The Complete Pastel Artist's Manual

Pastels are one of the most vibrant and immediate painting mediums-but they can also feel confusing, messy, and unpredictable without the right guidance. The Complete Pastel Artist's Manual is a clear, practical, and confidence-building guide designed to help artists truly understand pastels and use them with purpose.

Written by artist and long-time pastel practitioner Fee O'Shea, this manual draws on years of hands-on experience across multiple art mediums, with pastels at its core. Fee's approachable teaching style strips away unnecessary jargon and rigid rules, focusing instead on solid fundamentals, thoughtful techniques, and encouragement to experiment.

Inside, you'll learn how to choose and care for your pastels, select the right papers and surfaces, set up an effective workspace, and work safely and cleanly with pastel dust. The book covers essential techniques such as blending, stippling, scumbling, glazing, and layering, alongside clear explanations of colour theory, value, and composition. Common mistakes are addressed honestly, helping you avoid frustration and overworking your paintings.

Rather than prescribing a single "right way" to work, this manual empowers you to develop your own style, build confidence, and enjoy the process of pastel painting.

This book is perfect for:

• Beginners who want a clear, friendly introduction to pastels
• Artists transitioning to pastels from another medium
• Hobby artists looking to strengthen fundamentals and technique
• Returning artists seeking to refresh their skills and confidence

Whether you're picking up pastels for the first time or rediscovering them after years away, The Complete Pastel Artist's Manual offers practical guidance, encouragement, and clarity-one mark at a time.