Monday, July 28, 2014

PanPastel Hop

What a thrill to be playing with PanPastels! LOVE these products, I've been using them for years and I simply never tire of their intense pigment. I use the pastels in encaustic work, on my journal pages and here, when trying to 'save' an ugly background.
Now, after me posting a couple of my 'mishaps',  you might be wondering why I have so many ugly backgrounds hanging around?
Good question. Sometimes I am convinced that every piece of art must go through an ugly stage. Or maybe that's just me. Plus, I experiment a lot and am often messing around with products in ways they were not intended to be used, mainly because I don't have an art degree so I honestly don't know what you are supposed to do with some products. Ahem.....Needless to say, I sometimes end up with yuck.  Here is a picture of the 'before' with just two stenciled portions.
This was one such piece. I can't even remember what I was doing, but it got super dark on the corners. And it was F-L-A-T.
Ugh.
So I decided to add my texture via Golden's Acrylic Ground for Pastels. Now keep in mind, this Ground is not really a texture product, it is more like a super toothy gesso that is used to prep a surface for working in pastel. Yeah, I even mis-use products that I have been trained to use.
But, I liked the idea of creating stenciled parts to use with the Pan Pastel and the Ground held up well.
I found that, by using the Acrylic Ground for Pastel, I could pretty much 'dry brush' (or 'dry sponge') the pigment over the Ground and somewhat retain my background color. Of course I got going a little more wild and wooly and ended up creating several layers of Ground. All the color shown here (except for the little bits behind the bird heads and daisy) were achieved with PanPastel.
Can you say YUM!
Here are my tips for working with PanPastels:
  1. Use the Sofft Tools, the texture of these amazing sponges is simply perfect.
  2. Keep a clean paper towel at your side while you work. Before you change color, wipe the sponge on the paper towel until you no longer see any pigment color coming off. This will ensure that you don't contaminate the next color you use.
  3. Use less color than you think you need. One swipe provides more pigment than you can ever imagine. 
  4. Don't be afraid to experiment. I have created many cool effect with PanPastel and blending them out with gesso or other mediums. Remember, they are pigment!!
  5. Check out the PanPastel website, specifically THIS PAGE, which I have found to be extremely helpful.  
GIVEAWAY
We know after you see all the techniques we show you this week you are going to want to play too! Enter the GIVEAWAY to be eligible to win the prize below. Just leave a comment and tell us if you use PanPastels with stencils and your favorite technique. You can also leave comments on all of the individual posts this week on all the blogs from our team members for another chance to win! All comments within the 4 day period are eligible.

GIVEAWAY closes Sunday, August 3rd @ 11:59PM Central Time.
One comment per post please.

PRIZE
Monday

100 comments:

  1. Wow...very nice! The Pan Pastels are so vibrant, and I love all the texture. Beautiful work!

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  2. Wow, love your creation! I love to play with pan pastels. I never used the pastel ground but do have some. I will use it now. I've don a couple of things with my pastels including the mixed media video project. I've recently been using them to fill in stencil tracings and using golden glazing medium to paint the colors and blend them.

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  3. Love how you changed the first painting with the pan pastel. I have used stencils with the pan pastel and this year I have used it with wax to color background on portraits painted on wood with joint compound for an amazing affect.

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  4. Anonymous4:48 AM

    I have one green pan pastel and it's fun to use with stencils...also like to use it to add colour to the edge of pages

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  5. I have some Pan Pastels and am going to get some acrylic ground today and try this technique. It looks wonderful. Thanks for sharing it.

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  6. I have used my Pan Pastels with stencils just by rubbing the Pan Pastel over the stencil. Very quick and a great change from using sprays with the stencils.

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  7. Mary Beth, this is AMAZING!
    If I didn't see the transformation, I wouldn't believe that this gorgeous, bright piece resulted from the first dark background! So inspiring! I need to try some of that Acrylic Ground for Pastels!! :)

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  8. Actually I never tried using stencils with my Pan Pastels but I'm going to try it now. Thanks for sharing.

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  9. Keep on misusing them because it looks fabulous! Your tips are super handy too!

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  10. This was very informative, Mary Beth -- thanks! It's amazing, the transformation you did on the original artwork -- with beautiful results!

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  11. I love these. Happy to see how they work.

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  12. I've not had a chance to try pan pastels yet, but been dreaming of having them recently! thank you for the lesson and the giveaway! :)

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  13. I love my pan pastels! I mostly use them at the end of my mixed media projects to enhance colors around areas that have modeling paste. They also add beautiful shading around the finished edges of a piece.

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  14. Anonymous8:46 AM

    I think my post went into space. Sorry if this is a duplicate.
    You did a great job in replacing your "dark" spaces. Thanks for the tips on using the sponges.
    I have the pastels but haven't done anything with them (got them out once and wasn't sure what to do) so this week will be a big benefit for me.

