Colin Bradley Art Cast

Wildlife Backgrounds - 133

26 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

How do you pick a background for your wildlife painting? Colin talks about the various options you have for choosing backgrounds and how to make it co...

Animal Fur - 132

19 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Colin and Steve discuss how to draw animal fur. Colin recommends what base colours to use for different tones of fur and the techniques involved. We a...

Portrait Base Colours - 131

12 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

This week Colin gives his advice using white as a base colour including tips on how to get the white strong on the paper. We discuss when to use ivory...

Drawing Pets & Relatives - 130

05 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

This week we answer your questions including putting white over darker colours or making it appear that way using Pastel Pencils. We also discuss tapi...

Aquarelle Graphite Pencils - 129

29 May 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Colin talks about how he used Faber-Castell's Aquarelle Graphite Pencils to produce some stunning pictures. We talk about what paper to use, the vario...

Drawing Cartoons - 128

22 May 2015

Contributed by Lukas

How do you draw cartoons? Colin talks about how to put your own stamp on cartoons and where his inspiration came from.

Using Highlights for Impressionism - 127

15 May 2015

Contributed by Lukas

This week we discuss using highlights and shadows to create the impression especially for fine detail in artwork. We also discuss what to do if you’...

Commission Work - 126

08 May 2015

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss the pros and cons to doing commission work. Colin offers his advice for what questions to ask, subjects to pick and tips for starting out.

Escaping Reality - 125

01 May 2015

Contributed by Lukas

This week we discuss how to put your own interpretation on artwork and what it's like to "lose" yourself in your art. We mention alternative pastel p...

Mixing Pastel & Watercolour Pencils - 124

24 Apr 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Can you mix Watercolour Pencils with Pastel Pencils? This is just one of the questions Colin answers this week. We also discuss what colours to pick f...

Criticism - 123

17 Apr 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever had a bad experience with an art teach? We discuss just how destructive criticism can be. Do you find time passes quickly when you’re ...

Watercolour Pencils - 122

10 Apr 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Colin talks about different types of coloured pencils and watercolour pencils. He also offers up some tips on achieving a “Bright White” on pastel...

Protecting Your Work - 121

03 Apr 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Colin discusses how to protect your work when you’re either putting it away or transporting it around. We also discuss applying enough pastel pencil...

Zipping Whiskers - 120

27 Mar 2015

Contributed by Lukas

In our new studio, Colin talks a little about his new Cartoon projects as well as - alternatives to fixing - what to do when you've crushed the pape...

Colours in Reference Photos - 119

20 Mar 2015

Contributed by Lukas

What’s the difference between using Inscribe and Polychromos Pastel Sticks? Colin discusses inking cartoons in his new projects he’s working on. C...

Animal Hair vs Human Hair - 118

13 Mar 2015

Contributed by Lukas

What’s the difference in drawing human hair and drawing animal hair/fur? Colin describes how the technique differs and the application of pastel pen...

Live Broadcast 5th March - 117

07 Mar 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Recorded live on 5th March. Colin and Steve discuss developing your own style, reducing stress through art and give you a behind the scenes on forthco...

Colouring Pencils vs Pastel Pencils - 116

06 Mar 2015

Contributed by Lukas

What’s the difference between Colouring pencils and Pastel Pencils? We compare how to use the two mediums and the effects you can get. We also d...

Infinite Patience - 115

27 Feb 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Do you rush your artwork? Colin talks about a psychological approach to your picture in order to keep it interesting and taking your time over your ar...

Vintage Scenes - 114

20 Feb 2015

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss using slightly different tones to create a vintage look in landscapes. We also talk about how to create a feeling behind your artwork, givi...

Soft Pastels vs Pastel Pencils - 113

13 Feb 2015

Contributed by Lukas

What’s the difference between Soft Pastels and Pastel Pencils? One of our questions this week promotes a good discussion on the two mediums and usin...

