The other day, a student asked me a question on the first day of their art course: How do I use pastels? Poised with pastel above a blank surface. It’s such a simple question, yet it something that we all feel —the hesitation we all feel when starting something new. I see it in new students in my workshops. That little flicker of doubt, the fear of doing something wrong. But here’s the truth: there’s more lost by not trying than by making a mistake.
The Fear of Getting It Wrong
It’s completely normal to feel unsure when you pick up pastels for the first time. But here’s a little secret—art isn’t about getting it right straight away. It’s a journey, and like any journey, you’ll have a few stumbles along the way. That’s part of the fun! Learning to use pastels isn’t about following a strict set of rules; it’s about experimenting, observing, and, most importantly, enjoying the process. I take you through mine here.
The best way to learn is by doing. Watching others, chatting with fellow artists, sharing what works (and what doesn’t) all play a huge role. Every mistake is a step forward. In fact, some of my best pieces started as ‘mistakes’ that led me somewhere unexpected. Here’s a video that takes you through some of my first steps with pastel.
The Magic of Mindset
Here’s a little trick I swear by: fake it. Imagine that everything you’re about to do will go right. If you believed that, what would you try? How much easier would it feel to start? What if this year was your year to start the creative hobby you’ve always wanted to.
A shift in mindset makes all the difference. Instead of worrying about whether you’re doing it correctly, approach it as a playful investigation. Treat it like an experiment. Some things will work beautifully; others won’t. That’s normal! If you expect perfection from the start, you’ll only feel frustrated. But if you allow yourself to be curious, to play, then you’ll begin to enjoy the process.
1.Beginners
If you are new, then I have a session especially for new pastelists. During a year I run three series of workshops. I run the first session of every series as a refresher, so it’s packed with tips and shows the progress from blank paper to finished artwork. My favourites are here.
“I Can’t Draw” – A Common Misconception
So often, new students arrive at my workshops and the first thing they say is, “I can’t draw.” It always makes me smile because I know they absolutely can. Our ancestors drew on caves before they could write, and writing is just a form of drawing we can all do because we were taught. Drawing is a learned skill, some people will have an aptitude for it but it’s only developed through practice.
Think of it this way—if you started a French class, would you walk in and say, “I can’t speak French”? Of course not! You’d understand that it takes time, practice, and patience to build the skill. The same goes for pastels. The basics come first, and with regular practice, you’ll improve. It’s not about natural talent; it’s about perseverance and play.
Draw What You Love
If you’re not sure where to begin, start with something you love. A view that brings you peace, a favourite garden view or your dog. If you’re drawn to the subject (pun intended!), you’ll feel more motivated to stick with it. People think that drawing is a subject related skill but in my workshops, you’ll learn that whiskers are best learned through spiky grasses. A spaniel ear can be likened to the curl of the lip of a wave, it’s all about contrast. Creating clouds will help you understand the subtle nuances around what we perceive as white.
And don’t overthink it! Some of my best sketches started with a simple idea and no expectations. The beauty of a sketchbook is that no one needs to see every page, and you can simply turn the page if you need a fresh start. The act of drawing itself can be so calming when you let go of the pressure to create a masterpiece every time.
The Right Tools Make a Difference
Investing in good-quality pastels and paper makes a huge difference. Imagine going for a long walk in shoes that were less than ideal —would you enjoy it? Probably not! The same applies to art materials. If your pastels are a limited range of colours, or your paper doesn’t hold the pigment well, you’ll feel frustrated before you even get started. Good materials make the process smoother, more enjoyable, and allow you to focus on creating, rather than battling with your tools. That’s why all my students get a kit list to suit all budgets. You’ll know that when you buy something I suggest, I’ve tried it myself and know it makes for an enjoyable process.
Creativity and Happiness Go Hand in Hand
One of my favourite things about teaching is the joy that fills the room. The laughter that spills out of my workshops is as much a tonic as the art itself. When you join an art class, you find like minded people. Engaging in a creative pursuit, whether it’s pastels, painting, or even doodling, brings a sense of peace and happiness. It’s a chance to step away from the busy world and focus on something just for you.
So if you’ve been hesitating, waiting for the right moment, or worrying about getting it wrong. Just pick up those pastels and start. The journey is the best part, and I promise, you’ll be glad you did.
Need encouragement, here’s some of my favourite reviews.
