We have recently discovered all that pan pastels can do. Specifically, how to draw a sky and a beach scene. Nana shares a video tutorial using pan pastels, below. Pan pastels are little ‘cups’ or pans of pure pigment.
Just use a little sponge or your finger and spread the chalk color around. It is very similar to the joy of finger painting!
Video Tutorial: How to Draw a Sky and Beach Using Pan Pastels
Nana demonstrates how to create a beach scene with a beautiful sky in her newest video art tutorial. You can make this scene in about three minutes! She shows you:
- How pan pastels work
- How to stack the pan pastels to carry with you for plein air (painting outside) art
- How to use the sponge to spread the color pigment
- How to create the horizon, clouds, and the lovely stretch of beach.
We have since used pan pastels on several occasions, including our lemon chalk art tutorial in January. Our first grader is Nana’s helper in the video.
What We Love About Pan Pastels
The little pans of color! They stack and interlock making for easy storage – and easy for on the go. We love the little sponge tools and the ones that look like eye shadow applicators. We love the variation and freshness pan pastels offer us. Pan pastels are a new-found freedom of expression in art.
Where Can You Find Pan Pastels?
I have not seen pan pastels in the local arts and crafts stores. But they are available online at Dick Blick and in the {affiliate link} pan pastel section at Amazon in all sorts of stacks of colors and sets.
–> Now, if you don’t have pan pastels yourself, don’t be discouraged! Use what you have. Regular chalk pastels make a wonderful beach scene as well. In fact we have a video art tutorial for that also!
VIDEO: How to Draw a Beach with A Skumbling Effect
Nana shares another technique in this video art tutorial from our Art for All Ages series…
VIDEO: How to Make Sky and Clouds with Chalk Pastels (click over to YouTube to view the video)
FEATURING YOU! YOU ARE AN ARTIST!
So, paint your sky and beach and be sure to share with us! Simply tag @chalkpastelart on social media, use the #YouAREanArtist hashtag, or upload a photo to the ChalkPastel.com Facebook page!
- A note on chalk pastels: Pastels are an easy, forgiving medium. Fun for children and adults alike! Details on the pastels and paper we use, how and where to purchase, and links to all of Nana’s other pastel lessons are here: 100+ Free Art Lessons for All Ages plus the video The Very Few Must Have Supplies for Chalk Pastel Art. A simple set is very affordable. Nana also teaches acrylic lessons.
- The practical aspects of a mess: Pastels are blessedly messy. We always have baby wipes close by to wipe hands. We wear something we don’t mind getting stained or don a smock.
Do you and your artists learn best with a video art tutorial? Find our Video Art Lessons at ChalkPastel.com!
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“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.” ~Vincent Van Gogh
-originally published 2015
I have never heard of pan pastels. Thank you for taking the fear out of trying a new art material.
It is so neat how they can be used like finger paints – but actually be ‘less messy’ than regular chalk pastel sticks. We’ve really been enjoying them!
I LOVE pan pastels. Before they had these, I would use eye-shadow and other powdered make-up to help with some of my artwork (for personal use-not for selling) The pigments in them are quite nice and creamy:D
Thank you for sharing!
Come to think of it, I might start using them again! Make-up stays on better than even pastels do:)
This project is so beautiful. I love exploring new art materials and this post will take the fear out of the first experience using this media.
Phyllis, our longtime friend! It is so good to hear from you! Yes, Pan pastels are great to use when painting a large sky, ocean, or grassy field… I recommend that they are a great alternative to regular pastel chalks in the over-all color coverage and quick use… especially for those students that tire quickly of filling in areas or are impatient like Nana!
Thank you for your comment, hope you and your family are well! And… as we always say: you ARE an artist!
❤️Nana