Welcome to the Step by Step Art website

Within the pages of this website, you will find articles covering a variety of art products. We cover coloured pencils, acrylic paints, graphite pencils, soft pastels and others. We also offer a selection of art tutorials for all artists, from absolute beginner and beyond. We run coloured and graphite pencil art workshops in the UK, 2 - 3 times a year.

You can find all this information here, managed by artist and art tutor, Karen M Berisford. We update our articles to keep up with the latest information and products. You can also check out our latest blog posts to see what is new.

​We add new articles every three months, which we include in our latest newsletter. If you would like to join the mailing list, click the link below to join for free!

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Articles & Reviews

This page offers a link to every available article on this website. There is a selection of product reviews, art tutorials, personal recommendations, hints and tips. 

Mini Tutorials

Why not try one of our mini tutorials. We provide written and visual guides to  create an easy to follow experience. You can find a colour chart and reference image provided on each page.

Join our social community

Why not join our ko-fi page where we provide information covering art products, tips and tricks, art by Karen, images and videos plus updates on new ideas. What is ko-fi? You can also find us on Instagram. 

Our blog

Keep up with what's new on this website via the 'News blog'. All the latest articles, workshops and general art related news will be posted here.

Art Workshops

Our art workshops run two weekends a year. Information on current workshops can be found by clicking the image above. Every event has an individual page where you can find out more and book your place. 
We hope to resume our workshops in 2022 once all Covid restrictions are removed.

About the SBS Founder

If you would like to find out more about Step by Step Art and the artist behind it, click the image above. View our future plans for this site too. See Karen's art on her website at:  ​www.karenmberisford.com

Latest articles
Newsletter February 2021

Below are our latest articles. They include a mixture of product reviews, recommendations, hints, tips and art tutorials. Click on any of the images below to visit the article of interest. You can find all our articles here. There are between four and six articles, including mini tutorials, released every four months. These are all included in our newsletter including art workshops that are currently available. We update our articles from time to time, so check back regularly. If you wish to navigate the website quickly, view our site map and should you wish to request a specific article, please get in touch.
You can always subscribe to our newsletter to ensure you get information and the latest articles delivered straight to your E-mail.​

STARTING OUT WITH COLOURED PENCILS

JACKSON'S ART GESSO PANELS - Blog post

GRAPHITE TUTORIAL - FACIAL FEATURES

We have recently updated our article and now list the seven most important items you need to get started with this medium. A comprehensive guide includes information on brands, hints and tips, colour charts and help with choosing your first pencil brand.

In this blog we review Jackson's Art Gesso panel. A pre-prepared fine tooth surface suitable for all painting styles including oils and acrylics. It features a professional acid-free gesso ground in grey or umber. We also compare it against the popular Ampersand Gessoboard.

Drawing a human face can be fascinating but if you are looking for realism, the features need to be precise. Proportionality is important. This tutorial is aimed at the novice, looking for a concise way of drawing eyes, nose and mouths.

2021 Art Workshops

Due to the ongoing restrictions in the UK around Covid-19, we have put all our workshops on hold this year. 
Organising these workshops require weeks of preparation, and as the restrictions are still subject to change, it is far better to delay them until the new year when hopefully, we will have some semblance of normality back in our lives.
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For those holding gift vouchers, we have extended the expiry date from 2022 to the end of 2023.

Find out more about our art workshops

Articles from Autumn 2020 newsletter

FABER CASTELL POLYCHROMOS

DERWENT PASTEL PENCILS

STARTING OUT WITH ACRYLICS

SOFT PASTEL TUTORIAL

The Polychromos pencils by Faber-Castell are one of the most popular ranges out there. They have 120 highly lightfast colours and made from high quality materials. Read more...

If you need some advice on where to begin with acrylics, here are the 8 most important things you will need to begin and a few more that may be helpful too. UPDATED

Derwent Pastel pencils have a unique highly pigmented fine chalk texture and are easy to blend. Find out more about these pencils.

Learn how to layer and create water droplets using soft pastels This tutorial depicts a Violet flower on Colourfix paper. 

LOXLEY FIXATIVE - Blog

ART SPECTRUM COLOURFIX SMOOTH - Blog

DERWENT INKTENSE - Updated

THE COMMISSION BASED ART BUSINESS - Updated

Read our blog for some hints and tips on when to use a fixative, how to apply and why you should never use hairspray as a cheap alternative.

For anyone who is a fan of the Colourfix paper, did you know that Art Spectrum, also has a smooth version too? Find out more...

Wondering what the Derwent Inktense pencils are all about? This review offers personal thoughts on these pencils and lightfast information.

Are you thinking of stepping out into the commission business and want some pointers and advice and tips on how to price your art? This article may help.

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