Girl with a Pearl Earring - Pastel Pencil Demonstration

🎨 Master the Art of Pastel Pencils with Colin Bradley's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" Masterclass

Introduction

Embrace the journey through the vibrant world of pastel pencils with artist Colin Bradley. Back when I would travel the country, conducting live demonstrations at shows and art groups, the reaction from the audience was electric. The "oohs" and "aahs" were a testament to the transformative power of pastel pencils as they brought art to life right before their eyes. When selecting projects for our students, the key consideration is whether the subject will translate effectively into a lesson and if it's accessible for learners to recreate. This masterclass is different—it's a true showcase of what pastel pencils can achieve, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. My journey with these demonstrations has been surprising, as I've created works that initially weren't intended as lesson models but have inspired many to try their hand at their own renditions. The advanced techniques and stunning outcomes are the real focus here. The outline drawing for this masterpiece is available in the resources section. Although the number of pencils used was extensive and varied throughout the process, I didn't track them precisely. This masterclass is designed to inspire you, not to follow step-by-step—unless you wish to challenge yourself with a complex project. Many of my longstanding students have attempted this interpretation of Johannes Vermeer's classic "Girl with a Pearl Earring," and I hope you too will find it as rewarding and educational as they have.

What to Expect

This course is a unique offering on Udemy, crafted as a live demonstration rather than a hands-on tutorial. As Colin guides you through his artistic process, you'll witness a range of advanced techniques that are invaluable for any artist looking to elevate their pastel pencil skills. The focus here is on learning from observation and absorption. While the course is designed for demonstration purposes, many students have successfully replicated "Girl with a Pearl Earring" after watching these videos. However, the main aim was to showcase Colin's mastery of pastel pencils. We anticipate that you will gain an immense amount of knowledge from this masterclass and we hope it brings you as much joy as it does challenge.

Course Materials:

• Pastel Pencils: While the exact pencils used can't be listed, a substitute for one rare STABILO colour (605) is 603 or 017 from Caran d'Ache.
• Pastel Paper: Any pastel paper of your choice will do. Colin often uses Dark Grey PastelMat, but UART 800 is a great option for those in the US.
• Outline Drawing: A basic outline drawing is provided to help you start your project without having to draw freehand. Trace this onto your pastel paper using a white transfer sheet like white tracedown.

We invite you to preview some of the course content before enrolling. If the beauty and complexity of "Girl with a Pearl Earring" captivate you, we would be thrilled to see your interpretation after watching the masterclass in action! 🌟