simple still life arrangement with 2-3 objects.
  • Create a light sketch of the composition, paying attention to proportions and placement.
  • Begin adding values and details with your pastel pencils, focusing on light and shadow.
  • Refine your drawing, paying attention to edges and textures.
Explore 'Alla Prima II' for Advanced Techniques
Learn advanced techniques for color mixing, value control, and edge work to elevate your pastel still life drawings.
View My Still Life Art on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the sections on color temperature and atmospheric perspective.
  • Study the examples of master painters and analyze their techniques.
Create a Series of Still Life Drawings
Develop your skills and create a cohesive body of work by drawing a series of still life compositions.
Show steps
  • Choose a theme or subject matter for your series.
  • Create several different still life arrangements based on your theme.
  • Draw each composition using pastel pencils, experimenting with different techniques and styles.
  • Reflect on your progress and identify areas for improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete Draw Still Life with Pastel Pencils - 5 Course Bundle! will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Fine Artist
A fine artist creates original works of art for exhibition and sale. They often specialize in a particular medium or style, such as painting, sculpture, or drawing. This course may be useful for a fine artist who wants to explore pastel pencils as a medium. The course's focus on still life subjects like tomatoes, candles, and wine glasses can help an artist develop their skills in composition, color theory, and rendering. The step-by-step video instruction will allow a student to advance at their own pace, and the artist will be able to apply these techniques to their own original work. The course explains techniques behind drawing still life subjects, thus creating artwork.
Illustrator
An illustrator creates images for a variety of media, including books, magazines, and websites. This role often involves working with clients to understand their needs and create visuals that meet those needs. The "Draw Still Life with Pastel Pencils" course may help an aspiring illustrator hone their skills in creating realistic and appealing images. Specifically, the course's focus on still life subjects like fruits, bowls, and glassware will help build a foundation in observational drawing and rendering techniques, which are valuable for any illustrator looking to create engaging and visually compelling images. The course focuses on skills that can be easily transferrable to other pictures.
Art teacher
An art teacher instructs students of all ages in various art techniques and concepts. They develop lesson plans, assess student work, and provide guidance and support. The "Draw Still Life with Pastel Pencils" course may be useful for an art teacher looking to expand their knowledge of pastel pencils and incorporate them into their curriculum. The course's focus on still life subjects and step-by-step instruction would be helpful for teaching students how to draw realistic images. The course provides the teacher with techniques that can be transferred into the classrooms. The teacher will be able to teach elements in all five pictures from the course.
Graphic Designer
A graphic designer creates visual concepts to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They may use a variety of mediums, including digital and traditional art forms, to create designs for websites, advertisements, and other marketing materials. A graphic designer may find that this course helps them to diversify their skillset. The course's focus on still life subjects can help build a strong foundation in creating visually appealing compositions and understanding color theory, thus helping a graphic designer improve their artistic fundamentals, which can then be translated to digital design work.
Concept Artist
A concept artist creates visual representations of ideas for various projects, such as video games, films, and television shows. They use their artistic skills to develop characters, environments, and props that fit the overall vision of the project. The "Draw Still Life with Pastel Pencils" course may help a concept artist improve their fundamental drawing and rendering skills, which are essential for creating believable and visually appealing concepts. Through use of observation, rendering, and composition, the concept artist is able to apply their skills to concepts.
Surface Pattern Designer
A surface pattern designer creates original designs for a variety of surfaces, including wallpaper, fabric, and product packaging. This role combines artistic skill with an understanding of design principles and manufacturing processes. The "Draw Still Life with Pastel Pencils" course may help a surface pattern designer refine their artistic skills and develop a keen eye for detail. This is done through the course's focus on color, composition, and rendering. The step-by-step instruction may empower surface pattern designers to use the techniques learned and apply them to the design of unique patterns.
Textile Designer
A textile designer creates designs for fabrics and textiles used in clothing, home furnishings, and other products. The "Draw Still Life with Pastel Pencils" course may improve a textile designer's understanding of color, pattern, and texture, which are essential elements in textile design. The course's focus on still life subjects like fruits and flowers can help a designer develop their skills in creating visually appealing and intricate designs. The student will learn a lot from the lessons and hopefully enjoy it as they do. They will also be able to apply the same techniques to their own work.
