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.

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.

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:
karenmberisfordart@gmail.com

The latest articles are now available to view and you can access them by clicking on any of the images below. 

Why not join up to our newsletter to receive the latest article news straight to your mail box. Here are three previous newsletter subjects which covers coloured pencils, graphite pencils, acrylics, step by step tutorials, art product recommendations as well as the latest news on my 1 day workshops available to book for those able to come along.

Feel free to share this post or leave us a comment, maybe request an article?
​Thanks for looking!

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.

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.

THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN COMPLETED

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.

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!

I have recently completed a new article about coloured pencil blenders & burnishers and how best to use them. As I actively encourage people to get in touch if they would like to see a specific article or tutorial, this is one of them, which I thought would be a great subject to review. With thanks for the article request!

Although I own 3 different blenders and a burnisher myself, I forgot I had them and it gave me a great opportunity to try them all out and compare them, sharing with everyone my thoughts and findings.

If you are looking to find out what blenders & burnishers can offer you as a coloured pencil artist, or are new to blenders/burnishers and would like to know what they can achieve and how best to use them, why not take a look at this article - I was surprised to learn you can actually use them with graphite pencils too, although have not tried it myself.

If you would like to request an article, please get in touch - it's always great to hear feedback too if you wish to share your own experience on using any of these products so feel free to comment below. If you know someone who may find this article interesting, feel free to 'like' on Facebook or 'tweet' on your Twitter page!

I hope you find this article very helpful!
​Karen :)

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Are you thinking of giving Coloured pencils a go, but not sure which pencils to start out with? Take a look at this article which offers a recommendation of a great set of pencils without breaking the bank, whilst offering lots of benefits that professional pencils have (and even some that certain pro pencils don't!) If you have £7* spare, these popular non branded pencils are the ones you should try before splashing out on an expensive, professional brand just in case you decide Coloured pencils is not the medium for you after all.  This article offers advantages & disadvantages and also shows you what these pencils are capable of. It seems they are used extensively for those taking their GCSE's as well as Art Tutors (including myself) using them in Art Workshops.  

Click on the image, to visit the article page.

Feel free to 'like' , share or leave a comment, especially if you have used these pencils before or found the article to be of help to you.
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Please Note: These are only sold in the UK
*They may also be available to purchase at a lower price due to sale offers in-store or online.

Feel free to 'like', 'share' or leave a comment should you wish.
​I hope this article is very helpful to newbies to graphite pencils.

This article combines a chance for readers to win a set of 72 Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor pencils too! 

If you are an Artist and are wondering who the SAA are and what they do and offer, click the logo above left to be directed to their website. This is a small list of what the SAA offer members (Membership starts from £29.50(a year) - as of March 2016)

• Large online Art store with free delivery for members as well as special offers and loyalty points (Non members can also shop too but without added benefits)
• Video tutorials by numerous pro Artists recorded in the Newark HQ studio.
• SAA Open days at Newark HQ (in Notts) with access to the Art shop
• Quarterly PAINT magazine for all members covering a wide selection of varied Articles on different mediums
• Large online Art Forums
• Regular competitions (including Artist of the Year)
• A huge searchable database for those looking for Art Tutors & Workshops 
• Access pages of Original Art for Sale
• Free Reference photographs (free from copyright)

Thinking of buying the Caran Dache Luminance pencils and wonder if they are going to be suitable for you? Take a look at my latest article on these pencils to find out more about them before you decide to splash out.