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Faber Castell Soft Pastels (36 mini) – First Impressions and Review

A soft pastel painting of the sea and a big wave crashing on the shore

It’s been years since I last touched any kind of pastels, but for my birthday, I received a 36-mini set from Faber-Castell. So, I figured it was the perfect time to try again.

Exploring the Colors – First Studies:

Three Soft Pastel drawings of similar landscapes during different times of the day. Morning, late afternoon and evening lighting study

To get a feel for the set, I started with three small nature studies, each under different lighting conditions.
I wanted to understand the range of colors and how they interact with each other.
It was mesmerizing to watch the pigments blend, shifting and merging effortlessly under my fingertips. One of the things I really enjoyed was how light colors could cover darker ones—and vice versa—something you don’t get as easily with other mediums.

Bringing It All Together – A Sunset by the Lake

A soft pastel painting of a lake with the reflection of a warm sunset in the water and a forest in the background

After those initial studies, I moved on to a larger piece: a lake at sunset.
This painting was an attempt to combine the different palettes I had tested before, layering warm and cool tones to create depth.
I have to say, I love how vibrant the colors are—soft pastels really pop in a way that watercolor doesn’t.

Testing Detail – A Close-up Sea Scene

A soft pastel painting of the sea and a big wave crashing on the shore

For the final painting, I wanted to push things further and see how much detail I could achieve.
I chose a close-up sea scene, playing with a mix of blurry and sharp elements.
This was a great test of control, figuring out where I could refine edges and where to let the colors softly transition.

Final Thoughts

Painting with soft pastels is incredibly satisfying—the rich, velvety colors, the tactile blending—but it’s also very messy. If you’re thinking of trying them, just be prepared for dust-covered hands (and probably a desk that looks like a crime scene of color). But in the end, it’s absolutely worth it.

Have you tried soft pastels before? What’s your favorite way to use them? Let me know in the comments!

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Charvin Paints Watercolor Travel Set – First Impressions and Review: Plein Air Watercoloring at Xyliatos Dam

A watercolor plein-air painting of Xyliatos dam in Cyprus

This weekend, I ventured to Xyliatos Dam for a plein air painting session, eager to test my new Charvin 12-pan travel watercolor set—a thoughtful gift I recently received.

While the dam’s water levels were dishearteningly low after a dry season in Cyprus, the scene was still captivating. The reflections in the remaining water, framed by shadows of dense trees, rugged mountains, and scattered clouds, offered a challenge I couldn’t resist.

The Landscape: Nature in Reflection

Xyliatos Dam sits quietly in the heart of the forest, where the stillness is broken only by the whisper of the wind and the occasional bird song. The water, though sparse, was like a mirror for the world above it. The dark greens of the pines, earthy browns of the mountains, and fleeting patches of sunlight created shifting reflections that felt both melancholic and beautiful. While the lack of water was a poignant reminder of the struggles with drought in Cyprus, it also emphasized the resilience of the forest surrounding the dam.

Testing the Charvin Watercolor Set

This plein air session also served as my first test of the Charvin watercolors. While the 12-pan set offers a charming and very interesting range of colors, I quickly noticed a few quirks:

• The paints are slightly sticky in texture, which made them harder to control for fine details.

• Blues and greens, though vibrant, have a tendency to bleed through layers, even after significant drying time. This was most evident when building up reflections and layering shadows in the water.

• On the plus side, the yellows and earth tones handled beautifully, blending seamlessly into the natural tones of the landscape.

To prepare for the session, I created a small color palette with swatches of each shade, noting how they behaved and their tendency to bleed. I’ll include the palette below for anyone curious about how these paints perform in practice.

The Painting Experience

Despite the challenges with the paints, plein air painting at Xyliatos was a deeply rewarding experience. The low water levels meant I had to focus more on the textures and shadows of the surrounding landscape, letting the reflections tell their own fragmented story. The sticky nature of the paints forced me to adopt a looser style, which brought its own charm to the piece.

