Colin Bradley Art Cast

In this episode we talk about Colin's new shadow picture and how it's a different composition to his other work. This leads us onto talking about how he would go about mounting (or matting) the picture as it is a custom size. Colin talks us through how he would have done this when he was a framer and the equipment he used. We also talk about another 4 pan pastel pictures that complete the initial...

In this episode Colin tells us how he got on with using PanPastels for the first time. We talk about the impressionistic style and how he feels it will develop in future. We also discuss sharpening creatcolor pencils and problems you might face taping your paper to your drawing boards.

In this episode we talk about Colin's newest artwork and his plans for PanPastels. We discuss how he totally made up the background and foreground to a hound landscape and how he combined two pictures photos to create a stunning landscape on UART paper. We also answer students questions about UART, tracing on dark paper without tracedown and about a new online course we're working on for artists w...

In this episode Colin talks us through a new Snow Leopard picture - his first one using UART Paper. We talk about the differences the UART paper made and how achieved such amazing contrast and realism whilst still making it "impressionistic". Colin breaks down each section and how he deliberately left the picture at times to avoid over doing it. We also talk about our referral programme that we ha...

In this episode Colin talks about his experiments with the UART paper and how his latest project is going on the sand colour. We talk about the differences between this and PastelMat and which one Colin prefers. We also discuss the free Evelyn Nesbit class that's been added to the website and YouTube and why he found it more challenging compared to the other shadow pictures. Interested in joining...

In this episode we talk about drafting film and compare this with some of the other papers Colin uses. We also discuss UART and what experiments he's planning using this paper. We talk about his latest shadow picture being a slightly different subject and how he got the final effects you see on the paper.

In this episode we answer a few questions from our students which prompts us to offer some advice for those wanting to learn how to draw free-hand. We offer an easy introduction to learning perspective, proportions and drawing accurately. Colin also talks about 2 new 4 pencil shadow pictures he has completed recently - a Portrait and a Dog. Both of which are classes coming to the website in the Ne...

In this episode Colin recalls the first Christmas running his gallery in the early 80s. We talk about the busy periods and what he did to diversify and explore making money in the early days. He offers advice for other artists in the same position and how they can find success too.

In this episode Colin shares his experience of teaching and doing commission work at the beginning of his artists' journey. We discuss how after how many years he would have become more comfortable with commission work and whether he has ever faced artists' block. We also talk about how going down the avenue of becoming a teacher made him a better artist.

In this episode we compare how much dust is produced from soft pastels, chalk pastels and pastel pencils and how this has affected students and people writing into us. If you've had a problem with pastel dust we would be interested to hear your experiences. Colin also talks about a new portrait he has completed and tips for building up the delicate skin tones.

In this episode we take some questions from our students! Colin talks about whether you should repeat classes that you have previously taken and offers his advice on what he would do. We also discuss soft pastels on Fabriano Ingres vs PastelMat and the differences in application. Colin also discusses another new shadow picture he has completed and how his artwork is being challenged by more diffic...

This week we talk about the new Teddy Bear subject we've added to the site and the story behind the bear. We also talk about the shadow picture that Colin was working on last week and reveal how it came out. A new opportunity presents itself to try UART paper in 2 colours for both pastel and coloured pencil work and so we talk about our discussions with UART about trying their paper. Lastly Colin...

In this episode we discuss how the 4 pencil shadow classes really help with learning contrast. When you begin to grasp how to achieve subtlety in shading and contrast it will transfer your work over night. We also talk about the new Van Gogh demonstration coming and how you can begin to learn impressionism early on.

In this episode Colin catches us up on what pictures he's been doing this week. In going back to coloured pencils again, what has he learnt and what challenges has he face? He also talks about the amount of pencils that he has used recently in foliage and specifically how to get such realistic effects. If you are keen on landscapes and foliage, you'll love this one!

In this episode we talk about the ability to put emotion and feeling across within a painting. When you're learning it's really important understand the technique and application, then once that is learnt you can start to put feeling and emotion into each stroke. Sometimes this is intuitive and subconscious, and sometimes it is deliberate. We talk about developing this extra quality to your pictur...

As Colin moves away from his coloured pencil work and back to pastel pencils. We talk about his return to the popular shadow pictures. With more ambitious ideas but still just 4 pencils, how will he cope trying to tackle more difficult subjects? Find out how he's getting on in this episode.

In this episode we finally get to talk about the new site, name and logo. We are now the Colin Bradley School of Art! It's taken us a long time and a lot of work to get to this point and want to thank everyone who helped make it possible. We couldn't have done it without you. Hear a little about the behind the scenes of what went behind the re-brand and new site and what we have planned for the fu...

In this episode Colin talks about how to help with self criticism and gaining inner confidence. We share an email from a student which prompted some really good discussion about doing commissions and battling your own inner self critic. Colin also talks about 2 more coloured pencil pictures and whether you can use watercolour pencils the same way you would use pastel pencils.

In this episode Colin talks about the 2 new coloured pencil pictures he's completed this week and how all the mediums he works with have similar principles and transferrable skills. Colin also discusses the various colours of pastelmat paper and which ones to use for various classes and also whether you can use fabriano ingres for the same pictures.

In this episode Colin talks about different factors to taking a good reference photograph as well as what to look out for when others send you a photo. We talk about how to get the best representation of colour and what to do when you're stuck. We also talk about a few more coloured pencil picture Colin's done in the last week and which Faber pencil to use instead of Cretacolor 229 used in the sha...

In this episode Colin talks about the benefits of the shadow picture series we have been adding over the past few weeks. In a similar way to graphite work, it helps you to understand and see the principles of contrast and subtlety of tone. We discuss a new train shadow picture Colin has completed this week as well as a new coloured pencil landscape using the set of 12 luminance pencils. Hear about...

In this episode we look at the comparisons between watercolour, pastel pencil and coloured pencils. What techniques has Colin transferred from watercolour and pastel into his coloured pencil work? He offers some new tips that he has found with his latest picture and what he's got planned for the future.

In this episode Colin shares some more experience of working with coloured pencils and talks about 2 new pictures he has completed this week. He offers some tips on working with solvent and how to achieve a 3dimensional look using contrast.

In this weeks episode we check in with Colin's progress on his coloured pencil work. We discuss some of the techniques he is learning and also some of the similarities between coloured pencils and pastel pencils including the potential for over blending. Using a solvent can be a lot like a colour shaper and we discuss how to use both of these tools to maximise your results. We also talk about why...

In this episode Colin gives an update on his coloured pencil work, showing his latest 3 pictures of 2 landscapes and 1 butterfly. We discuss how he achieved such incredible effects using the pencils and various challenges he faced. Colin also offers some advice on drawing chrome using pastel pencils. View the pictures over on our blog: https://www.colinbradleyart.com/home/about-us/latest-news/