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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 3 stunning pictures.

  • Victorian Lady with Mask

  • Victorian Lady Playing Cards

  • Victorian Portrait

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 3 stunning pictures.

  • Victorian Lady with Mask

  • Victorian Lady Playing Cards

  • Victorian Portrait

We believe these three subjects are a great combination of learning techniques for drawing portraits. You will learn how to draw skin tones, hair, clothes, as well as inanimate objects such as cards, tables and masks. There are elements in all 3 pictures that we feel a student will learn so much from and be able to apply the same techniques to their own work.

The first 2 subjects are completed using Sand Coloured Fabriano Ingres Paper, this is a great neutral tone and works so well for portrait work. It is ideal for someone fairly new to pastel pencil work as you can erase so easily on the paper.

With the Victorian Portrait I will show how to draw on Dark Grey PastelMat paper. This is a great addition as you will learn how I work with another surface and the techniques involved in layering on a different coloured paper. It is near impossible to erase mistakes on this paper however it does take more layers. You do not need to have both papers for the course, you can use either one for all 3, or your own choice of paper.

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.

We 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.

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

We 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
Introduction & Pencil Numbers

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 3 courses.

I also show how to transfer our line drawing onto your pastel paper using a Tracedown Carbon. As mentioned in the previous lecture, the Victorian Portrait is done on Dark Grey PastelMat so if you want to transfer this outline onto the paper we'd recommend using White Tracedown so you can see the outline more clearly.

Read more

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

We cannot provide direct links to purchase the materials however you can find the materials on either our store or Amazon.

This is Part 1 of the course. I have included the outline drawing and my finished picture in the resources section. 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 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 12 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 13 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 14 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 15 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 16 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 17, the final part of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 16, the final part of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 13, 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.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides outline drawings for each subject, removing the barrier of freehand drawing and allowing learners to focus on pastel pencil techniques
Uses Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils, which are widely available and known for their quality, making it easier for students to acquire the necessary materials
Recommends Fabriano Ingres paper, which is ideal for beginners due to its erasability, but also introduces PastelMat paper to expand the student's knowledge of surfaces
Course is broken down into bite-sized chunks, which allows learners to follow along and return to lessons with ease, promoting a flexible learning experience
Requires specific materials like pastel pencils and special paper, which may not be readily available and could represent an additional cost for some students
Suggests the course is best suited for intermediate-level artists, which may discourage absolute beginners despite the instructor's encouragement to try it

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Reviews summary

Victorian portrait drawing with pastels

According to learners, this course offers exceptionally clear, step-by-step instruction for drawing Victorian portraits using pastel pencils. Students report the instructor's guidance is easy to follow and appreciate the inclusion of outline drawings, which allows them to focus on crucial techniques like shading and blending. Many found the process rewarding, resulting in finished pieces they are truly proud of. The course is described as suitable for intermediate artists but also beneficial for determined beginners. Learners specifically highlighted improving their ability to render skin tones, hair, and fabric textures, noting the value of learning techniques applicable to different paper types.
Good for intermediate; challenging for beginners.
"Perfectly suited for intermediate artists wanting to refine skills"
"As a beginner, I found it challenging but definitely learned a lot"
"Requires some patience, especially if new to pastels"
"The description recommending intermediate is accurate"
Understanding different paper types.
"Useful information on using different papers like Ingres and PastelMat"
"Learning how techniques differ on each surface was valuable"
"Good overview of the pastel pencils and tools needed"
"Appreciated the tips on sharpening and using a colour shaper"
Master specific portrait drawing skills.
"Improved my ability to draw realistic skin tones and hair"
"Learned valuable techniques for shading clothes and fabric"
"Gained confidence in rendering fine details"
"The lessons on blending and layering were particularly useful"
Create finished art pieces to be proud of.
"I'm so proud of the portraits I completed!"
"Finished pictures are beautiful and exceed my expectations"
"Managed to create art I didn't think I was capable of"
"The finished results were very rewarding"
Useful outlines provided for each project.
"Providing the outline drawings was a big help"
"Allowed me to focus solely on the pastel techniques"
"Made it much easier to get started on the portraits"
"Great to have the outlines ready to trace"
Expert, clear, and easy to understand teaching.
"The instructor is knowledgeable and explains concepts clearly"
"His demonstrations are easy to follow and inspiring"
"Learned so much from the instructor's technique and tips"
"Very encouraging and breaks down complex steps simply"
Follow clear instructions from start to finish.
"Each stage is broken down into easily manageable steps"
"The step-by-step instructions were easy to follow"
"Instructor takes you from outline to finished piece in a clear way"
"I found the pace perfect for following along at home"

