Pastel | Artists Network

Making Bold Color Choices in Art

Anne Hevener — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 06:15:00 +0000

Learn how these four award-winning artists use color not only as a way to express their vision on paper, but as a pathway to inspiration itself.

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Pulling the Pastel Heartstrings

Artists Network — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 07:15:00 +0000

Steph Mouw’s dramatic still life encapsulates her appreciation for light, shadows, and the gift of connection.

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Painting the Poetry of Paris

Anne Hevener — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 07:30:00 +0000

Sometimes, even if you intend to resist it—an iconic subject may still be the right subject for a painting. Pastelist W. Truman Hosner rose to the challenge, finding his own artistic truth in a painting of Notre Dame Cathedral. For many artists, a significant part of travel is becoming acquainted with the locale by capturing its scenery in art. Michigan-based artist W. Truman Hosner appreciates travel as an opportunity to expand knowledge. “As an artist, naturally, I paint and sketch as I travel,” he says. “I do so, however, not to make a record of where I have been, but…

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Working on Cartridge Paper vs. Pastel Card

Artists Network — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 07:15:00 +0000

David Brammeld shares some insights about working on two different surface types: cartridge paper and pastel card.

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Sketching for Success

Yael Maimon — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 07:15:00 +0000

Harness the power of sketching to better visualize concepts and capture inspiration in a finished painting.

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Selecting a Limited Palette in Pastel

Artists Network — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 07:14:00 +0000

Artist Anne Kindl shares her step-by-step process for creating a vibrant floral work that’s rooted in thoughtful intent.

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The Art of Experimentation

Artists Network — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 07:15:00 +0000

Sometimes you have to get a little creative to achieve the painting effect you need.

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Abstract Art Ideas, Techniques and Tips for Every Medium

Artists Network — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 06:15:00 +0000

There’s nothing like the expressive freedom of abstract painting. Dig into our roundup of abstract art ideas and techniques from the pros! To modern eyes, abstract and abstract expressionist paintings can look so effortless and so familiar that we might forget how revolutionary abstract art was in the 20th century. Those paintings — and the artists who made them — set the art world on fire. Today, abstract and non-representational art is one of many rich, relevant genres of painting. But is it easy or effortless? Most artists would say no. Like representational art, painting successful abstract art takes practice and…

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Going Within

Ruth Rodgers — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 18:15:00 +0000

Sara Gallagher plumbs the depths of a woman’s fragmented memories and inner landscape in this winning, contemplative portrait.

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Along the Dunes

Artists Network — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 06:15:00 +0000

Get expert tips on painting waves and seascapes in pastel.

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Painting the Drama of Earth, Sea & Sky

Artists Network — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 06:15:00 +0000

Landscape painter, Cheryl Browder demonstrates a pastel landscape capturing sunlight on a creek

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A Golden Glow

Artists Network — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 06:15:00 +0000

Learn how to create stunning effects in your pastels. Add a glistening effect to your pastel paintings by adding gold leaf to your work.

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Sea Change: Pastel Seascapes

Robert Carsten — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 14:31:14 +0000

Jeanne Rosier Smith demonstrates steps to creating dynamic seascapes in pastel.

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7 Ways to Rescue a Painting

Artists Network — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 06:15:00 +0000

Try one or more of these seven resuscitative ideas for breathing new life into a failing painting. By Yael Maimon We’ve all experienced those feelings of bewilderment, frustration, or anger when a painting just isn’t working. Whether it’s a small or a large piece, or a painting we’ve been working on for just a few hours or days upon days, it’s never a fun experience. You may be able to turn things around, however, if you embrace the challenge—or multiple challenges—it presents. Before backing away from a failing painting entirely, try one, some, or all of these practical troubleshooting tips.…

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Presenting the Winners of the 25th Annual Pastel 100 Competition

Artists Network — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 07:15:00 +0000

For a quarter century, the annual Pastel 100 Competition has been recognizing the incredible skill and artistry of today’s pastel talents. By bringing forward 100 works in the medium every spring in Pastel Journal, we have — after 25 years — been able to bring 2,500 works of pastel into the spotlight! Thanks to generous sponsors past and present, our Pastel 100 winners have also been the recipients of fabulous art materials that fuel their ongoing efforts. We’re grateful for the many pastel luminaries who have served as jurors over the years and for the many, many artists who have…

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A Less Wasteful Art: Collecting Pastel Pigment

Vanessa Lyman — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 07:10:00 +0000

The Pastel Shaper exists because Heather Goldstein is a good listener. As a high school student working part-time in an art supply store, Goldstein listened to artists and asked questions. At that time, pastels were her medium of choice, so she was especially tuned into the tips and conversations with pastel artists. “Everybody talked about using sandpaper to shape their pastels and how much valuable pigment that wastes,” said Heather. “And then one guy said he used wire mesh, and I thought, ‘Well if you’re using wire mesh, couldn’t you collect the pigment?’” And that’s how, at age 17, Goldstein…

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