Colin Bradley Art Cast

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.

In this episode, we touch upon the “business” of art, referring to selling prints and the legalities involved. We also discuss drawing larger pictures such as A1/A2 size in Pastel Pencils and the problems you may need to overcome with mounting the picture. Lastly, we discuss the Two-Third Rule (guideline) in landscapes both horizontally AND vertically.

Steve and Father Christmas answer more of your questions in this week’s show. We talk backgrounds and the different options you have with animal subjects. Colin also discusses using “Masking Fluid” with watercolour and when he chooses to use it in his pictures.

In this episode we talk about sepia in Pastel Pencils, the problems with switching between subjects and how to tackle “artist’s block” and pressures of commission work. We also discuss painting snow in Watercolour and reveal a new offer in time for Christmas.

In this episode, we discuss Colin’s take on Quinton’s Hollyhocks painting and some obstacles he had to overcome. Find out alternative ways to get sharp points on Pastel Pencils. Send your questions to colin@bradleygallery.co.uk

We answer more of your questions including how to tackle skies in pastel pencils, especially those that appear "smokey". How does paper tooth affect landscapes & portraits and how do you mix a dark purple in Pastel Pencils?

In this episode we whizz through more of your questions with Colin. We discuss sharpening pastel pencils, substituting out colours in pictures, forming colour arrangements and putting multiple subjects in your picture. We also tease the next animal picture…

In this episode, we talk about how to make black dogs look older or younger using Pastel Pencils. In watercolour, we discuss whether you should apply a wash to your paper first as well as how large you could make your pictures. All this and more in Episode 47! Send your questions to colin@bradleygallery.co.uk.

In this episode, we talk about using ColourFix, sourcing TraceDown and using Pastel Dust like a palette for mixing colours. Colin talks about tackling “mousy” coloured hair and we reveal some exciting news on our competition.

In this episode, we have 2 BIG announcements launching 2 new services for anyone interested in Watercolour or Pastel Pencil. Colin also answers your questions including using transtrace/carbon and how to tackle the backgrounds with grass, leaves etc.

In this episode, we talk about "over-working" your picture and how useful putty rubbers can be to create texture on your artwork. Colin also explains the difficulty of using Soft Pastels and the paper best to use for hard or soft pastels.

In this episode, we answer your questions and reveal some new projects coming soon. Why use Mixed Mediums? Can you get the same results using just one? How do you apply polychromos Pastel Sticks to Birds? Recorded live in London at the Actors Centre, Covent Garden.