Hi all,

I came across this site and it has a few really good step by step demos and I thought I would share.

http://www.brushandpencil.com/default.aspx

The site is Alyona Nickelsen's and she has a book just out - I found her site after reading Katherine Tyrrell's review of her book and an interview that she did with Katherine. Some interesting ideas with CP that I didn't know before and she does the most amazing realism work.

Worth a look at her site, I think. And here are a few examples of her work - really vibrant colours :

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Hi Sue, I got Alyona's book a few weeks ago, but haven't had chance yet to sit and read through it. I've flicked through a few times and it looks fantastic, especially the step by step drawings and her techniques. I must find some "me" time to read it properly.

Another brilliant cp book I've bought recently (and still haven't read through, yet) is "Realistic Pet Portraits in coloured pencil" by Anne deMille Flood. There are a lot of step by step drawings, plus she even tells you the sharpness (or not) of the pencil to use and the pressure to use, which is excellent for beginners of cp, like myself.

I have her book too on colored pencils as well as a few others. If I could have only one it would be hers, and there's about 50 more pages to hers than my other ones. For awhile you could get a dvd and Stonehenge paper samples from her if you bought it at her site, don't know if that offer still stands or not. I couldn't wait I bought it in the store when I saw it.

Thanks for sharing, Sue.

I love those flowers! It looks so realistic too. I'm gonna go check the site out

Omg! I just saw the step by step and it looks so cool! I just dont know what mineral spirit is? But everytime she would use that it would look better and better.

I believe, Roxy, some oil paint people use Odourless Mineral Spirits, but I think it may be the same as white spirit - I'd have to check that out though. But I love the effects that it gives.

Nancy, I ordered the book and yes the DVD is still on offer. I am glad you all like the book. I wanted it so I could follow the way she does it step by step, good to know there a plenty of them in the book. I will probably get it next week - can't wait.

Jan, I hope you get plenty of 'me' time so you can tuck yourself away with what seems to be a really luscious book!

Roxy , Alonya Nickelson recommends the brand Gamsol as the odorless mineral spirits. I think you find it t art supply stores. A small can would last forever. I used some I already had for the ATC I sent you I believe. You can buy other brands anywhere they sell paints, it used as a paint thinner and a brush cleaner.