Landscape Painting Demo: Save Money and Make your Own Pastel Surface!

It isn't hard to do and it will not only save you money it will give you an interesting painting surface for pastels. In this video previously released on my Patreon Page, I show you how to make your own gritty surface. I also demonstrate a summer landscape painting utilizing the new surface. The technique I used was inspired by an article in an old Pastel Journal magazine. I love trying new things and sharing them with you!

Karen Margulis is an award winning pastel artist who loves to share tips and techniques to help you create stronger paintings.

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[Tpo]

I’ve been watching you paint all night. It’s so soothing. Your descriptions are perfect, too.

[wizzardofpaws]

I paint on everything. Cereal boxes, cracker box, any thin cardboard and use clear gesso for the surface. Saves a ton of money on "studies".

[viviandibrell]

Wow Karen, you are phenomenal. I just have to complement you again for taking your time and explaining each step and not speed taping. You inspire me to the max! Thank you so much!

[wizzardofpaws]

Tha;nks to stumbling on to Karen's videos, I am now HOOKED on pastels. Sadly, it's a very expensive hobby, LOL. I LOVE IT. I Love Karens art and have learned so much.

[sergemassa]

Hi Karen. Since I know you on YouTube, I make pastel. And my pastel improve, I'm French, and I don't understand all you say, but what kind of support you take (watercolor paper or other) and what is your powder to realise a cheap paper pastel to work on it. Many Thanks to share your talent. It's Always a pleasure to follow you on you tube with your tutorials. And this landscape is wonderful... Thanks to you Karen. Kisses from France

[arizona]

Karen~ This is beautiful. Great pastel tips!! Thank You!!

[sharonbaxter]

Great video!! Lots of interesting info. ❤❤❤

[sunnyday]

I have a collection of pastel magazines, too. All of the Pastel Journals - and, remember that Australian pastel mag. that came out about the same time, that lasted only 1 or 2 years? I thought it was a wonderful publication, and was sorry to see it go. Love your tutorials. You're a wonderful teacher. Early next year, I will become a patron. You're worth it!

[anzhelikavladyko]

Karen, thank you for another inspiring video - a beautiful view, your familiar wonderful, confident manner of painting. It's so special when artists are remembered. Thank you for Herman's tip with the wet sponge for error correction. It's a useful one. Thank you, Karen, for being there for us!

[helenhoutchen]

Thank you, Karen. I always learn so much from your videos.

[anyar]

Fascinating! Thank you for the tips, Karen. I use furniture-grade pumice in my top gesso coats when I prep panels for oil, but I do a sanding at the end to make the board smoother. Wonderful to know I can use a similar technique if I want to do some pastel panels! You are lovely for sharing!

[vickie]

Thanks for sharing; I love that painting. I recently made several papers with gesso, some over watercolor base and others mixed with the acrylic paint. Indeed, I fought with some of the texture, but rubbing in the base layers will solve that. Thank you ever so much for showing us so many options!

[angelalyonsyarborough]

Thanks! was really wanting some more pastel boards but would need to save for a bit. Now I can make my own for pennies!!!

[janemartin]

So fine thank you, will pull out my old Pastel Journals.

[monetcafe]

Awesome Karen!!! Love this video.... and I love Heidi and your vocal kitties :) <3 .

[jingsu]

Love this lesson, thank you! I'm so looking forward for your new idea "lessons from old Pastel Journal magazine". :D

[renaissanceman]

Awesome! So can a homemade surface like this hold many layers of pastel? Many layers like UArt paper or Sennelier pastel card etc? Thanks.

[JennerIIC]

Hey Karen, this is a great video. How do you think this surface would do with alcohol on the under-painting? Thanks for the great content!

[chriswhitehouse]

This is the same surface that Ellen Eagle uses, and she has a exact recipe for it in her book.

[ayla]

Love your super inspirational videos! I would love to try making my own boards...anyone have recommendations on what grit pumice to use as additive? Heart Hugs Creative Family!