News page of the Step by Step Art website

Latest articles

28/2/2023

Our newsletter has dropped and we have three new articles now available.

We like to cover a wide range of mediums and products in each article, so in this newsletter, we explore the Chromaflow coloured pencil range, the latest pencil produced by Derwent. Do we have a UK Prismacolor Premier pencil finally? Our second article covers the creamy oil pastels by Sennelier. Even if you don't work with oil pastels, you may find this article interesting, and you may even decide to try them yourself.
Finally, we have the latest tutorial for soft pastel artists. If you haven't tried soft pastels before, we highly recommend you give this tutorial a go. It's so easy and you don't need any previous experience to make a brilliant piece of art.

Click on any of the images below to visit the article and have a read. Why not grab a coffee, as we do throw lots of information into our articles, so we hope you enjoy them!

Derwents' new coloured pencil range

The Chromaflow pencil was released in June of 2021, initially in the USA and India and then the UK and the rest of the world, the following year. Derwent is a company, that has produced quality products for over a century and a half, so we would expect this new range to meet all the usual standards, but do they?

In this article, we analyse the quality and application of the pencils. Did we find the same quality that we have come to expect from Derwent?

We provide information from our own research, as well as reviews by other artists', found online. See how they compare to other brands, in particular with the highly popular Prismacolor Premier pencil, but with Derwents' other lines too.

Pink flamingo created with Sennelier oil pastels on Clairfontaine Pastelmat

Sennelier collaborated with Picasso to create this lightfast oil pastel range

The Sennelier (pronounced Sen-el-EE-A) oil pastel is creamy, with an extraordinarily high pigment content, providing vivid colour and excellent covering potential and brilliance, with a high degree of light stability. Oil pastels are comprised of pigment in a non-drying binder of oil and wax, which is formed into a compact stick. Like soft (dry) pastels, alternative brands offer diverse combinations of binder, oil and wax, which make them soft or hard. The Sennelier Oil Pastels use the same high quality pigments and high pigment loads as their other lines, combined with a pure, synthetic binding medium and mineral wax.

In this article, we explore the possibilities of this compelling brand and the rich history of the company. We discuss best practices, delve into lightfast properties and provide recommendations on effective accessories. Finally, we share the feedback of other users and our own thoughts on this product. Even if you have never used oil pastels before, this article may inspire you to give them a go.

Poppy fields soft pastel tutorial promo image

New tutorial - Poppy field on black base for soft pastel artists

This is a tutorial created for the soft pastel artist. You may be a complete novice, unsure where to begin on your journey, or an intermediate looking for more knowledge.

Pastels are a quick and easy medium, making them ideal for the absolute beginner. We provide a simple breakdown of how to create an eye catching landscape of these sun-kissed poppies. We show you how to build the foundations and offer practical techniques. By providing images and descriptions, we offer an easy to follow guide for every artist.

You may just wish to pass the time with a box of pastel and a cuppa, simply because you like the composition. Wherever you are in the process, we encourage you to embellish as much as you want, or keep it as simple as we have. Why not give it a go?

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Hare tutorial in the Colored pencil magazine March 2021

3/3/2021

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I was invited once again to create a coloured pencil tutorial for the American Colored pencil magazine workshop series. Past tutorials contributed to this series are the Blueberries (2018) and the Peacock Feather (2019). This year I chose the Hare, a very popular subject among artists. Click the image below, which links to the page where you can purchase a digital (or print) copy of the magazine. If you are in the UK, the digital copy costs less than £2.50 and you can download it in seconds. A great read at a cheap price.

What is included in this issue?

Spotlighting Art-n-Fly - Art-n-fly is an affordable oil-based coloured pencil which is covered in this edition. There is a link to a You Tube video demonstrating these pencils used with Art-n-fly alcohol markers.
Finding the Unique You - Alexandra Zeres showing her artwork framed in flowers, birds and butterflies
Creating Prints of Your Art - Learn how to navigate the options in order to get started printing and providing your followers and fans with gorgeous prints of your artwork.
Hare Tutorial - Workshop series by Karen M Berisford
Pairing with Pitt Pens - Sara Ostlund compares the pros and cons of using the Faber-Castell Pitt artist pens with your coloured pencils. Follow her demo to try it for yourself.
Creating a Beautiful Layout - Learn how to create beautiful layouts by Erin McManness in an excerpt from the book of the month.
Sketchbook - See what's new and in the news
Challenge Met Gallery - Artwork of 18 artists who undertook every monthly art challenge in 2020 and won themselves a free digital subscription.
plus Selfie challenge and December art challenge winners.
Featuring: Ambro Jordi
Ambro brings animals to life when he puts pencil to paper. Learn how he went from pursuing a career in animation to one in fine art. Read how he enjoys sharing his knowledge with others and offering words of encouragement.

