Using Charcoal with Soft Pastels – A Surprising Solution
Friday, 11 April 2025
Using charcoal in a pastel painting? It might be just what you need. See how I rescued a piece with this soft and surprising solution.
How to Pastel
the blog for soft pastel art lovers
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Recent Guest Artists
Marie Tippets –Â No Hidden Meanings, Just Magic
Friday, 22 November 2024
Marie Tippets explores the beauty of still life art, revealing how simplicity and clear storytelling can transform ordinary subjects into captivating masterpieces.
Julie Freeman – Infusing Life into Every Detail
Friday, 27 September 2024
Julie Freeman, hyperrealist in soft pastels, shares her work and process as well as the evolution of her artist identity and creative expression.
Suzanne Godbout – Indulging in the Still Life Genre
Friday, 28 March 2025
Suzanne Godbout shares her still life painting process, inspiration, and pastel techniques for capturing light, texture, and emotion from life.
Favourite Tutorials
Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures…In Art
Friday, 7 February 2025
Budapest Pastel And A Lesson Learnt
Saturday, 26 September 2015
How I Decide What To Paint
Friday, 26 July 2024
Do Something, Anything! Getting Started…On My Self Portrait
Tuesday, 16 January 2018
Notes from readers:
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Lynda
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"I thoroughly enjoy reading your posts, from sharing your own work & process to the wonderful artists you feature! I always come away inspired!"
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Your spirit comes through your own love of the artists you highlight. Love this site so much.
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Recent Editions
Comparison or Curiosity? The Choice That Changes Everything
Friday, 4 April 2025
10 Comments
Comparison can steal your joy, drain your creativity, and make you want to quit. But what if you could turn it into a tool for growth instead of a roadblock? Instead of letting comparison shut you down, learn how to flip it into insight, motivation, and creative momentum. Here’s how to make it work for you—not against you.
Suzanne Godbout – Indulging in the Still Life Genre
Friday, 28 March 2025
13 Comments
Suzanne Godbout shares her still life painting process, inspiration, and pastel techniques for capturing light, texture, and emotion from life.
When Gifting a Painting Feels Like a Leap of Faith
Friday, 21 March 2025
8 Comments
Gifting a painting is personal, meaningful, and maybe a little terrifying! Discover the joys (and doubts) of giving art as a gift.
15 Minutes To Paint En Plein Air In Cayman
Friday, 14 March 2025
8 Comments
15 minutes to paint? Yes, it’s possible! See how I skipped my usual thumbnail sketch (!), grabbed my pastels, and made the most of a fleeting plein air moment.
I Don’t Know What To Paint  (And Why That’s Not Really the Problem)
Friday, 21 February 2025
12 Comments
“I don’t know what to paint”—sound familiar? The real issue might not be a lack of ideas but something deeper. Let’s explore six common obstacles and how to move past them!
Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures…In Art
Friday, 7 February 2025
12 Comments
Stranded in a snowstorm without my usual art supplies, I had to get creative. A handful of pastels, a sketchbook, and some quick thinking led to an unexpected artistic experiment!
100 Years and Still Curious – Lessons from My Friend Sandy
Friday, 31 January 2025
10 Comments
100 years of life, wisdom, and resilience—discover what my friend Sandy’s journey can teach us about making art for the long haul.
Getting Back To The Easel…With Rufus
Friday, 24 January 2025
10 Comments
Getting back to the easel after a long break can feel daunting, but painting Rufus, a dog commission, was just the spark I needed to get me painting again.
Your Word For The Year (Choose It And Put It Into Action)
Friday, 20 December 2024
14 Comments
Discover how choosing a word for the year can inspire your art-making, fuel your creativity, and guide your goals all year long.
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Gail Sibley
Artist. Blogger. Teacher.
My love of pastel and the enjoyment I receive from teaching about pastel inspired the creation of this blog. It has tips, reviews, some opinions:), and all manner of information regarding their use through the years – old and new. Please enjoy!
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