Makings and Musings Community

Last night’s session was part of our Nature’s Patterns theme, and we spent some time exploring the beautiful, intricate patterns found in peacock feathers. I went into it thinking this might be a fairly gentle and straightforward subject… but, as sometimes happens, it turned out to be a little more involved than I had anticipated. There is something about repeating patterns and colour layering that asks for a bit more patience and trust in the process.

The recording is now available here in the library - it is the first video in the folder Pastel and Crayon Classes

I worked primarily with wax & oil pastels, although as always, you are very welcome to follow along using whatever materials you have to hand. I mostly used my Caran d’Ache Neocolor II crayons as a base, building up layers of colour, and then added some of my softer Sennelier oil pastels over the top for richness and depth.

Rather than focusing too much on a perfect composition, I found myself really leaning into the layering of colours. Building greens, blues, yellows and browns slowly, letting them mix optically on the page rather than trying to get everything “right” straight away. If you are watching this back, I do think seeing the finished piece first can make the whole process feel a little clearer and more achievable.

We explored creating repeating feather shapes across the page, starting from the centre and working outwards, which helped keep the composition feeling balanced. There was a lovely sense of rhythm to it, even if it took a little longer than expected.

One of the key things that came up during the session was that slightly uncomfortable “in-between” stage, where the piece does not quite feel right yet. That is such a normal part of making art. I always think of it as the point where the work is asking for a bit more time, rather than a sign that something has gone wrong.

We also spoke about materials quite a bit. How different crayons and pastels behave, how layering can create beautiful depth, and how sometimes the simplest or more affordable materials can actually free us up to experiment more. A few people adapted with whatever they had nearby, which I always love seeing.

If you are joining this session in the recording, take your time with it. Allow yourself to build the colours gradually, and do not worry too much about perfection. The joy here really sits in the process — in the repetition, the colour play, and the small moments of discovery along the way.

Next week, we will be moving into an underwater ocean scene using watercolours, which will have a slightly different, more fluid feel.

I hope you enjoy this one. It is a gentle challenge, and a lovely way to settle into pattern, colour, and rhythm.