FREE Art-n-Fly Oil-Based Colored Pencil inside the USA Print Issues only - While Supplies Last

Price: USA $3.99 UK £2.87* Euro €3.31*
*Price may vary due to exchange rate when you purchase.

Colored pencil magazine front page March 2021

Inside colored pencil magazine's March 2021 edition - art by Ambro Jordi

Download the CPM app

You can also download the Colored pencil magazine app on your Android or Apple device and purchase this edition, although there are no discounts available. The price is $2.99 and £2.99

About the reference image

Hare reference photo for the Colored pencil magazine workshop series March 2021 by Karen M Berisford

My partner John Graham photographed this Hare back in October 2019. It was very inquisitive. Whilst John sat motionless on the ground; the Hare came closer, allowing him to capture this image and the second one below.

This high definition photo can be used as a reference during the construction of your drawing.

Hare photograph taken in Northumberland UK by John Graham

Hare drawing in coloured pencils for step by step art inclusion in March 2021 colored pencil magazine

If you haven't read this magazine before, you may find it a valuable resource as not only does it provide plenty of data on coloured pencils, it occasionally covers other mediums like pastel pencils and marker pens. There is an abundance of articles offering hints and tips, tutorials like this Hare above, regular competitions, a peek into the lives and studios of other artists and even guidance on the art business. They also have Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages too so you can get involved in those competitions wherever you are in the world - I even had a go myself a few years ago!

TRY THE TUTORIAL

Purchase the March 2021 edition

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The new Luminance Portrait set from Caran d'Ache

20/7/2020

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For anyone who uses the Caran d'Ache Luminance pencils, the company has released 24 new colours! You can buy individual pencils or purchase 20 of the colours in a box set called the 'Portrait assortment'

These pencils have been available to 'pre-order' for a while, but online stores, are now receiving stock and getting them sent out to everyone. My set appeared on Saturday morning (18.07.20) and I have to admit to being very excited upon opening the box.

For me, the Luminance pencils are THE best pencils I have used and I really appreciate that Caran d'Ache have extended the colour palette from 76 to 100. I suspect this was a reaction to Derwent releasing their first, fully lightfast pencil range last summer, which had 100 colours. For anyone interested, I have both ranges. The Luminance pencils are my regular 'go to' pencils as they are a little firmer than the Derwent Lightfast, and I am able to create finer details with them, but both ranges offer different colour palettes and having a larger choice is always a bonus.

The two darker tones, Indanthrone Blue and Dark Indigo will make a more natural replacement for the black pencil, but as the majority of my own work includes pets and portraits, having additional browns and pinks added to the palette is excellent. My current favourite colours are Burnt Ochre 10% and Burnt Sienna 10%, which I use on almost every portrait, so the introduction of the Herculanum Red, Violet Pink and Dark Flesh 40% are most welcome!

4 new colours in the caran dache luminance coloured pencils

Above are the four new colours not included in the Portrait set. Personally, I think that Caran Dache should have created the Portrait set and include all 24 colours as they are just as important as all the other colours. I also wish they had included an extra grey for the 'eye colour selection', but as I use the greys more than most other colours, I could never have enough choice!

Have you got yours yet? Do let me know what your favourite, or most used colours are, and which new colours you are most excited about!

You can view our Luminance article by clicking the link below.

Read the Caran d'Ache Luminance pencil review and see what these pencils can achieve

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Update on the Sumatran Tiger coloured pencil art workshop - 14th & 15th August 2020

14/7/2020

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Cancelled Workshop

Unfortunately, I have had to cancel my final art workshop of the year.
The two day, coloured pencil workshop that was booked to run over the weekend of 15th and the 16th of August has now been rolled over to next year.
The Coronavirus has turned many lives and businesses upside down this year, and although we are all trying to get back to normal, it's going to take some time adapting to the new normal. Government regulations offer advice for all businesses and event planners to follow so they can provide a service as safely as possible. For many, this is possible, for others, it isn't. This workshop comes under the latter, and unfortunately there are too many hurdles that I, as the art tutor, am unable to fulfil.