If you’ve visited Xyliatos Dam or have tried Charvin watercolors, I’d love to hear your thoughts! How do you adapt to supplies with quirks? Or what’s your favorite plein air spot in Cyprus?

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La Villette Science Museum – Grid Facade Study in Watercolor

Watercolor painting of the grid structure in front of the Science Museum of Parc de la Villette in Paris, showcasing a white grid against a dark, colored facade.
highly detailed drawing of a grid facade, showcasing intricate architectural elements with precise lines and shadows. The composition emphasizes the rhythm and geometry of the structure, capturing the interplay of light and dark

This piece is the result of countless hours of focus and meticulous detail. Inspired by the geometry and rhythm of modern architecture, the grid facade allowed me to explore the interplay of light, shadow, and structure.

One of the greatest challenges in creating this piece was working within the intricate triangular grid without using masking fluid. Each line and shadow had to be drawn carefully by hand, ensuring that the delicate spaces between the triangles remained crisp and clear. It was a test of patience, precision, and a steady hand.

For the shading and textures, I used watercolors to create subtle variations, emphasizing the depth and complexity of the facade. Fineliners were instrumental in defining the sharp edges and giving the grid its structural integrity. The soft, warm tones in the reflective glass panes add a touch of light to the otherwise monochromatic composition, bringing a sense of balance to the overall piece.

This painting is not just about the facade itself; it’s about the process—the challenge of creating something precise, yet artistic, and the satisfaction of seeing the final piece come together. It’s a testament to how even the smallest details, when carefully considered, can create something striking and impactful.

Tools and Materials Used:

• Watercolors for shading and soft textures

• Fineliners for precision work

• Arches Cold Press paper for its texture and durability

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Sketch the Grid:

I began by lightly sketching the grid with a mechanical pencil. Using precise measurements, I ensured that all the triangles and lines were evenly spaced to create a clean and structured base.

Sketch of the grid facade

2. Paint the Base Layers:

I painted the first layer of colors and greys within the grid structure. Each section was carefully filled, avoiding the grid lines to maintain their crisp appearance.

First grey layer of watercolor on grid facade

3. Add Initial Shading:

I started shading the grid itself, giving it depth and dimension. At this stage, I also began enhancing the spaces in between the grid lines, carefully adding contrast and refining the overall look of the facade.

Colors and greys on the grid facade

4. Refine the Details:

To further define the facade, I built up additional layers of contrast and detail, focusing on areas that needed more depth. Watercolors were layered gradually to avoid overpowering the composition.

Fineliner details on the grid elements

5. Finish with Fineliner:

For the final touches, I added shading with a fineliner to enhance the sharpness and bring out the structure. This step helped emphasize the clean edges and made the intricate details pop.

A close-up view of the grid facade drawing, highlighting the meticulous details and fineliner work. The image focuses on the depth and texture created by shadows and lines, showcasing the craftsmanship behind the piece.

This piece was both a challenge and a joy to create. If you’re attempting a similar project, I recommend taking your time with each step—precision and patience really pay off! Let me know if you have questions about the process or if you’d like to share your own projects. I’d love to hear from you!

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Sneak Peek: Revisiting the Facade of La Villette Science Museum

Watercolor painting of the grid structure in front of the Science Museum of Parc de la Villette in Paris, showcasing a white grid against a dark, colored facade. Work in Progress

I’m excited to share a sneak peek into my current project: a detailed redraw of the facade of the La Villette Science Museum. This study has been particularly inspiring, and I’m capturing the intricate grid structure with more depth and precision this time, using Arches rough paper to emphasize the texture and fine details.

In my initial exploration, I focused on the striking contrast between the white grid and the dark, colorful facade behind it. Now, I’m diving deeper into the subtleties of light, shadow, and architectural elements that make this structure so compelling.

Stay tuned as I bring this piece to life with careful attention to detail and a renewed appreciation for the interplay of form and function in modern architecture. Your thoughts and feedback are always welcome as I continue this artistic journey!

