New Project: The Rhino New Project: Walk in the Autumn Mist
Who is Colin Bradley?
Colin Bradley has been a professional artist since 1982 and has taught for over 30 years through workshops, demonstrations, TV and DVD. He has run a successful YouTube channel for over 6 years and this website is an extension of that channel offering more in depth tuition than ever before. You can read Colin’s fascinating story here.What are Pastel Pencils?
Pastel Pencils are an incredibly easy art medium to pick up and learn. The difference with pastel pencils opposed to pastel sticks is that they already seem a familiar tool to work with. Compared to other art mediums, which can be very messy, pastel pencils require no water or mixing of colours and therefore easier to use. Colin highly recommends Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils over other brands as they provide the perfect texture and flexibility when doing intricate work like you see on this website.
Pastel Pencils are simply an extension of the colouring pencils we all used as children yet the results are stunning. Want to see what pictures you can learn to draw if you become a member? Keep scrolling down to see the variety of subjects you can draw.
How can I learn to draw with Pastel Pencils?
Via our online shop, we offer a number of products to help get you started. You can purchase a set of Faber-Castell Pastel Pencils, Pastel Paper, Starter Packs and even our “Starting out with Pastel Pencils” DVD (Preview clip below). To read more about Membership and watching our online lessons, read on..
Want to access hours of Pastel Pencil Lessons online?
Become a member of the site to gain access to featured art exercises, over 60 hours of video lessons, secret tips and techniques and much more. Visit our “Sneak Peek” page to view samples of the lessons you can watch plus a FREE Video Art Lesson “Distant Hills”.
With each of our projects, we provide a line drawing which is an outline you can print straight to pastel paper. Alternatively you can chose to free-hand or use our square drawing grids to transfer the image to a paper of your choice.
There are 3 different ways to become a member, visit the Sign Up page for more information or watch the video below for a walkthrough.
“Funny how it’s much easier than watercolour even though I’ve painted in watercolour for about a decade and just painted in pastels for like months. I tried painting a tiger with pastel pencils and sticks, and boy, it was a fun experience, the local people in my region loved it!”
“I’m so glad I got the membership to your website, I’m getting the feel of working with pastel pencils again and I love it!”
Here are the current projects you can learn to do using the videos on the site:
Learn to Draw these Animals using Pastel Pencils:
Learn to Draw these Landscapes using Pastel Pencils:
Learn to Combine Pastel Pencil & Watercolour:
Learn to Draw these Portraits using Pastel Pencils:
Learn to Draw People & Figures using Pastel Pencils:
Learn to Draw Still Life subjects using Pastel Pencils:
Learn how to get this Charcoal effect with Pastel Pencils:
Have any Questions? Perhaps our FAQ Page will answer them, click here to get there!
Hear what some of our members say:
“I am very much a beginner with pastels and up until I joined your site I’ve been making it up as I went along with very mixed results. (smile) I really do enjoy your tutorials and can’t help but laugh when you talk to yourself which is something I do all the time. What’s more you seem to ask yourself just the question that I would ask you if I were in your studio. Brilliant!”
- Anne
“Absolutely Love this. Its my favourite, love all the pics, I think its the colours in this one. enjoying the site, loads of tips, and especially the videos. I have learned a lot from here, very much appreciated.”
- Angela
I love this rose Colin and spent Saturday working on it using the exercise sheet. I’m really pleased with the result and it’s now in a frame which makes it look even better. I’m so enjoying working with pastels. Thank you for a wonderful website. Can we have some more flowers please?
- Barbara
You still manage to surprise us each week I look forward to more of your videos, the detail you show is so helpful with each stroke you use.
- Christine
I LOVE this new site of yours. I’m like a child in a candy store. Thank you again.
- Louise
I cant wait for the next session, I never thought that I would be able to produce paintings as good as I do thanks to your tuition
- Robert
What our customers say about Colin:
“I was first introduced to the versatlity and brilliance of using pastel pencils by Colin Bradley in the late 1980s. I visited an Art and Design Material Exhibition in London and stood in amazment as I watched Colin painting a animal portrait live in front of many people. I was hooked and immediately bought a set of pastel pencils. From that point, I have watched and followed Colin’s techniques and talent over 25 years now and have never failed to learn something new. Colin relaxed teaching and warmth of personality shines through and his endless willingness to share his professionalism in the art of pastel pencils has to be applauded. I am so grateful for Colin in motivating and inspiring me to achieve a level of pastel pencil art that has led me through practice and learning to achieve a high standard in a variety of subject images. I urge anyone to explore Colins dedicated work and teaching materials if you wish to enjoy the pleasure of using pastel pencils to its fullest. Thank you Colin so very much!”
- Jonathan M – Bath & North East Somerset, UK.
“When I saw what could be achieved with the pastel media I really wanted to give it a try and see what I could do with them, however I found myself disappointed after each attempt. I almost thought about giving up, that pastels weren’t for me. It all changed when I watched Colin Bradley’s videos on YouTube. I purchased his cats and dogs DVD and a few workshops and I improved drastically on my first painting just by following his simple instructions. With practice and his guidance I was able to produce exactly what I wanted realism and lifelike portraits! Colin shares precious tips and pastel secrets that you will find nowhere else. I highly recommend Colin’s products to anyone that plans to paint with pastels, no matter what level you are. He has this way of teaching you that makes your skills improve but keeping your personal style at the same time.”
- Erica, Brazil.
“Your wide range of pastel workshop packs are excellent with easy to follow step by step instructions. The videos you’ve made are great for those of us who have wanted to duplicate your unique techniques. Pastel Pencils are a wonderful medium for people like me who want finely-detailed paintings. Thank you for getting my creative juices flowing!”
- Jim, USA.
“I have known Colin for almost 10 years now and he is the artist that got me started on pastel pencils, I had always struggled before using other mediums. He is extremely helpful and very approachable when any amateur artist needs advice, despite having a busy schedule; he always has time to resolve any difficulties that somebody else has. Every other professional artist I know always speaks highly of Colin and no other artist is as helpful and as generous with their time and talent as Colin is. In particular the Faber-Castell ‘Pitt’ pastel pencils he uses are second to none and all Colin’s products are of the highest quality. The DVDs he sells are really helpful and show in detail how to correct any mistakes that the amateur may make.”
- Christine, UK.
Watch our sneak peek videos by clicking here.