The room where the workshop is held, is simply too small for social distancing. The raison d'etre of my workshops is providing demonstrations and one to one help, any social distancing means the whole point of the workshop is lost. Other guidelines, understandably, cover strict sanitation and it would be almost impossible to follow all the requirements.

As many are still concerned about gathering in groups, the interest in this workshop has been low, meaning people are simply not booking and the workshop is not viable.

I have decided to roll all my 2020 art workshops over to 2021 whilst adding in a Coronavirus caveat which may affect a workshop depending on the situation at that time. Anyone who wanted to attend the workshops this year, can still attend next year if they are able. You can click on any of the images below to find out more information on each workshop. I will open up bookings in the new year.

KINGFISHER MAY 2021 COLOURED PENCILS

AUDREY HEPBURN MAY 2021 - GRAPHITE PENCILS

SUMATRAN TIGER - AUGUST 2021 - 2 DAY COLOURED PENCILS

I want to send out a big thank you to everyone who booked one of my art workshops this year. For those who have attended previous events, I have missed seeing you again and for those who booked for the first time, I will look forward to meeting you in the future.

Stay safe everyone,

Karen Berisford,
Artist & art tutor of Step by Step Art

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2020 1 & 2 Day Art Workshops plus latest articles & mini tutorials

3/1/2020

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2020 Art Workshops

Workshop booklets from Karen M Berisford's 1 and 2 day Coloured pencil and Graphite pencil Art Workshops in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK

I am currently in the process of organising this years art workshops and will be included in the winter newsletter which will be Emailed out to subscribers hopefully by the end of this month. All details will be posted on the step by step art CHESTERFIELD WORKSHOP page once available and added to social media pages for this site & my KMB social media pages too, ensuring a larger audience reach.

Every year I choose 3 or 4 subjects for the Coloured pencil & Graphite pencil workshops which include varying techniques and surfaces to previous years, ensuring each workshop is different to another. Coloured pencil workshops using textured paper are somewhat easier for a complete beginner than the workshops working on smooth paper, however every workshop available can be attended by any artist regardless of their calibre, even if they have NEVER drawn anything since their time at school!

To find out more about our workshops, click any one of the following links to visit the page of interest:

about our workshops

coloured pencil workshops

graphite pencil workshops

Reviews & Tutorials

Here are the latest articles and mini tutorials that can be found on the Step by step art website. Included are a selection of independent reviews on multiple mediums and art products as well as the very latest tutorials - click on any of the images below to visit the page of interest. You can also find lots more reviews on art products on our 'ARTICLES' page with new ones added every 3 - 4 months.

Latest product reviews

The newest member of the Derwent Coloured pencil range - The Lightfast range

Stabilo CarbOthello pastel pencils article

Trialling the Zest-it 'pencil blend'

About the Pastelbord by Ampersand

Derwent released their first 100% lightfast Coloured pencil range this year and I decided to try them out on both smooth and textured surfaces, see how I got on.

The CarbOthello pastel pencils offer 60 vibrant colours and would make a great addition to the colour palette of any Pastellist. Find out more about this range.

In this article, I mixed pencil blend and Derwent Lightfast pencils on both the Pastelbord surface and the Strathmore bristol plate surface, check out the review.

This canvas is an ideal surface for many different mediums, not just pastels and in this article I show what is achievable using Acrylics & Coloured pencils.

New Mini Tutorials

Waves drawn in Derwent Lightfast coloured pencils - mini tutorial

Waves in Coloured pencils mini tutorial

Caran d'Ache Luminance pencils and a blueberry drawn in coloured pencils

Blueberries in Coloured pencils mini tutorial

Dogs eye drawn in graphite pencils mini tutorial

Dogs' eye in Graphite pencils mini tutorial

Requested by a 'SBS Art' subscriber, this tutorial shows you how to create depth and movement in water using Coloured pencils. For all art abilities.

Originally published in the USA Colored pencil magazine in 2018, this tutorial explains the process of how to create Blueberries in Coloured pencil. For all art levels.

An in depth guide explaining how to create a dogs eye using Graphite pencils and other accessories that will help you achieve a highly detailed, 3D drawing.

You can always request a specific article or mini tutorial and if I am able to provide that information, it could be included in a future article. Please get in touch with your idea at: [email protected]

Finally, you can always SUBSCRIBE to our quarterly newsletter, ensuring you receive the very latest articles, delivered straight to your E-mail.

