Karen Margulis: Pastel Landscape Secrets

Discover Karen Margulis’s “No Fail Approach” And Start Creating Successful Pastel Paintings Every Time!

You’re about to discover the secret to creating successful pastel paintings consistently.

Karen Margulis is widely known as one of the best pastel instructors out there.

Her teaching methods and approach make it easy for anyone to quickly master the nuances of pastel painting.

Whether you're a beginner or experienced artist, her approach can help you create amazing pastel paintings with ease…

…and it’s so simple to add to your current process!

The magic of Karen’s “No Fail Approach” is that you get to remove all the guesswork and confusion…

…experiencethe freedom and confidence to paint with fearless expression…

…all while it helps you create successful paintings consistently.

That means creating successful pastel paintings will no longer be a mystery.

Inside this brand new video, Karen will teach you her “No Fail Approach” with a demonstration of a landscape filled with poppies.

Here’s a small taste of what’s inside Pastel Landscape Secrets:

●      Karen’s“Triple S Roadmap” system that ensures you have a crystal-clear direction when painting…

●      The “Whisper vs. Shout” pastel application technique to create beautiful effects…

●      The “No Fail” dry- and wet-wash underpainting secret…

●      Simple techniques for creating depth…

●      The brilliant “E.D.I.T.” system that helps you remove clutter from your painting…

●      Techniques for adding the illusion of warm sunlight to the landscape elements…

●      How to paint natural and expressive grasses, trees, and flowers…

●      How to interpret a reference photo instead of copying exactly what you see…

●      Strategies for painting flowers in the landscape…

●      How to avoid color chaos and dull, muddy color…

●      The 3 keys to a successful landscape (leave one out, and your paintings won’t be as good)...

●      10 common problems when painting a landscape with flowers…

●      The “Sun Button” trick for accurate light and shadows…

●      The “Fine Wine” layering secret to make your colors more interesting and exciting…

●      How to make the sky look more lively with the “Fractured Sky” and “Butterfly Fingers” techniques…

●      The “Aerial Perspective Arrow” method to make your 2D painting appear 3D…

●      How to have a successful finish without overworking the painting…

●      PLUS:Karen’s favorite “magic technique” to get back lost darks…

●      …and so many more incredible pastel painting tips!

Your Lesson Plan!

Introduction & Setting the Stage:

Get to know Karen a little better and find out what she’s going to share with you! Karen will share 10 common pitfalls that plague many landscape painters; the concept of “telling a story” through your paintings; and an exciting preview of her three keys to successful landscapes. These introductory chapters will equip you with a new perspective on landscape painting, helping you approach your work with greater intention and creativity!

Materials & Tools:

Karen reviews her favorite pastel tools and supplies, some of which you may never have thought to use before! Prepare to fall in love with pastel as you gather the colors to make your painting stand out and get noticed.

The Planning Stage:

Here Karen will introduce the “Triple S” method for planning a successful painting. You’ll learn how to define your story, create a simple value map, and select the perfect pastel palette. These planning techniques will help you avoid color chaos and set a strong foundation for your artwork, allowing you to paint with confidence and purpose.

No-Fail Underpainting:

Master the art of underpainting as Karen reveals her “No Fail Approach” for creating a strong foundation. You’ll explore various underpainting approaches, including the “1 Color Family / 4 Values” method, and learn the secret to successful underpaintings. This chapter will teach you how to start your paintings with a bang, setting the foundation for vibrant, dynamic landscapes.

Reinforce the Darks:

Learn the delicate balance of light and dark as you build layers of pastel. You’ll discover how to use a light touch for subtle “whisper” effects and when to apply bolder marks that “shout” with impact. Karen’s “Sun Button” tool will help you maintain consistent lighting throughout your painting. This chapter will enhance your ability to create depth and dimension in your landscapes.

Paint the Sky:

Dive into the art of creating captivating skies that set the mood for your entire painting. You’ll learn how to craft a “Fractured Sky,” make wispy clouds, and establish the crucial earth-sky connection. Karen’s “Butterfly Fingers” blending technique will help you achieve smooth, dreamy skies. This chapter will transform your ability to paint skies that draw viewers into your landscapes.

Paint the Land:

Explore techniques for painting convincing distant mountains, lush meadows, and vibrant flowers. You’ll learn how to avoid common pitfalls like “the worm” and discover the secret to making your mountains “smile.” Karen’s approach to layering colors will help you create rich, sophisticated landscapes that feel alive. This chapter will elevate your landscape painting skills, allowing you to create more natural and believable scenes.

Develop the Meadow:

Here you’ll learn how to compose a vibrant meadow scene without falling into common traps. Karen will show you how to avoid “polka dot poppies” and create natural, believable greens that aren’t just a “parfait” of color. Karen introduces her “Change Your Stick” rule and “Light-O-Matic Tool” to help you capture the warmth of sunlight on flowers. Master the balance between expressive, painterly flowers and restraint, while creating a visual journey through your painting. Learn playful pastel application techniques for grass that dances and flows, avoiding the dreaded “fence” effect. This chapter will transform your ability to paint lively, realistic meadows that draw viewers in.

Evaluate the Painting:

Knowing how to evaluate your work is important. In this chapter, Karen will show you the secrets of effective self-critique using innovative evaluation techniques. You’ll learn to use the “Magic Mat” and “Butterfly Tool” to assess your painting’s composition and visual flow. Karen shares her invaluable “Painting Punch List,” guiding you through a comprehensive evaluation process. You’ll discover the importance of taking breaks and using tools like dry-erase boards to track your progress. This chapter will sharpen your critical eye, helping you identify areas for improvement and refine your artistic vision with confidence.

Resolve the Painting:

Master the art of finishing touches as Karen guides you through the final stages of your painting. Learn the “3 marks, 3 steps back” technique to avoid overworking, and discover how to overcome the fear of ruining a nearly complete piece.You’ll explore methods for creating texture with pastels and using Karen’s “SUPER TOOL” for last-minute corrections. From selecting the softest pastels for impactful marks to tips on signing your masterpiece, this chapter will give you the skills and confidence to bring your paintings to a polished, professional finish.

Meet Your Instructor, Karen Margulis,PSA, IAPS-EP!

Karen Margulis is a real star when it comes to pastel painting. 

The International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) gave her the prestigious title of Eminent Pastelist due to her exceptional talent.

Karen’s captivating pieces grace private and corporate collections worldwide, including notable installations at the University of Alabama’s Gorgas Library and the Caneel Bay Resort in Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Her artistic journey is as impressive as her work. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Florida and pursuing a Master’s in Art Education at Florida Atlantic University, Margulis began her serious painting career in 2005. 

She has since studied under such renowned artists as Albert Handell, Anita Louise West, Terry Ludwig, Stan Sperlak, Margaret Dyer, and Marsha Savage, accumulating a wealth of knowledge and insight along the way.

Today, Margulis’s work is represented by several fine art galleries across the Southeastern United States, including:

●      High Country Art in Blue Ridge, Georgia

●      Bella Vista Fine Art in Asheville, North Carolina

●      Frameworks Gallery in Marietta, Georgia

●      Primary Elements Gallery in Cannon Beach, Oregon

Her exceptional skills have earned her additional accolades, including Signature Member status with the Pastel Society of America and Master Circle recognition from the International Association of Pastel Societies.

Students often describe her as being extremely generous in her teaching. 

She’s got the skills and the passion to help anyone get better at pastel painting. 

With her as a teacher, you’ll be creating amazing art in no time!