Latest articles and 2023 art workshops

Our newsletter has dropped and we have three new articles now available, plus details regarding our 2023 art workshops.
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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 2023 art workshops now available to book, but for those who can't make one of our workshops, 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. 

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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.

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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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2023 Art workshops

​Our workshops are aimed at those looking to learn how to create detailed portraits using coloured & graphite pencils. You do not need any previous experience, as our programme ensures you get all the advice you need to create your own masterpiece and we ensure you receive help and advice throughout the day.

​​At every workshop, we provide individual demonstrations and offer one to one help if you need additional help. You will also receive a booklet that you can consult if you need to refresh your memory of the last demo, as it covers all the techniques explained in each demonstration. We keep the groups small so that we can connect with everyone and make the day as enjoyable as possible.

Why not come and join us!

BARN OWL
THIS WORKSHOP HAS NOW COMMENCED

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BLACK RHINO
THIS WORKSHOP HAS NOW COMMENCED

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SUMATRAN TIGER
​​Saturday 12th & Sunday the 13th of August
Coloured pencils 2-day workshop
​Time: 11:30am - 4:00pm
From £110.00*
*Art kits extra
​LOAN KITS   £5.00 EXTRA  
HOME KITS   £15.00 EXTRA

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Where is the workshop venue?

​Our workshops are run in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The county borders the Peak District, which many will be aware of, maybe even visited in the past. If you have heard of the 'wonky spire', (officially known as the Church of St. Mary and All Saints), this is the town.

PARISH CENTRE STONEGRAVELS
91 SHEFFIELD ROAD
CHESTERFIELD
DERBYSHIRE
S41 7JH