pastels Archives : The Artistic Divas World

The Art of Sticking With an Art Challenge

Leave a Comment / Art, artistic style, creativity, drawing, goal setting, painting, pastels, Perfectionism, Pinterest / admin

Starting an art challenge feels a lot like falling in love. The excitement is real, the inspiration is endless, and you’re ready to create something amazing every single day. But then, somewhere along the way, life gets busy, enthusiasm starts to fizzle, and what once felt like a fun adventure starts feeling like a chore. Sound familiar?

Keeping your energy up for a long-term art challenge isn’t always easy, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. We even talked about some of the blocks to working on your art here. If you’re in the middle of one—or thinking about starting—here are a few tricks to keep the enthusiasm alive.

First, make it easy on yourself. In the beginning, it’s tempting to go all out with big, detailed pieces, but that’s a surefire way to burn out. Instead, give yourself permission to scale down. Quick sketches, simple color studies, or even doodles still count. The goal is to keep showing up, not to create a masterpiece every time.

Next, switch things up. If you’re tired of painting, try digital. If you’ve been doing nothing but graphite, throw in some ink or watercolor. A change in medium can spark fresh excitement and help break up the monotony.

Another trick? Plan rewards. Maybe after a week of consistent work, you treat yourself to a new brush, a fancy sketchbook, or even just a guilt-free day of scrolling through Pinterest for inspiration. Having something to look forward to can make all the difference.

It also helps to share your progress. Whether it’s posting online, checking in with a friend, or even just flipping back through your own sketchbook, seeing how far you’ve come can be incredibly motivating. Plus, getting a little encouragement from others never hurts!

Lastly, if the art challenge starts feeling like a burden, remember why you started. Was it to improve your skills? To build a habit? To reconnect with creativity? Focusing on the original goal can help shift your mindset from I have to do this back to I get to do this.

At the end of the day, an art challenge is meant to be just that—a challenge. But it should also be fun, inspiring, and rewarding. So take a breath, shake off the pressure, and get back to creating. You’ve got this!

Be sure to watch our video about this topic. You can watch it here.

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The Masters Can Bring Magic into Your Art

Leave a Comment / Art, artistic style, creativity, painting, pastels / admin

The Masters offer you the opportunity to see their vision and the beauty they were able to create. Have you ever stared at a Van Gogh or a Rembrandt and think, How did they do that? The way the light dances, the movement, the emotion—it’s mesmerizing. But then the doubt creeps in: If I try to paint like them, am I just copying? Is it even possible to capture that essence without losing my own artistic voice?

The short answer? Absolutely. And you should. The longer answer? There’s an art to it (pun totally intended), and it’s about inspiration, not imitation. We have talked before here about imposter syndrome and the fear that we are not artists, not good enough, etc. Using the Masters in your work does not mean that you are copying or not good enough to use them.

Understand, Don’t Mimic

Think of studying the Masters like learning a new language. You wouldn’t just memorize sentences—you’d learn how the language works so you can speak it in your own way. Instead of copying brushstrokes, compositions, or colors exactly, ask yourself:

What draws me to this artist? Is it their bold color choices, their dramatic lighting, their unique brushwork?
What emotions do they make me feel? And how do they achieve that feeling?
What techniques are they using that I can adapt to my own style?

Steal From the Masters Like an Artist (The Right Way)

Austin Kleon’s famous book Steal Like an Artist (affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4iyhrTQ) breaks it down: great artists don’t copy—they collect, transform, and remix.

Instead of copying a painting, take pieces of inspiration from multiple sources:
🎨 Love Monet’s dreamy, atmospheric quality? Experiment with softer edges and layered color.
🎭 Admire the dramatic lighting of Caravaggio? Play with contrast in your own way.
🌀 Obsessed with Van Gogh’s movement? Try exaggerating rhythm in your brushstrokes, but with your own subject matter.

Remixing vs. Replicating

Think of your art like a playlist. You wouldn’t copy a song note for note—you’d mix influences to create a sound that feels like you.