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The latest Step by Step Tutorial by Karen M Berisford

1/11/2018

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Blueberries Tutorial in the Colored Pencil Magazine - November issue.

I was approached by Sally Robertson, Editor in Chief, at the Colored Pencil magazine asking if I wished to contribute a tutorial as part of their new 'Workshop series' and I agreed.
For the reference image I choose a simplistic subject of some blueberries so that any pencil artist could give it a go, and working with my Caran Dache Luminance pencil brand I created a comprehensive, step by step guide showing where to start and how effective layering is before adding then adding the finer detail.

The magazine can now be purchased via digital download or in print - a copy of the front cover can be seen above with a list of articles that can be found inside. There is also a special article with the artist Paul Hinks (UK Artist) who works solely in pastel pencils (front cover artwork) so not always fully limited to coloured pencil articles.

PURCHASE YOUR COPY - CLICK HERE

The November magazine is now out with my tutorial inside and for anyone wishing to purchase the magazine, you can purchase in either digital format to download immediately or order the print copy - you can also order both together too.

*Prices outside of the USA may vary due to the exchange rate on the day of purchase

Digital	Print	Digital & Print
£3.13*	£6.29*	£14.74* (Inc P & P)
$3.99	$7.99	From $12.48 (Inc P & P)
€3.52*	€7.05*	From €16.69* (Inc P & P)

Click this link to try out this tutorial - now available on this website

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Coloured Pencil Art Workshops - August 2018 - Chesterfield

2/6/2018

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BLACK LABRADOR
Saturday - August 11th - 10am - 3:30pm

Black fur can be a real challenge to create in art and it can be frustrating working out where to start and how to layer effectively to get the right finish. In this workshop I will show you how to create the black fur on a Labrador dog using coloured pencils and how to correctly layer with them to create realistic fur. Although all spaces are fully booked for this workshop, you can add your name to our reserves list in case of a cancellation, just Email me if so. View our T's & C's for more details.

Now fully booked

WILD RABBIT
Sunday - August 12th - 11am - 4:30pm

This wild rabbit subject was originally booked as an acrylic workshop, but I decided to change the medium to coloured pencils for two reasons, my coloured pencil workshops are fast becoming popular and only having ten spaces to a workshop, they get booked up quickly and so I decided to change the medium to allow more people a chance to attend a pencil workshop, the second reason is that the BLENDERS AND BURNISHERS page on this website is one of the most read articles and this subject lends itself well to teaching how to use blenders to create smooth transitions perfect for tonal backgrounds and foregrounds. The subject will be created on green tonal paper which will aid highlights and show how important coloured paper can be in art. The perfect subject for those new to coloured pencils but ideal for those looking to take their pencil work a stage further. Blenders will be available for trial or purchase on the day or bring your own.

About these Workshops

All of these workshops are accompanied by demonstrations so you can see how each section is built up so you can go back to your workstation and repeat the procedure on your own drawing, you are also presented with a workshop booklet that you can keep and use it to help you progress both during the workshop and at home if you are unable to finish your portrait on the day. You also receive a print photo of the subject (or work from your iPad) and a photocopy outline for Tracedown use.

There are only 10 spaces available at our workshops although some places have already been booked, as I keep them relatively small which allows me to offer 1 to 1 help in between each demonstration to those that request it. The venue is a small community centre in a very quiet part of Newbold in Chesterfield with ample parking for attendees. You can purchase many of the products that I use during the demonstrations if you choose to and continue to use them for your own projects or a future Step by Step Art workshop.

You can either use your own products from home or loan/purchase an art kit from myself (book in advance)

THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN COMPLETED

If you have any questions before you book a place, feel free to get in touch at any time at:
[email protected]

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New Look Website & 2017 1 Day Workshop Dates

29/1/2017

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I realise it has been many months since I wrote a post here on the Step by Step Art website and for that I apologise. There has been much happening since April 2016 but overlooked the power of the news blog. Hopefully I am able to change that in 2017 with new workshops and articles coming this year. As technology improves at a rate I certainly cannot keep up with, websites also have to keep up with the times and this is the reason for the 'new look'. I hope it is more visually appealing (we artists love colour!) whilst still offering lots of help and advice to artists here in the UK and around the world.