Simple Backgrounds - 112

06 Feb 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Colin discusses various backgrounds that you can apply to animal pictures and how to stop them looking like they’re ‘floating’. We discuss restr...

Art Therapy - 111

30 Jan 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Colin shares his story of where Art acted as Therapy for him in his life. On a different subject, Colin offers his advice for drawing feathers and cre...

Drawing Male Portraits - 110

23 Jan 2015

Contributed by Lukas

How do you draw male portraits? Colin offers up his tips for tackling a different skin complexion, blemishes, beards and harmony. You can now learn to...

Rules of Landscapes - 109

16 Jan 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Trees, Water, Sky, Distance, Perspective, Harmony… This week Colin discusses what he thinks are sort of “rules” of painting landscapes. We talk ...

Key to Drawing Eyes - 108

09 Jan 2015

Contributed by Lukas

This week Colin offers his advice for drawing light and dark fur on a Tabby Cat. He also describes how best to draws and where to start. We also discu...

Colour Charcoal Pencils - 107

02 Jan 2015

Contributed by Lukas

This week Colin explains the origins of being discovered by Schwan Stabilo. We also discuss various experiences with commission work. We talk whether ...

Tracing with Carbons - 106

26 Dec 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week we discuss tracing using carbons and the various methods, pencils and techniques you can use. We mention “Giclee Prints” and Colin tells...

Giving a Demonstration - 105

19 Dec 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week Colin gives advice to those being asked to demonstrate for their local art group. We also talk about the new subject Colin has done and how ...

Colour Harmony - 104

12 Dec 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week we discuss mixing colours and joining different colours with similar tones. How to do you keep the harmony between colours. We also discuss...

Animal Composition - 103

05 Dec 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week we discuss how to best compose your animal portraits. Colin explains how he generally adjusts his composition and offers up his advice on co...

Sepia & Grey Tones - 102

28 Nov 2014

Contributed by Lukas

How do you make a picture tell a story? Colin discusses how he creates a story in his landscapes packed with characters and scenarios. We also discuss...

Colour Picking - 101

21 Nov 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week is a marathon Q & A session. We discuss the dangers of using different coloured papers for various subjects, drawing cat’s whiskers and th...

Impressionistic Strokes - 100

14 Nov 2014

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 100 we invite a special guest on the show. We discuss “the early years”, contemporary art, manifesting impressionism and lots more.

Bright White - 99

07 Nov 2014

Contributed by Lukas

How do you make white bright? In Episode 99 we give you an update on the Accreditation programme and discuss how to make white brighter in your pictur...

Drawing Portraits - 98

31 Oct 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week we talk about drawing portraits and discuss why they are the trickiest of subjects. How does Colin choose colours for various portraits? He ...

Reflections in Water - 96

17 Oct 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week we talk about how to do reflections in water. We also discuss various ways of tackling larger pictures, do you use pastel sticks? If so, wha...

Workshops - 97

16 Oct 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week we talk about Colin’s experience with doing workshops. Which were the most popular subjects and how many student’s did he teach at one t...

Increasing Contrast - 95

10 Oct 2014

Contributed by Lukas

How do you increase the contrast of your paintings? Colin talks you through the basics of achieving this across your paintings. Do you need to do a dr...

Drawing Trees - 94

03 Oct 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week Colin discusses in detail how to tackle trees using Pastel Pencils. We also discuss using reference pictures with tracedown, differences bet...

Your Mind's Eye - 93

26 Sep 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week we talk about how important keeping your reference picture close to your painting is. Colin talks about how often he refers to his picture t...

Preventing Smudging - 92

19 Sep 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week Colin discusses how you can accidentally end up smudging your work and how to prevent this from happening. We also discuss feedback on our h...

Pressure Scale - 91

12 Sep 2014

Contributed by Lukas

How to you make facial features look feminine or masculine? Colin discusses the finesse behind drawing women and the more rugged approach to drawing a...