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  15. I do not have any PanPastels so I have not tried them through stencils or otherwise. But just seeing the transformation on your dark painting to the bright cheerful piece makes me want to do the same on some of my ugly/unused pieces. Even if I don't win the prize package, I'll be sure to give PanPastels a try with my SG stencils!

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  16. I have not had the opportunity to use Pan Pastels, but I would love to have some! What a beautiful transformation on your "ugly" art!

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  17. I have not used pan pastels. Silly me! Off I go to the art supply store.

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  18. Thanks for the great tips and love your art piece!

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  19. Very neat background, love the detail and texture!!

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  20. I just started following your blog and I am just learning to use the pan pastels, I love the details here on how to fix a bad background which I have plently

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  21. Very cool...I really love all your artwork, beautiful. Hopefully I'll get it down, soon

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  22. Pan Pastels are one of my favorites to use.. what a great way to add texture, and to make a just ok piece to something fabulous!! Love your work!!

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  23. I love Pan Pastels....and love the ideas for using them with my Stencil Girl stencils!

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  24. This is gorgeous! Love all the texture and color... and I love new ideas on using the grounds for pastels, and using the PanPastels like pigment!

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  25. I have used my Pan Pastels with stencils before and really liked it. The use of ground takes this to another level. Can't wait to try it out. Many thanks!

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  26. Amazing page and I totally agree on my art going to an ugly stage at some point in the process. Experimenting is the only way sometimes!

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  27. I have pan pastels but never thought to use them with stencils, I will have to give it a try!

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  28. Beautiful as always, Mary Beth! I haven't tried the pastels with stencils yet, but I'd love to!

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  29. I haven't used Pan Pastels-I know, shocker! Love what I am seeing here and so anxious to give them a try-especially with Stencil Girl stencils!

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    1. If my reply prints I couldn't finish and will on FB. If the reply doesn't print such is life.

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  30. I absolutely love this spread! I had no idea there was a special medium for pastels! I see I'm going to learn alot this week! Thank you for sharing.

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  31. I am excited to try the Pan Pastels with the stencils. I have not used it yet.

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  32. How could I NOT love this! Red, birds and YOU made it :)

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  33. Pan Pastels & Stencils & Texture...OH MY! Have not tried pan pastels yet. Want to now! Thanks for the ugly before and the beautiful example of your art becoming metamorphosed via the pan petals.

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  34. Wow! You really saved those birds, Mary Beth! And SO SO beautifully! I really need to try these pan pastels - thank you for the chance to WIN them!

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  35. I have not used pan pastels before but what you have done is wonderful thank you for sharing I am not sure what ground is so i am going to go away and investigate thanks for the chance of winning

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  36. I do not have any pan pastels yet but have been drooling over them with envy for some time now. I'm afraid this week may push me over the edge! Wait...maybe my name will be drawn...that would be so awesome!

    I would love to use pan pastels with stencils in my journal and I know that once I started playing with them I would come up with so many more beautiful uses. Thank you for doing this blog hop and showing so many different ideas!

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  37. Absolutely love the birds! Thanks so much for the opportunity to win the pastels!

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  38. Just goes to show...there are no bad paintings, only unfinished ones. I've never used pan pastels. Do they have to be 'fixed', or does the work have to be framed under glass?

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  39. I've heard pan pastels are yummy to work with - and would love to have the chance. Would love to win, and also love your work!

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  40. This is so encouraging to see a 'bad' background transformed. Thanks for the great giveaway

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  41. Beautiful "save" that resulted in a gorgeous page!! Thanks for sharing your great idea about using the Ground for Pastels to stencil with then add the pan pastel over it!

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  42. Enjoy your artwork!! They are always "fun". What a cool give away. Wow

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  43. I too have a whole pile of ugly backgrounds waiting for resuscitation! I called it my tribe of lonely backgrounds! LOL! I love what you did here ~ looks fabulous ~ as does all your work! :)

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  44. LOVE the birds on this...Pan Pastels look cool to play with and my SG stencils!

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  45. What an amazing transformation! I love, love, love the texture. Those Pan Pastels are AWESOME! :-)

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  46. I haven't tried PanPastels yet, but have them on my wish list. I will be retiring in a few weeks and plan to dive headlong back into my art. Can't wait to get started!

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  47. I bought a couple, but did not know what to do with them. I can't wait to get them out and try this.

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  48. Beautiful! I have never used pan pastels, and don't own any, sadly!

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  49. Wow. I'm amazed at how you transformed that piece!

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  50. I am so glad you are using pan pastels. I have them but have never tried them with the thousands of stencils that I have.LOL This will be so much fun following everyone for some great art and techniques to learn. Thank you! MB I just love love love your project. I have bookmarked the link you provided to learn more about these great " pigments"!

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  51. This Hop is wonderful! Love learning more about Pan pastels. Now I want them even more!!

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  52. These techniques and products are opening up a whole new world for me.

