4 TIPS for Painting Feathers in Soft Pastel - Tutorial
Channel: Monet Cafe' with Artist Susan Jenkins
Date: 2023-01-20

I thoroughly enjoyed creating this mystical scene of a Barn Owl at night. I used a style that was a bit of a departure for me, but it was so fun and satisfying.  I can't wait to see your recreations!!! Have Fun!

NOTE: You DO NOT have to use Pan Pastels to follow along with this lesson. Using regular stick pastels will work fine, but I do suggest softly blending the first few layers for an impressionistic background effect.

Tips and Techniques for Painting Feathers:
1. Layer Dark to Light - Just as I suggest with other subject matter, it's best to lay your darker values down first. Think of painting the feathers that are underneath first and more in shadow. You gradually layer the lighter feathers on top. 
2. Directional Strokes - The feathers will read correctly if you use mark making with directional strokes. Think of caressing the bird as you make a stroke and guide the pastel with gestural mark making.
3. Suggest Rather than Copy - There is no need to feel like you have to paint every feather, but try to capture the general form of the bird and leave some things for the imagination.
4. Keep Focal Interest in the Face - It's best to have the face and eyes as the main focal point. You can achieve this by having more contrast, color and detail in that area. The rest of the body can be a bit vague in places. 

Products Used in This Lesson:
Pastelmat Surface:  https://amzn.to/3Wo32yo
Pan Pastels: (This is the 20 Color Landscape Set) https://amzn.to/3ZRKSYu
Pan Pastel Applicators and Blending Tools: https://amzn.to/3HkY6Gi

Reference Image: 
https://unsplash.com/photos/jgdcK1Bik9k (from Unsplash.com)

Music Credit: Hannah McFarland  / https://www.youtube.com/@UCmwSovvXXXX9X6DMl_MwZYg 

Buy the Original: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1384201054/original-pastel-painting-barn-owl-and?ref=listings_manager_grid

Buy Prints and Products of This Painting: https://fineartamerica.com/featured/realm-of-the-night-prince-susan-jenkins.html

For the Full Lesson become a Patron on my Patreon Page! 
www.Patreon.com/SusanJenkins

▽ My AMAZON Shop / (for Many Products Featured in Videos) 👇  
➞ https://www.amazon.com/shop/monetcafewithartistsusanjenkins
(I earn money from qualifying purchases at no cost to you)

▽ My Patreon Page 👇
➞ https://www.patreon.com/SusanJenkins

▽ My Etsy Shop 👇
➞ https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheArtofSusanJenkins

▽ Visit my Website 👇
➞ https://www.susanjenkinsfineart.com

▽ My Instagram Link 👇
➞  https://www.instagram.com/susanjenkinsartist/

▽ My Facebook Page 👇
➞  https://www.facebook.com/theartofsusanjenkins

▽ Facebook Group 👇"Monet Cafe' Art Group" 
➞ https://www.facebook.com/groups/MonetCafeArtGroup

▽ Monet Cafe' Art Store (with Fun Tee Shirts and More) 👇
➞ https://monet-cafe-art-store.creator-spring.com/

#pastelpainting #pastelpaintingtutorial #painting tutorial
00:00 Introduction
00:39 Products
04:10 My Set Up
06:05 Let the Painting Begin
21:05 Tips for Painting Feathers