One way to do this is by blending old techniques with new concepts. Imagine taking the glow of a Rembrandt portrait but applying it to a futuristic sci-fi setting. Or borrowing the delicate, sketch-like quality of a Da Vinci study but using it for street scenes instead of Renaissance figures.

Make It Your Own

This is where it gets fun. Once you’ve absorbed an artist’s energy, start pushing it in new directions:

1️⃣ Swap Subjects – Take the structure of a famous painting but apply it to a totally different theme. What if Vermeer’s soft indoor lighting was used in a neon cityscape?
2️⃣ Change Mediums – Try translating oil painting techniques into digital art or pen sketches.
3️⃣ Mash Up Styles – Combine impressionist color palettes with bold, graphic shapes. Imagine what Klimt would do with a graffiti wall!

The Best Artists Learn From The Masters, Then Let Go

Picasso didn’t wake up one day painting in cubes. He mastered classical realism first, then shattered it into something new. Studying the Masters is about building your toolbox, but what you build with those tools? That’s all you.

So go ahead—learn from them, take what inspires you, then make it yours. That’s not copying. That’s art.

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Keeping an Art Sketchbook for nurturing yourself

Leave a Comment / Art, Art Journaling, creativity, drawing, painting, pastels, self care / admin

Keeping an art sketchbook is one of the most rewarding habits for nurturing your inner artist. Whether you’re a professional, a hobbyist, or just starting out, the benefits of maintaining a sketchbook go far beyond improving your technical skills. It’s like having a trusted companion that grows with you, reflecting your creativity, documenting your progress, and sparking ideas. Let’s talk about why every artist should keep a sketchbook close at hand.

First, an art sketchbook is a safe space to experiment. It’s your private playground where you can try out new techniques, styles, and ideas without fear of judgment. Messy pages, smudged lines, or half-finished doodles are part of the charm. They’re the raw ingredients of your creative process and often lead to unexpected breakthroughs.

It’s also a fantastic way to document your artistic growth. Flipping through older sketchbooks is like a visual time machine, showing how your style, skill, and confidence have evolved. It’s a reminder of how far you’ve come and can motivate you to keep pushing forward when you feel stuck.

A sketchbook is an idea factory. Some days, inspiration flows like a river, and on others, it’s a trickle. Your sketchbook captures those fleeting sparks of creativity before they fade. It’s a treasure trove of concepts you can revisit and refine later. That half-finished sketch or random scribble might be the foundation of your next masterpiece.

It’s not just about art—it’s about mindfulness, too. The act of sketching is meditative and calming. It lets you focus on the present moment, quiet your mind, and enjoy the simple pleasure of making marks on paper. This can be especially valuable in a world that’s always busy and full of distractions.

Your sketchbook is also your visual diary. It tells the story of your days, your thoughts, and your moods. Looking back, you’ll see more than drawings—you’ll see memories and emotions captured in a way that words often can’t express.

On a practical level, it’s a portable studio. Wherever you go, your sketchbook is there, ready for you to capture the world around you. Whether you’re waiting in line, traveling, or sitting in a park, you can pull it out and sketch. These small, spontaneous moments can be surprisingly impactful.

And finally, keeping a sketchbook builds discipline. Consistency is key for any artist, and even a quick sketch every day adds up. It’s not about perfection; it’s about showing up and creating, no matter how small the effort. That habit strengthens your creativity and keeps the artist in you alive and thriving.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick up a sketchbook and start drawing. It doesn’t matter if you’re filling the pages with detailed drawings, abstract patterns, or simple doodles. Every mark is a step in your artistic journey and a celebration of the creativity inside you.

We have previously talked about all the therapeutic benefits of art here. We also visited the power of experimentation here. So, you can see that keeping an art journal or an art sketchbook is a powerful tool to build your creativity and your confidence. But if that doesn’t convince you, here is a video by Danny Gregory that might.