Leaving Your Comfort Zone - 90

05 Sep 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week we go back to answering your questions. Colin talks about getting support and feedback on your artwork from third parties. We discuss where ...

Angles and Tones - 89

29 Aug 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week we discuss the basics of drawing and understanding tones with reference to Colin’s new Figure Drawing subject. Colin talks about building ...

Practice Pieces - 88

22 Aug 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week Colin discusses when you make a mistake, not only how to rescue the picture but also to look at it in a different way. We also discuss an in...

Grids & Marionettes - 87

15 Aug 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This we talk about various methods for proportioning out your pictures using grids. We give advice for demonstrating live and ways of using marionette...

Skin Tones - 86

08 Aug 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week Colin covers, doing backgrounds on crisp pictures, cutting paper down to size and varying skin tones with younger/older people.

Tones in Landscapes - 85

01 Aug 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss using warmer and cooler tones in landscape pictures. Colin discusses tackling Shiny Coats in Animals using the example of a Bay ...

Live from Westminster - 84

25 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

We record live from Westminster, London to answer more of your questions and make some special announcements. Colin answers questions on creating dark...

Using Chalk Dust - 83

18 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

What subjects should you start off doing in pastel pencils? Colin gives his recommendations. We discuss what range of sticks and pastel pencils Colin ...

No Looking Back - 82

11 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

It’s story time this week on Colin Bradley Art Cast. We ask Colin at which point did he switch from doing art as a hobby, to pursuing it as a profes...

Background Base Colours - 81

04 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week Colin discusses how to use the grey and ivory colour shapers to achieve different blends with pastel pencils. We talk about approaching your...

Increasing Your Confidence - 80

27 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about how drawing a wider range of subjects can vastly improve what you love to draw most. We answer your questions about the upcoming accredi...

Juicy Peach, Juicy Nose - 79

20 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

We answer your questions which include drawing a moonlight scene and using colour shapers with soft pastel. We reveal the early details of our Accredi...

Live at Patchings Art Festival - 78

13 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Recorded live at Patchings Art Festival in Nottinghamshire, UK. Colin discusses dispersing Pastel Dust from your picture, and we take questions from o...

Cows & Meadows - 77

06 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week Steve and Colin discuss the process of applying a background before or after a picture depending on the subject. This leads us onto discussi...

Think of Your 10th Picture - 76

30 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Colin talks about the magic of the pastel pencil and just how quickly you can progress and improve. Follow Colin’s advice of “Think of Your 10th P...

Rainbows and Mount Board - 75

23 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week we record an outside broadcast (video available on youtube). Colin discusses an interesting way of drawing rainbows in pastel pencils. We al...

Mounting Miniatures - 74

16 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week we talk miniature art. Colin discusses how on earth to create the impression of detail in miniature paintings. What size is miniature art? W...

Hidden Talents - 73

09 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Colin talks about a new product added to our store, the Creative Studio Soft Pastel Set. We read out the story we sent out in a recent newsletter wher...

Subduing Colours - 72

01 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week we discuss building up colours with various base colours: white, ivory, cool greys and warm greys. We talk about a new project coming up whi...

Drawing Meadows - 71

25 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we talk about drawing meadows and the technique involved in creating the impression of grass. We also discussing choosing Mats (Mounts), Fr...

Long Fur & Tricky Reds - 70

18 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week we reveal 3 brand new projects coming to members of Colin Bradley Art. We answer more of your questions including printing line drawings wit...

3 Shades of Fur - 69

11 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week we help send you to sleep with more pastel pencil tips and advice. Colin offers up his advice for drawing a Jack Russell picture whilst expl...

Choppy Seas - 68

04 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week we talk about what pencil to use for your outline drawings. We also discuss the many options for transferring images onto Pastel Paper. We t...

