Gail Sibley, Author at How to Pastel

Mark Ivan Cole, Inner Light, 2023, Various soft pastels on HahnemŸhle Collection Sketch paper, 8 x 10 in.

Mark Ivan Cole – Deep Observation and Emotional Realism

Friday, 23 August 2024 36 Comments

Join guest Mark Ivan Cole as he shares his wisdom and his works of forest, mountains, rocks, and water.

The Messy Middle – Don’t Quit!

Friday, 16 August 2024 18 Comments

I recently had the experience of watching one of my demo videos with a friend and I cringed when we watched the part where everything looks an absolute mess. That unpleasant feeling led me to writing this post.

Being Authentic - image of people talking about art in a gallery

Being Authentic: When Being Real Can Hurt Your Art

Friday, 9 August 2024 19 Comments

What you say about your art could be the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity. Let’s dig into that!

How I Decide What To Paint

Friday, 26 July 2024 8 Comments

“How do I decide what to paint?” Gail addresses this common question by taking you through her starting process. You’ll hear her thoughts in a short video.

Jane McGraw-Teubner, Drift Inn Beach, 2016, Plein Air, Ampersand Pastelbord, 9x12 in.

Jane McGraw-Teubner – Plein Air Versus Studio Painting

Friday, 19 July 2024 19 Comments

Jane McGraw-Teubner is a master plein air artist. Here, she shares her process and tips for painting from life versus painting from a photo.

IAPS 2024: Eight Exclusive Artist Interviews!

Friday, 12 July 2024 8 Comments

Join me as I chat with eight incredible pastel artists at the IAPS 2024 Convention.

Gail Sibley, "Hatchet," Unison Colour pastels on UART 500, 18 x 9 3/4 in - detail of feet

How To Make Changes in Pastel – My Approach

Friday, 5 July 2024 20 Comments

You may think you need to erase to make changes in pastel but that’s not necessarily so. Gail takes you step-by-step through this painting’s evolution, making two changes along the way.

Henry Tonks – Pastel Portrait Of Auguste Rodin

Friday, 28 June 2024 8 Comments

Henry Tonks painted a pastel portrait of the sculptor Auguste Rodin in 1914. Here Gail looks closely at various parts of the piece.

Your Painting Has A Life Of Its Own (Outside Your Studio)

Friday, 21 June 2024 14 Comments

When it’s out in the world, your painting has a life of its own. Gail illustrates this idea using Michele Ashby’s painting, Tied, as an example.

Laura Mocnik, Hand of an Artist, pastels on Sennelier La Carte paper, 11 1/2 x 12 1/2 in. Sold.

Laura Mocnik – Intuitive Colour, Precise Draughtsmanship

Friday, 14 June 2024 21 Comments

Guest Laura Mocnik shares her process in creating her stunning figurative works. Although drawing is foundational, you’ll see that she uses a limited palette of colour intuitively