Beginning Pastels

[monica88]

I accidentally posted this in the Pastel Archive..sorry :( I hope you can correct that. Here is the message I meant to post here:

Hi, all. Contemplating trying out pastels. Can't seem to settle down to learning one medium! So I was wondering what pastel books you recommend for beginners..I would like to learn how to do realistic animals and landscapes. Considering Lesley Harrisons Painting Animals that Touch the Heart. A good book? I know her illustrations are infuriatingly good. Also, how many pastels is best to start out with? I read a review in NorthLight magazine and I think Lesley works with a huge set which I'm sure would cost a pretty penny! I guess I need to know just about everything. Is Mi-Tientes a good paper? I have a 9 X 12 pad of that already.

[Gaka]

Hi Monica88

Below is the link for two articles that I wrote regarding painting Photorealism Pastel wildlife. This should give you some idea as to the tools and techniques that I use etc etc. Sorry I cant help you in recommending any Books, "How many pastels to start out with?" my suggestion is, only as many as you need to paint your first subject/painting in case you do not like painting with pastels.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/cgi-bin/htsearch?config=wetcanvas&restrict=&exclude=&words=gaka

Gaka

[Luvy]

Well for one I can recommend Jackie Simmons books and videos She's great and an artist that comes to Wet Canvas. Welcome to the Pastel forum *S*

[Khadres]

I accidentally posted this in the Pastel Archive..sorry :( I hope you can correct that. Here is the message I meant to post here:

Hi, all. Contemplating trying out pastels. Can't seem to settle down to learning one medium! So I was wondering what pastel books you recommend for beginners..I would like to learn how to do realistic animals and landscapes. Considering Lesley Harrisons Painting Animals that Touch the Heart. A good book? I know her illustrations are infuriatingly good. Also, how many pastels is best to start out with? I read a review in NorthLight magazine and I think Lesley works with a huge set which I'm sure would cost a pretty penny! I guess I need to know just about everything. Is Mi-Tientes a good paper? I have a 9 X 12 pad of that already.

Hi, Monica! I've got the book you mentioned and yes, it's very good. I also just started a thread for book and video reviews for pastellists and you might look in there. We have Jackie Simmonds here in the group and all her books are very good, as well. She does everything from still lifes to landscapes, etc. Beautiful work and good instruction in her books.

I'm planning to add more books to the list as I get to it. Be sure and review any you get in future, too!

You'll love pastels, believe me!

Sooz