I am currently in the process of adding six new articles, including a mini step by step coloured pencil tutorial (other mediums will be available in future tutorials too). I also have a date for the first two workshops in May which will be run as a two day weekend workshop that can be booked together or individually depending on your preferences. The Saturday will be the coloured pencil workshop of a Snow Leopard eye on black Colourfix, which I ran in August 2013, and was quickly booked up. On the Sunday will be a graphite pencil workshop of a Ring-tailed Lemur, so if you are interested in learning how to work with pencils to create detailed art, these workshops may be for you. You don't need any previous experience with pencils or with art to join in, but I can guarantee that if you are a complete beginner you will be very surprised with what you have achieved by the end of the day.

We have a mini version of this tutorial on our website - click to try it at home

Everyone gets their own workstation so you have ample room to spread out. The price of each workshop includes the paper, outline print out, booklet/sheets, and if you are bringing your own products to the coloured pencil workshop, you will be supplied a colour chart for the day or you can loan a kit. The pencil colours are individually coded to match the workshop notes, making it easy to select your pencils. The graphite pencil workshop also includes the paper, outline and workshop booklet. You can also loan a kit or purchase a home kit.

Students at there Workstations for an Acrylic Art Workshop in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK

Products supplied for a UK Coloured pencil Workshop with Karen M Berisford

THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN COMPLETED

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Book your place at the coloured pencil 1 day workshop

19/4/2016

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For anyone wishing to attend one of Karen's Workshops, bookings are now being taken for a 1 Day Coloured pencil Workshop that will be run in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. If you wish to find out more, please click the image below to visit the webpage or get in touch via the MAIL US page. You can also fill in your details to secure your place via the booking form found on the CHESTERFIELD WORKSHOPS page.

Advert for the Red Squirrel 1 Day coloured pencil art workshop in chesterfield, derbyshire tutored by Karen M Berisford

WORKSHOP COMPLETED
View any current Workshops available HERE

Learn how to layer with coloured pencils to create realism in your pencil work and how best to apply colours and application to create a smooth, tonal background. Karen has been working with coloured pencils for over 30 years and during each of her workshops, always offers demonstrations, 1 to 1 help and provides a take home work sheet for every attendee to ensure everyone regardless of artistic talent, is able to follow the process with confidence.

Feel free to click the Facebook 'Like' button, 'tweet' on Twitter or post a comment below!

Hope to see you there!

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Latest articles

Derwents' new coloured pencil range

Sennelier collaborated with Picasso to create this lightfast oil pastel range

New tutorial - Poppy field on black base for soft pastel artists

Hare tutorial in the Colored pencil magazine March 2021

Download the CPM app

About the reference image

The new Luminance Portrait set from Caran d'Ache

Update on the Sumatran Tiger coloured pencil art workshop - 14th & 15th August 2020

Cancelled Workshop

2020 1 & 2 Day Art Workshops plus latest articles & mini tutorials

2020 Art Workshops

Reviews & Tutorials

Latest product reviews

New Mini Tutorials

The latest Step by Step Tutorial by Karen M Berisford

Blueberries Tutorial in the Colored Pencil Magazine - November issue.

Coloured Pencil Art Workshops - August 2018 - Chesterfield

BLACK LABRADOR
Saturday - August 11th - 10am - 3:30pm

WILD RABBIT
Sunday - August 12th - 11am - 4:30pm

About these Workshops

New Look Website & 2017 1 Day Workshop Dates

Book your place at the coloured pencil 1 day workshop

WORKSHOP COMPLETED
View any current Workshops available HERE

Author

Archives

Categories

QUICK LINKS

HOW TO SUPPORT US

Derwents' new coloured pencil range

Sennelier collaborated with Picasso to create this lightfast oil pastel range

New tutorial - Poppy field on black base for soft pastel artists

Download the CPM app

About the reference image

Cancelled Workshop

2020 Art Workshops

Reviews & Tutorials

Latest product reviews

New Mini Tutorials

BLACK LABRADOR​Saturday - August 11th - 10am - 3:30pm

WILD RABBIT​Sunday - August 12th - 11am - 4:30pm

About these Workshops

WORKSHOP COMPLETEDView any current Workshops available HERE

Author

Archives

Categories

QUICK LINKS

HOW TO SUPPORT US

BLACK LABRADOR
Saturday - August 11th - 10am - 3:30pm

WILD RABBIT
Sunday - August 12th - 11am - 4:30pm

WORKSHOP COMPLETED
View any current Workshops available HERE