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.

This week we take some more questions including what subjects are best to start off with and why picking a harder subject isn’t always a bad idea. We talk about identifying whether photos are “Warmer” or “Cooler” and then choosing the right colours for each. We talk about the differences between Medium and Soft Pastel Pencils.

This week we talk about putting light over dark with Pastel Pencils, Colin explains how sometimes, you can get away with it. We also discuss using Pencil extenders and what Colin recommends. Colin tells us about electric pencil sharpeners and how to use black as a darkening agent.

It’s our 1st Birthday! Listen as we discuss the differences between Polychromes Pencils and Pastel Pencils and tackling difficult Kitten fur. Colin discusses his latest Still Life project: the Wine Glass.

In this episode, we reflect on 2013 and the subjects we’ve covered. Colin talks about what’s coming for 2014 and an interesting addition to your Pastel Pencil range.