Colin Bradley Art Cast

This week Steve and Colin discuss the process of applying a background before or after a picture depending on the subject. This leads us onto discussing the latest tutorial on how to draw cows using pastel pencils and meadows. Listen to more podcasts at: http://www.colinbradleyart.co.uk/home/podcast/

Colin talks about the magic of the pastel pencil and just how quickly you can progress and improve. Follow Colin’s advice of “Think of Your 10th Picture” and be inspired. We also discuss combining soft pastel with hard pastels on different kinds of paper.

This week we record an outside broadcast (video available on youtube). Colin discusses an interesting way of drawing rainbows in pastel pencils. We also discuss why sharp pastel pencils and necessary for drawing eyes, and lastly Colin talks about using Mount Board.

This week we talk miniature art. Colin discusses how on earth to create the impression of detail in miniature paintings. What size is miniature art? What size frames and mounts do you use? Can you use soft pastel on miniature paintings?

Colin talks about a new product added to our store, the Creative Studio Soft Pastel Set. We read out the story we sent out in a recent newsletter where Colin’s art teacher said he would never be any good at art. We read out your stories and reaction to this email. Colin also gives you a quick make up tutorial and we discuss how much base colour to use for the Yorkie dog.

This week we discuss building up colours with various base colours: white, ivory, cool greys and warm greys. We talk about a new project coming up which will be done using a darker paper. We also discuss drawing larger pictures using Pastel Pencils. We talk about using Pan Pastels in conjunction with Pastel Pencils.

This week, we talk about drawing meadows and the technique involved in creating the impression of grass. We also discussing choosing Mats (Mounts), Frames and Glass. Colin discusses choosing colours for double-mounting. We talk about putting pastel pencil on top of detailed graphite work.

This week we reveal 3 brand new projects coming to members of Colin Bradley Art. We answer more of your questions including printing line drawings with a laser or ink jet printer. Colin also discusses long fur, feathers and how to tackle reds in pastel pencils with some newly discovered techniques.

This week we help send you to sleep with more pastel pencil tips and advice. Colin offers up his advice for drawing a Jack Russell picture whilst explaining different shades of fur - light, medium and dark. We talk about scaling up your pictures on a computer and then transferring these to paper. We also talk about fixing mixed media pictures.

This week we talk about what pencil to use for your outline drawings. We also discuss the many options for transferring images onto Pastel Paper. We talk about drawing choppy seas with pastel pencils and a new rainbow picture coming in the future. We also discuss what materials you need before you start Colin's online courses.

This week we dissect Colin’s latest picture “Victorian Children” which is taken from Victorian Children with Puppy by Emile Vernon Poster. Colin talks about prioritising a picture and creating different parts of a portrait you want people to notice more. We also discuss creating textures on faces, accessories and dresses. We also answer some questions about paper to use.

This week we talk about the big change at Colin Bradley Art. Colin talks about using Pan Pastels with Pastel Pencils. We talk about whether you need a cushion between your paper and board. Colin offers his advice when starting out in watercolour. We also discuss Artist’s Block.

We cram in as many questions as possible this week. Colin discusses going around the edges of a subject in a pastel pencil picture and the pressure you should use. Should you print line drawings using an Ink Jet or Laser Printer? We talk about lighting options for doing your artwork. We also talk about laying down a watercolour wash for your pastel work.

This week we discuss: ways of storing and transporting pastel pencils. Can you paint Animals in Watercolour? Can you Fix a part of a picture? Where is the best place to sign a picture? Do you Date your pictures? We talk about doing fur on the Koala Bear Tutorial using the “Bradley Squiggle”.

We talk about the feeling of making a picture come “alive”. How do you get a “smooth” blending look with Pastel? We talk blending tools and options with Pastel Pencils. Colin offers his advice on painting mixed-race skin tones.

What goes into preparing a picture? We pick Colin’s brains and ask some fascinating questions about his background and what inspires him. We also take your questions - Are Pastel Pencil Pictures Paintings or Drawings? We talk about the differences between the two. We also discuss coming from graphite and watercolour to pastel pencil. How do asthma sufferers get on with Pastel Pencils? We compare brands with carb-othello, unison, faber castell & cretacolour products. Should you use an easel or a drawing board?

We talk about using Pastel Pencils on canvas and Colin’s experience with oil and acrylic on canvas. We discuss using Pastel Pencils on top of these other mediums. How lightly should you use the pastel pencils? Colin explains the different sections of a picture which require more pressure.

In this episode, we talk about combining different makes of pastel pencils and increasing your range. We discuss using different types of paper and what colours/types work best. We talk about using Jam Jars to store your pencils in and whether selling your artwork makes you a Professional?

In this episode, we listen to your voice messages! You can submit a voice message using the button on our website. Colin talks about making up a portrait using different photographs, how to best organise your desk, keeping your fingers clean between colour use and your options for fixing pictures if you have to.

This week we talk about drawing fruit and especially shiny fruit like cherries & grapes. Colin also gives advice on drawing Golden Labradors and the pastel pencils to use. We discuss the best lighting conditions for doing artwork including using daylight bulbs and the best angles.