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 Victorian Portraits with Pastel Pencils | 3 in 1 Bundle with these activities:
Practice Basic Shading Techniques
Reviewing basic shading techniques will help you better understand how to create depth and form in your pastel portraits.
Show steps
  • Gather reference images of simple objects with clear light and shadow.
  • Practice shading these objects using pastel pencils on scrap paper.
  • Focus on creating smooth transitions between light and dark areas.
Read 'Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain'
Reading this book will help you develop your observational skills and improve your drawing accuracy.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain'.
  • Read the book and complete the exercises as instructed.
  • Focus on the exercises that help you see shapes and lines more accurately.
Practice Blending Pastel Pencils
Practicing blending techniques will help you achieve smoother transitions and more realistic skin tones in your portraits.
Show steps
  • Apply different pastel pencil colors next to each other on paper.
  • Use a blending tool (e.g., color shaper, paper stump) to gently blend the colors together.
  • Experiment with different blending pressures and techniques.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Color Chart for Your Pastel Pencils
Creating a color chart will help you become more familiar with your pastel pencil palette and make it easier to choose the right colors for your portraits.
Show steps
  • Draw a grid on a piece of paper.
  • Fill each square with a different pastel pencil color.
  • Label each square with the corresponding pencil number.
Study 'Pastel Painting Techniques' by Sandrine Maugy
Studying this book will expand your knowledge of pastel techniques and help you create more sophisticated portraits.
Show steps
  • Acquire a copy of 'Pastel Painting Techniques'.
  • Read the book and study the techniques demonstrated.
  • Practice the techniques on scrap paper or in small studies.
Create a Portrait from a Black and White Photo
Creating a portrait from a black and white photo will challenge you to interpret values and translate them into color using pastel pencils.
Show steps
  • Choose a black and white photo of a person with interesting features.
  • Create a value study of the photo using graphite or charcoal.
  • Translate the values into color using pastel pencils, paying attention to skin tones and lighting.
Analyze Master Pastel Portraits
Analyzing master pastel portraits will help you understand how professional artists use pastel pencils to create stunning works of art.
Show steps
  • Find high-quality images of pastel portraits by master artists (e.g., Degas, Cassatt).
  • Study the portraits carefully, paying attention to composition, color palette, and technique.
  • Write a short analysis of each portrait, focusing on what you learned from it.