Victorian Children - 67

28 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week we dissect Colin’s latest picture “Victorian Children” which is taken from Victorian Children with Puppy by Emile Vernon Poster. Colin...

Pan, Palette, Paper - 66

21 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week we talk about the big change at Colin Bradley Art. Colin talks about using Pan Pastels with Pastel Pencils. We talk about whether you need a...

Watercolour Wash - 65

14 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

We cram in as many questions as possible this week. Colin discusses going around the edges of a subject in a pastel pencil picture and the pressure yo...

the “Bradley Squiggle” - 64

07 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week we discuss: ways of storing and transporting pastel pencils. Can you paint Animals in Watercolour? Can you Fix a part of a picture? Where is...

Blending Tools - 63

28 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

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 op...

Inspiration - 62

21 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

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 ta...

Painting on Canvas - 61

14 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Turning Professional - 60

07 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about combining different makes of pastel pencils and increasing your range. We discuss using different types of paper and wh...

FrankenColin - 59

31 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

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 portr...

Shiny Fruit - 58

24 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week we talk about drawing fruit and especially shiny fruit like cherries & grapes. Colin also gives advice on drawing Golden Labradors and the p...

Warmer or Cooler Colours - 57

17 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

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. W...

Light over Dark - 56

10 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

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 Pen...

Reflection in Glass - 55

03 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

It’s our 1st Birthday! Listen as we discuss the differences between Polychromes Pencils and Pastel Pencils and tackling difficult Kitten fur. Colin ...

Charcoal Pencil - 54

27 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

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 P...

Two-Third Rule - 53

20 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we touch upon the “business” of art, referring to selling prints and the legalities involved. We also discuss drawing larger pict...

Animal Backgrounds - 52

13 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

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 sub...

Artist’s Block - 51

06 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we talk about sepia in Pastel Pencils, the problems with switching between subjects and how to tackle “artist’s block” and press...

Hollyhocks - 50

29 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Smokey Skies - 49

22 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

We answer more of your questions including how to tackle skies in pastel pencils, especially those that appear "smokey". How does paper tooth affect l...

Shattering Effect - 48

15 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we whizz through more of your questions with Colin. We discuss sharpening pastel pencils, substituting out colours in pictures, formin...

Shiny Black - 47

08 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Tracedown, Colourfix & Mousy Hair - 46

01 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about using ColourFix, sourcing TraceDown and using Pastel Dust like a palette for mixing colours. Colin talks about tackling...

Big Announcments - 45

25 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we have 2 BIG announcements launching 2 new services for anyone interested in Watercolour or Pastel Pencil. Colin also answers your q...

Putty Rubbers - 44

18 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Pastel Lives and Breathes - 43

10 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Cushion Colours - 42

03 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Colin discusses when it is a good idea to put a base colour down to cushion the darker colour on top and to almost think of it as a "p...

Blending Methods - 41

27 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss the difference between blending tools such as a colour shaper, paper blender and even your finger! Colin answers your quest...

HB or 2B? Pencils Explained - 40

19 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss the different types of graphite pencil leads which leads to a very confused Steve! We also answer your questions including ...

Tubes or Pans? - 39

13 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about the difference in using watercolour pans instead of watercolour tubes. We also discuss the difference between "Student"...

All about Watercolour - 38

06 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss all things Watercolour. What size painting should you try? What are watercolour pencils like? How do you use multiple col...

Breaking Copyright - 37

29 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Will copying a reference picture from the web break copyright laws? We discuss this as well as how to draw "ageing" animals and the orientation of Pa...

Art College vs Self Taught - 36

24 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss is it really worth going to art college with so much material available online? Colin answer's your questions about croppi...

Free-hand help - 35

15 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss what can help improve your free-hand drawing. We answer your questions including how big should your pictures be, how to g...

Fantasy Land - 34

09 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we talk Goblins, Bunnies and Squirrels as Colin talks about turning his hand to drawing fantasy. We also answer more of your questions...