Ann Richman 10/10/24 Ann Richman 10/10/24

Soft Pastels, Hard Choices: My Must-Have Tools for Creating Realistic Art

With so many art supply options available, it’s exciting—but also overwhelming! Let me simplify the process by sharing my favorite soft pastel tools. I’ll explain why I love them, how I use them, and even point out any downsides, so you can make informed choices for your own creative journey.

Ann Richman 6/6/24 Ann Richman 6/6/24

Reflections and Revelations: What I've Learned on My Pastel Journey So Far

My mission for 2024 is to elevate my pastel painting skills and knowledge. Over time, I've progressed through three distinct phases, each contributing to my growth as an artist. In this reflection, I share insights into the various types of pastels and techniques I've explored on my journey. I'll delve into the pros and cons, offering lessons learned through experience and experimentation.

Ann Richman 3/28/24 Ann Richman 3/28/24

Grass Whispers: An Artist's Guide to Not Mowing it Up

Rendering backgrounds, especially ones featuring grass, can be quite the artistic feat. But fret not! There are some helpful principles to ease the process. Here are a few practical tips for achieving realistic grass with colored pencils or pastels.

Ann Richman 3/14/24 Ann Richman 3/14/24

Art Supplies to Avoid: Lessons Learned from My Creative Misadventures

In my latest blog, I unveil the realities of art supplies once hailed as champions. Prismacolor Premier colored pencils and their troubling flaw, unforgiving papers, and more. Join me as we navigate this murky terrain, where each revelation brings us closer to clarity.

Ann Richman 2/29/24 Ann Richman 2/29/24

Artistic Allies: A Deep Dive into My Preferred Supplies and Tools

I am somewhat of an art supply pig. Here are some of my favorite tools and why I like them.

Ann Richman 1/31/24 Ann Richman 1/31/24

4 Master Soft Pastel Artists & 4 Ways To Improve Your Art

The best way to learn art is from master artists. In this blog, I look at four master pastel artists and some of their works. Then I pontificate on four take aways from their techinques and styles that can help you to improve your art.

Ann Richman 1/4/24 Ann Richman 1/4/24

5 Factors to Consider when Choosing Media: Pastels vs. Colored Pencils

Being an artist who can use multiple media has its benefits. It gives you the ability to decide before a piece which materials might give you the result you are looking for. Here are five factors that can help you decide if you want to use pastels or mixed media for your next piece.

Ann Richman 12/21/23 Ann Richman 12/21/23

10 Pros & 5 Cons of Pastels & How to Work Around the Cons

In Part 2 of my blog series, I dive into the realm of pastels, sharing insights into their history, types, and unique characteristics. While I admit to having less experience with pastels as compared to colored pencils, I provide valuable information on different pastel types, discuss the positives of using pastels, and I candidly address the challenges the medium. Despite these hurdles, I am enthusiastic for exploring and learning more about pastels as a crucial part of my ongoing artistic journey.