Career center

Learners who complete Draw Victorian Portraits with Pastel Pencils | 3 in 1 Bundle will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Portrait Artist
A portrait artist specializes in creating likenesses of individuals, capturing their unique features, personality, and essence in a visual medium. This course, which focuses on drawing Victorian portraits with pastel pencils, provides direct, applicable skills to those seeking to improve their portraiture abilities. The course's focus on specific techniques for drawing portraits is very helpful as it allows you to create pictures you can show with pride. You will learn how to draw skin tones, hair, clothes, as well as inanimate objects such as cards, tables and masks, all of which are invaluable skills for portrait artists.
Art teacher
Art teachers educate students of all ages in various art forms, techniques, and art history. They design and implement lesson plans, provide instruction and guidance, and assess student progress. A course that focuses on drawing Victorian portraits with pastel pencils can provide art teachers with new techniques and approaches to incorporate into their teaching. Art teachers can present a new medium in their art classes and have the knowledge to guide their students. This course is broken down into bitesize chunks that you can follow and return to with ease.
Fine Artist
A fine artist creates original works of art for aesthetic purposes, rather than commercial applications. They often specialize in a particular medium or style, such as painting, sculpture, or drawing. Aspiring fine artists may find this course useful as it focuses on drawing Victorian portraits with pastel pencils, offering the opportunity to master specific techniques and styles, potentially incorporating them into their own unique artistic expression. This course provides you with an outline drawing for each subject so that you do not have to draw free hand.
Freelance Artist
A freelance artist works independently, offering their artistic skills and services to clients on a project basis. They may specialize in a particular area, such as illustration, portraiture, or graphic design. This course may be useful to freelance artists looking to expand their skills. The course walks you through step by step with video instruction how to draw each stage. This course focuses on using a range of pastel pencils to create three stunning pictures, all of which showcase different techniques.
Illustrator
The job of an illustrator is to create images for a variety of media, including books, magazines, and websites. They work closely with clients or art directors to produce visuals that enhance and complement the text or message. This course focusing on drawing Victorian portraits with pastel pencils provides targeted practice in a specific artistic style and medium. The course includes step by step video instruction on how to draw each stage. This course may be particularly helpful for illustrators looking to expand their skillset and create illustrations in a Victorian or classical style.
Concept Artist
Concept artists create visual representations of ideas for use in movies, video games, and other media. They work closely with art directors and designers to develop the overall look and feel of a project. The concepts that they develop vary in subject matter. The three drawings this course focuses on are a great combination of learning techniques for drawing portraits. You will learn how to draw skin tones, hair, clothes, as well as inanimate objects such as cards, tables and masks. A concept artist may find the skills learned very useful.
Storyboard Artist
Storyboard artists create a sequence of drawings that represent the shots in a film, television show, or commercial. This role requires a strong understanding of visual storytelling and composition. The course may be helpful because you will learn how to draw skin tones, hair, clothes, as well as inanimate objects such as cards, tables and masks. This course may be helpful.
Visual Development Artist
A visual development artist works primarily in animation and film, helping to define the style, color, and overall visual aesthetic of a production. This course is helpful because visual development artists need to be skilled in a variety of mediums to create their art. The course helps students learn techniques behind drawing portraits and create pictures you can be proud of. This course may find the skills to be useful.
Character Designer
Character designers create the visual appearance of characters for animation, video games, and other forms of media. The character designer must be able to create detailed drawings of people and other characters. The drawings of Victorian women can easily be expanded upon to create other types of people. 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. This course may be helpful.
Fashion Designer
Fashion designers create clothing and accessories. They sketch designs, select fabrics and trims, and oversee the production of garments. This course focuses on Victorian portraiture, including the clothing of the time. In this course, you will learn how to draw skin tones, hair, clothes, as well as inanimate objects such as cards, tables and masks. This course may be helpful.
Textile Designer
Textile designers create patterns and designs for fabrics used in clothing, home furnishings, and other products. They may use a variety of techniques, including painting, drawing, and computer-aided design. This course focuses on Victorian portraiture, including the clothing of the time. This course may be helpful.
Set Designer
Set designers create the physical environment for theater, film, and television productions. Set designers often work with portraits as a part of designing a visually appealing and historically accurate set. This course teaches you how to draw Victorian portraits with pastel pencils, and create three stunning pictures. There are elements in all three pictures that we feel a student will learn so much from and be able to apply the same techniques to their own work. This course may be helpful.
Art Restorer
An art restorer specializes in the preservation and restoration of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts. They must be able to carefully repair damage, clean surfaces. This course helps you learn how to use a range of pastel pencils to create three stunning pictures,. There are elements in all three pictures that we feel a student will learn so much from and be able to apply the same techniques to their own work. This course may be useful.
Exhibition Designer
An exhibition designer is responsible for creating and arranging displays in museums, galleries, and other exhibition spaces. Knowledge of art and design is essential in this role. This course may be useful because it provides background on Victorian portraiture. The course provides you with an outline drawing for each subject so that you do not have to draw free hand. This course may be useful.
Museum curator
A curator is responsible for overseeing the collections of a museum or gallery. The curator is responsible for acquiring art, preserving art, and putting art on display for others to admire. This course may be able to provide a greater understanding of Victorian portraits. You will learn how to draw skin tones, hair, clothes, as well as inanimate objects such as cards, tables, and masks. This course may be helpful.

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 Victorian Portraits with Pastel Pencils | 3 in 1 Bundle.
Provides a comprehensive guide to pastel painting techniques, including blending, layering, and color mixing. It covers a wide range of subjects, including portraits, landscapes, and still lifes. This book valuable resource for intermediate to advanced artists who want to improve their pastel skills and create more realistic and expressive portraits. It offers a deeper dive into the nuances of pastel application and color theory.
Classic guide to learning how to draw. It focuses on techniques to overcome perceptual blocks and see objects in a new way. While not specific to pastel pencils, the principles taught in this book will greatly improve your ability to accurately represent what you see, which is essential for portraiture. It is particularly helpful for beginners who struggle with proportion and perspective.

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