Login

HowToPastel Archives

Showing Results for: Tutorials

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.

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.

Feature image and image in blog. Gail Sibley, The Pink Bench, Unison Colour on Pastel Premier Italian Clay, 6 1/2 x 5 3/4 in - different value options

How To Choose Different Value Options For Thumbnails

Friday, 31 May 2024 10 Comments

We’re often told to try different value options when creating thumbnails of a subject. But how do we do that? Gail spills the beans!

Gail Sibley, One Pump, Unison Colour pastels on UART paper, 9 x 12 in

That Nostalgic Feeling – The One Pump In Winnaleah, Tasmania

Friday, 3 May 2024 6 Comments

In Tasmania to teach a 10-day Art Retreat, I had a couple of days on my own. The view across the road had such a nostalgic feeling that I had to paint it. Here’s the progression of the pastel painting.

From Thumbnail To Underpainting

Friday, 9 February 2024 6 Comments

How do you go from thumbnail to underpainting? Gail gives examples of a thumbnail with a corresponding underpainting along with the final pastel.

Creating thumbnails en plein air - thumbnails and painting of washing machine

Creating Thumbnails En Plein Air (My Mexico Paintings)

Friday, 19 January 2024 6 Comments

Gail shares why she can’t live without these tiny companions even when racing the clock on location.

Big shapes - Gail Sibley, “Tuscan View with Vineyard,” Unison Colour pastels on UART 320, 6 x 6 in. First layer

Paint The BIG Shapes First

Friday, 24 November 2023 20 Comments

Painting the big shapes first establishes the composition and value pattern. Big shapes give your work an underlying strength. Let’s look at five examples!