Pastel Plein Air Demonstration Video

[MChesleyJohnson]

I created a 7-minute pastel plein air video demonstration this week. It's here:

http://youtu.be/8CRZXBLvle8

In this pastel demonstration, I show how you can make use of a monochromatic underpainting to help capture light and shadow patterns effectively before moving to local color. Although this is typically a studio technique, I have adapted it for use in the field. One problem we all have when painting outdoors is keeping track of shadows and values. When you're worrying about color, it's so easy to get sidetracked. I call this the "Heartbreak of Slipping Values." Once you slide into the ditch, it's hard to climb out.

I gave a similar demonstration at the biennial IAPS (International Association of Pastel Socieities) convention a few years ago, and it was well-received. I hope you like this video version, too.

[bnguffey]

That's a nice demo, Michael. Makes me want to try pastels.

[RobD]

Great demo. Thanks!

Rob

[RandyP]

Hi Michael,

Very informative demonstration. Thanks for posting! It does make one want to try pastel, as Bill said.

Randy

[MChesleyJohnson]

Thanks, guys. You should give pastels a whirl.

[berningc]

Thank you!

Carol

[HankB]

That was pretty cool!

[MChesleyJohnson]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[timonsloane]

I enjoyed the video - nice job.

[Leo1903]

Thanks for the demo Michael. It's always beneficial to see how others work and yours is well thought out process. I myself plein air with oil pastels but I think the tips could apply equally as well to that sister medium. I'm just curious though, why you choose rubbing alcohol (instead of turps), in washing down your blocked in shades?

Thanks,

Leo
http://leobolta.blogspot.com/

[MChesleyJohnson]

Hi Leo, and thanks for the kind words. I use either alcohol or OMS. If I'm doing a demo in the field for a workshop, I usually use alcohol - it dries much faster. The downside is, there isn't much time to play with brush strokes in the underpainting. If I'm doing a wash for myself, I typically use Gamsol or some other brand of odorless mineral spirits. It dries more slowly and I can play more.