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Pastels: Mastering their Use

1 Comment / Art, pastels / admin

Pastels have been a beloved medium for artists for centuries, offering a unique blend of vibrant color and delicate texture. In this comprehensive guide, we delve deep into the world of pastels, exploring their history, types, techniques, and how to master their use for stunning artworks. Today, we begin a series about the different types of art mediums available today for you to experiment with. Previously, we explored art movements and art forms and you can see one of those posts here.

A Brief History

This art form can trace its origins back to the Renaissance era, where artists sought a medium that could mimic the softness of chalk but with more vibrant hues. Over the years, pastels have been employed by renowned artists like Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt, who showcased the medium’s versatility and depth.

Types of Pastels

Understanding the different types of pastels is crucial for any artist:

Soft Pastels: These are the most commonly used type, known for their intense colors and buttery texture. They blend easily and are perfect for layering.
Soft Pastels
Hard Pastels: Harder in consistency, they are ideal for detailed work and sharp lines.
Oil Pastels: Unlike soft and hard pastels, oil pastels are bound with oil, making them creamy and great for blending.
Oil Pastels
Pencil Pastels: These are pastels in pencil form, perfect for precision and detailed artworks.

Techniques to Master

Pastels are versatile, and with the right techniques, one can create mesmerizing artworks:

Layering: Start with a light base and gradually add layers to achieve depth and intensity.

Layering is the foundation of pastel artistry. It involves:

- Base Layer: Start with a light shade as the base. This sets the tone and mood of the artwork.
- Middle Layer: Introduce medium shades to add depth. This layer often determines the primary colors of the artwork.
- Top Layer: Add the darkest shades and highlights. This layer brings out the contrasts and sharpness in the artwork.
- Tip: Always start with soft strokes and gradually increase pressure for deeper shades.
Blending: Use your fingers, blending tools, or brushes to merge colors seamlessly.

Blending is the magic wand in a pastel artist’s toolkit. It involves:

- Finger Blending: Using fingertips to softly merge colors, creating a smooth gradient.
- Tortillon Blending: A paper blending tool that offers precision and is ideal for detailed work.
- Brush Blending: Using soft brushes to blend, especially useful for large areas.
- Tip: Blend in the direction of the artwork’s flow to maintain consistency.
Scumbling: This involves rubbing one color over another, creating a unique texture and hue.

Scumbling is about adding texture. It involves:

- - Overlaying: Gently rub one color over another without fully blending. This creates a unique hue and texture.
  - Tip: Use a light hand and choose contrasting colors for a mesmerizing effect.
Feathering: A technique where soft strokes are used to create a feather-like texture.

Feathering introduces softness. It involves:

- Gentle Strokes: Use the edge of the pastel stick and lightly drag it across the paper.
- Directional Feathering: Change the direction of strokes to create wind, water, or hair-like textures.
- Tip: Maintain a consistent pressure throughout the stroke for uniformity.

Caring for Your Pastels

To ensure longevity:

Storage: Store in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Use protective cases or trays to prevent breakage.
Fixatives: Use a fixative spray to protect your artwork from smudging.While not a drawing technique, using fixatives is crucial:
- Workable Fixative: Allows you to continue working on the artwork after application.
- Final Fixative: Seals the artwork, protecting it from smudging and external elements.
- Tip: Always test the fixative on a small section before applying it to the entire artwork.
Handling: Always handle pastels with clean hands to prevent dirt and oil transfer.

Choosing Quality Pastels

Investing in high-quality pastels can make a significant difference:

Pigmentation: Opt for pastels with high pigmentation for vibrant results.
Consistency: The texture should be consistent, neither too hard nor too soft.
Lightfastness: Ensure that they are resistant to fading when exposed to light.

Learning the use of these versatile little chalk sticks requires patience, practice, and knowledge. By understanding their history, types, and techniques, artists can harness the true potential of this versatile medium. Mastering pastel techniques is a journey of continuous learning and practice. Each technique offers a unique dimension to the artwork, and when combined, they create a symphony of colors, textures, and depths. As artists, we must constantly experiment, practice, and refine our skills to truly harness the potential of our tools. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, embracing pastels can open up a world of creative possibilities.

Here is a video explaining some of these techniques:

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