Watercolor painting of the grid structure in front of the Science Museum of Parc de la Villette in Paris, showcasing a white grid against a dark, colored facade.
Watercolor Study

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Rooftop, Paris

Watercolor painting of an iconic Parisian rooftop with pastel colors and a calm, silent atmosphere.
Timelapse of painting Rooftop, Paris with watercolors and finishing with fineliners
Watercolor study of an iconic Parisian rooftop with pastel colors and a calm, silent atmosphere.
On Site Watercolor Study
Watercolor painting of an iconic Parisian rooftop with pastel colors and a calm, silent atmosphere.
Watercolor Painting on ARCHES Rough 300g 18x26cm

This watercolor painting captures the corner view of an iconic Paris rooftop, focusing on the upper floors and classic architecture. Using soft, pastel tones, I aimed to convey the quiet, almost timeless atmosphere that hangs over Paris rooftops. It’s a scene of calm and simplicity, bringing out the beauty in everyday Parisian sights that often go unnoticed.
2024 – Paris

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Evening Glow on “Jaram” – Watercolor on the Danube

Close-up watercolor painting of the boat "Jaram" on the Danube River in Belgrade, with a sunset reflecting on the water and boat, and cool-colored shadows in the foreground.

This watercolor captures an intimate view of the boat “Jaram” on the Danube River in Belgrade. The warm sunset reflects beautifully on the water and along the boat’s surface, creating a soft glow, while the cool-colored shadows in the foreground enhance the contrast and depth. I aimed to evoke the serene atmosphere of dusk on the river, where light and shadow converge in a peaceful, harmonious scene.
2024 – Belgrade

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Grid Facade at Parc de la Villette – A Modern Contrast

Watercolor painting of the grid structure in front of the Science Museum of Parc de la Villette in Paris, showcasing a white grid against a dark, colored facade.

This watercolor depicts the striking facade view of the grid structure in front of the Science Museum at Parc de la Villette in Paris. The bright white grid creates a bold contrast against the dark, colorful facade behind it, highlighting the unique architectural elements of this contemporary space. I aimed to capture the interplay of shapes and colors, celebrating the modern design that defines this vibrant area of the city.
2024 – Paris

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Reflections on the Danube – Watercolor of “Delfin”

Watercolor painting of the ship "Delfin" on the Danube River in Belgrade, with sunlight reflecting on the clouds and windows of the ship.

This watercolor painting captures the ship “Delfin” on the Danube River in Belgrade. Sunlight reflects softly on the clouds and glows on the ship’s windows, creating a warm, reflective quality against the cool tones of the water. I aimed to express the beauty of this tranquil moment on the river, where the play of light on clouds and glass imbues the scene with a sense of quiet elegance.
2024 – Belgrade

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Rainy Afternoon in Paris

Watercolor painting of a rainy street view in Paris during late afternoon, with glowing building and car lights reflecting on the wet street and pedestrians going about their business.

This watercolor painting captures the enchanting atmosphere of a rainy afternoon in Paris. As the rain falls, the warm glow of building and car lights illuminates the scene, creating mesmerizing reflections on the wet pavement. Pedestrians navigate the bustling streets, each absorbed in their own world, adding a lively dynamic to the tranquil yet vibrant setting. I aimed to convey the unique charm of Paris in the rain, where every droplet enhances the beauty of the city’s architecture and the rhythm of daily life.
2024 – Paris

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Sunset Over New Belgrade

Watercolor painting of a sunset over New Belgrade, featuring a cloudy sky with pink and yellow hues reflecting on the clouds while the city remains dark after a storm.

This watercolor painting captures the tranquil beauty of a sunset over New Belgrade. The sky, filled with clouds, showcases vibrant pink and yellow hues that pierce through, reflecting a fleeting moment of color against the darkened cityscape. This piece conveys the serene atmosphere right after a storm, highlighting the contrast between nature’s brilliance and the shadowed buildings below. I aimed to evoke a sense of calm and introspection, illustrating the beauty that often emerges after turmoil.
2023 – Belgrade