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  53. I haven't used Pan Pastels as of yet, but am growing my collection of tools and techniques. The colors are so amazing. Stencils and intense colors make a great base for art journaling!

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  54. I haven't use Pan Pastels yet...I keep seeing wonderful art done with them. I think its time I check them out. Thanks for the give away.

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  55. I'm glad other people create "yuck" too :) I like the idea of creating something awesome from the yuck! Thanks.

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  56. Wow, just LOVE Pan Pastels and I must confess I use them in much the same way as I am often irreverent of various mediums and use them fearlessly in many unorthodox ways :-)

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  57. i have never used pan pastels before, but would love to try them!! tfs :) fingers crossed!

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  58. I haven't used them yet, but after reading these blogs and tutorials I will be ;-)

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  59. I haven't tried pan pastels yet, but have seen several demos that make them look really intriguing. Looking forward to trying them soon.

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  60. Would love to win to try them with stencils!!

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  61. Love how your canvas turned out Mary. I am always so scared to play with my crafty stash when I don't know how it works. Thanks for doing the experimentation for us. Theresa x

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  62. i love pan pastels and use them inmy encaustic work, with and without stencils. Would love to win!

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  63. I love pan pastels, but I've never used them with stencils, I'll have to give it a try. Thanks so much for the great giveaway!!

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  64. I love PanPastels and I love using them with stencils :)

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  65. I have never used PanPastels, but I do have a bunch of Oil Pastels. My mother in law uses PanPastels in her scrapbooking and cardmaking and I would love to try them out with my artmaking!

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  66. Wonderful blog content Mary!!!! I have a few Pan Pastels and have never blended out with other mediums....hmmmm sounds very very interesting !!! lol Thank you for all you do!!!

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  67. Pan Pastels is something I would not of thought to use with my stencils. Now I must give it a try.

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  68. I have never used pan pasters but after seeing this would love to try.

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  69. I've always been afraid to try pan pastels! Now I can't wait! thanks so much for the opportunity to win!

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  70. I love this! I so want to try pan pastels!

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  71. What fun!!
    I've never used Pan Pastels !!

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  72. Love it! Going to get some Ground for Pastels today. Thanks

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  73. I have never used pan pastels but would like to try them.

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  74. I love this! I'd like to try pan pastels! Thanks for shrinng and the Blog HOp was very interesting.

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  75. Beautiful, I love the birds and all the dimension.

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  76. Love it! One of the best things about those projects that aren't working as you hoped is that I take more chances with them when I push them forward. Sometimes they end up being the ones I like best! Thanks for sharing!

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  77. MaryBeth, Your colors of Pan Pastels you chose are so warm and soothing- beautiful
    canvas! Thank you for sharing ")

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  78. What a totally different result! I loved that you transformed that darker canvas into something with so much depth. I love your layers! Great results!

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  79. I need to start playing with them some more, I love what everyone has done.

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  80. I have to try PanPastels

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  81. If that was a mistake, you need to make more of them, Mary Beth!

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  82. I'd say you turned that piece from an ugly duckling into a gorgeous swan. Beautiful.

    I apologize, but my e-mail sends out spam, so in the event I win, please notify me on my blog only, please.

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  83. Great project Mary, so much texture, and pan pastels are my favorite!

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  84. I'm hoping to try pan pastels someday. Do the sponges work well with paints too? And do they crumble if used in a circular motion. I've been looking for some great sponges to use with my stencils. Maybe I've just found them!

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  85. I need to win the giveaway to be able to try pan pastels. The look so fun.

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  86. Am in love with what this hop is teaching me. I need Pan Pastels now!!!! Love the texture and dimension!

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  87. I honestly thought pan pastels were just one more "fad" in the land of multimedia. Boy, was I wrong. This hop is showing me all the great qualities and inspiration that I needed to put Pan Pastels at the top of my wish list. Thanks for all the info.

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  88. Great ideas Mary Beth I guess I have stayed away from pan pastels from just the fear factor of using them! I never even thought to use them with stencils!

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  89. I don't have any pan pastels but would love to try them. Thanks for the chance.

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  90. This is gorgeous! I love the soft smooth look of it!

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  91. Got my new pan pastels today!" Can't wait! Roseheartnsoul (at) aol (dot com)

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  92. I love love love what happened to your piece after your so called ugly stage. It is fabulous! I do use stencils with pan pastel.

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  94. I don't have any pan pastels...yet, but they look like a great thing to use with your awesome stencils!

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  95. I love seeing art being rescued. I often g over things months or years after I first create them.

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  96. So cool to see the transformation! Wonderful color palette. Your tips are super handy, too, even though I've never used Pan Pastels before... You've made them seem easy to work with. Thanks Mary Beth!

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  97. your work is very beautiful, I love the tones you chose!

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  98. Wow, this is great! thanks
    bpp2255@aol.com

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