Art Director
An art director is responsible for the overall visual style and image of a project, such as a magazine, advertising campaign, or film. They work with a team of artists, designers, and other creatives to bring their vision to life. The "Draw Still Life with Pastel Pencils" course may help an art director strengthen their understanding of visual aesthetics and artistic techniques. The course's focus on composition, color, and detail can help an art director make informed decisions about the visual direction of a project. In the course, there are elements in all 5 pictures that a student will learn so much from.
Fashion Designer
A fashion designer creates designs for clothing and accessories. They often specialize in a particular area of fashion. The course may help a fashion designer develop their skills in color theory, and rendering which are essential for creating visually appealing designs. The course's focus on still life subjects like fruits and glassware can help a designer develop a sense of form and detail in their designs. The student will learn a lot from the lessons and hopefully enjoy it as they do. They will also be able to apply the same techniques to their own work.
Muralist
A muralist creates large-scale paintings or artwork directly on walls or other surfaces, often in public spaces. While murals often involve different techniques and scales than still life drawings, the "Draw Still Life with Pastel Pencils" course may provide a muralist with valuable foundational skills. The focus on color, composition, and detail can translate to mural work. The course may improve their eye for detail and composition, thus translating into creating compelling large-scale artwork. The course provides a great combination of learning drawing techniques for still life, which is applicable to murals.
Restoration Artist
A restoration artist specializes in preserving and repairing damaged works of art, antiques, and historical artifacts. This career typically requires an advanced degree in conservation or a related field, along with specialized knowledge of art history and conservation techniques. The "Draw Still Life with Pastel Pencils" course may help a restoration artist enhance their understanding of materials and techniques. The step-by-step instruction in the course can provide hands-on experience in working with art mediums, which can be valuable for a restoration artist seeking to preserve and rejuvenate artistic masterpieces. The techniques in the course are easily transferrable to other pictures.
Exhibition Designer
An exhibition designer creates visually engaging and informative displays for museums, galleries, and other exhibition spaces. They consider the layout, lighting, and presentation of artifacts and information to create an immersive and educational experience for visitors. The "Draw Still Life with Pastel Pencils" course may help an exhibition designer develop their understanding of visual communication and design principles. The course's focus on composition and detail would translate to designing compelling and engaging exhibitions. The techniques in the course are easily transferrable to other pictures.
Set Designer
A set designer creates the physical environment for theatrical productions, films, and television shows. They collaborate with directors and other members of the production team to create sets that enhance the storytelling and create a specific mood or atmosphere. The "Draw Still Life with Pastel Pencils" course may help a set designer improve their understanding of visual composition and create more detailed drawings. The course's focus on still life subjects may provide a set designer with the opportunity to practice rendering realistic objects and textures, which may inform their set designs. The techniques in the course are easily transferrable to other pictures.
Animator
An animator creates moving images using a variety of techniques, including hand-drawn animation, computer animation, and stop-motion animation. While this course might be geared towards still images, this course may help an animator hone their skills in visual arts. It may provide them with a greater understanding of color and shading in a way that translates into their work. The course provides techniques behind drawing still life subjects, which can then be applied to animation. The course focuses on skills that can be transferrable to other pictures.
Product Designer
A product designer designs and develops new products or improves existing ones. While this course might be geared towards still images, this course may help a product designer hone their skills in visual arts. It may provide them with a greater understanding of color and shading in a way that translates into their work. The course provides techniques behind drawing still life subjects, which can then be applied to product design. The course focuses on skills that can be transferrable to other pictures.

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 Draw Still Life with Pastel Pencils - 5 Course Bundle!.
Classic guide to learning how to draw by tapping into different cognitive processes. It emphasizes visual perception and breaking down complex subjects into simpler shapes. This is especially helpful for still life drawing, as it teaches you to see objects in terms of lines, shapes, and values rather than preconceived notions. It useful reference tool for artists of all levels.
Is an excellent resource for intermediate to advanced artists looking to refine their painting techniques. While focused on oil painting, the principles of color mixing, value control, and edge work are directly applicable to pastel drawing. It provides insights into creating dynamic and expressive still life paintings. This book is more valuable as additional reading to expand on the course.

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