Portfolio: Beginning Pastel: Tips and techniques for learning to paint in pastel

I purchased this, wanting to get started using pastels. As I perused the book, found not much of it is devoted to instruction, but the pictorial parts of the book are gorgeous, which would make this ideal book if you want to get some ideas, or picture the outcome of how your works may result.

I bught this book because I had just started a pastel drawing class and thought that the lessons in the book would help me get ahead of the class. However, the excersizes in the book, while clearly explained and well illustrated were so basic that my class had quickly moved beyond the book's contents. That having been said, I think that this book would be more useful to the beginner who wants to try pastels on an individual basis on his or her own without the formal classes offered by many art centers. The author provides several exercises which help demonstrate various techniques the artist will want to try. The book concludes with several works in which the author provides a rough sketch which the reader may either copy or trace. The reader then completes the picture using the techniques demonstrated in the book with the author prompting him/her as to the techniques used and the order in which they are applied. While the book concentrates on the basic skills used in pastels, it is these basics which must be mastered which allow the reader to progress in this field. For that reason, I would recommend this book to the person who wants to try painting with pastels on his or her own.

First chapter covered some quick basics in using pastels. The remainder of the book gives some guidance with creating copies of the landscape examples. All helpful for creating pastel landscapes. Probably a good lesson or primer for artists painting landscapes. For me, I was looking for something more in depth and technical. Was it helpful?, Yes. Could it have been a bit more?, Yes.

i had posted a review previously and i can not locate it but this is a revision on my review... the book was not prime so the shipping wasn’t as fast but the book was great it really helps for the beginner aspiring pastel artist! the book is written in teaching form ... from the beginning even explaining how to hold pastels, different types of and materials needed. then continues on with activities to let you practice what you just read! it even has some beautiful pieces it teaches you to do at the end! other than the shipping taking a little longer than prime (and it’s not the longest i have dealt with and did arrive when promised) i’d say get it if your a beginner or even need to brush up on some techniques and skills!

This is a wonderful book, but it’s not really for those who are picking up pastels for the very first time. I bought it for the first class I took - and found it way over my head. Now my second class is wrapping up, and I am looking to it more for help planning out and executing intermediate still lifes and landscapes. That said, it is VERY helpful in that he goes through and breaks down each painting, stage by stage, recommending sequencing of specific colors, approaches to certain designs/effects.

I've read several books on pastels, but they usually only dealt with one type of pastel, soft pastels. This book deals with all types of pastels and techniques I had never seen before.The parts that deal with oil pastels are actually better than books dedicated to only oil pastels.There techniques are explained quite well and there are good pictures to go along with them.I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn pastels or just know more about the medium.

Got this for a young girl as a birthday gift. I believe the directions will be easy to follow for her.

I loved the book . It was greatly illustrated. It described different types of pastels that are available in the market. and how to handle the pastel in different angles to use for different techniques. Such vibrate colors used for the illustrations. Beautiful...Overall a great book..

This is a beautifully illustrated book, taking the artist step by step through the drawings. Each step teaches the purpose of the instruction. It doesn't ramble on and on, giving information I really don't want. The format of the book is essentially: ..."this is the stroke or technique, this is why - now you try it." It encourages self-expression and experimentation rather than becoming a carbon copy of someone else. I would easily recommend this book, even to beginners who want to establish their own unique style of art.

Use of colour. Simply instructions

Waste of money dosent show how to blend colours or how to draw with them just has pictures

As a beginner to pastels I’ve found this very helpful and informative. There are practical exercises to do to develop your skills. Very pleased with my purchase.

I was pleased the book arrived early, and I was amazed at the quality. Just as good as a new one. The book content also is up to expectations.