Colin Bradley Art Cast

We're still here! In this mini episode of Colin Bradley Art Cast we check in and give an update on not only what Colin's been up to but also what we have coming soon.

In this heartfelt follow-up to Episode 1, Colin and Stephen Bradley reflect on the lessons learned from a lifetime in art and self-employment.Stephen asks Colin what advice he’d give to his younger self — sparking an honest, down-to-earth conversation about confidence, family, and seizing opportunities when they appear.Colin shares how “just giving it a go” led to pet portraits, teaching, and eventually a lifelong career, and why having a family gave him the motivation to make it all work.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Reflection on Career Choices02:56 Confidence and Pursuing Opportunities06:13 The Importance of Teaching and Sharing Knowledge09:02 Balancing Family Life and Self-Employment11:57 The Role of Family as Motivation15:10 Conclusion and Future DiscussionsIt’s a thoughtful, inspiring listen, reminding us that confidence builds with every step, and that sometimes, the right path begins with simply saying yes.🎙️ New episodes every week for this limited 4-part series.

After 6 months since their last episode, Colin and Stephen Bradley return with a brand-new limited series of the Colin Bradley Artcast.In this first episode, Stephen sits down with his dad, Colin, to revisit the pivotal moments that shaped his journey from running a carpet-cleaning business to becoming a full-time artist and art teacher.They discuss:What Colin might have done if he hadn’t pursued artHow a chance conversation led to opening his first galleryWhy he never feared failure when starting outHow his sales and people skills shaped his teaching and demonstration careerThe fulfilment of inspiring thousands through his workIt’s an honest, reflective, and heartwarming conversation about risk, purpose, and the joy of doing what you love.

In this episode Stephen and Colin discuss Colin's latest art project, a challenging dog portrait. They explore the creative process, the techniques involved, and the artistic choices made to enhance the final piece. Colin shares insights into overcoming challenges in interpretation and the importance of making the artwork appealing. The conversation also touches on the philosophy of original art versus prints and concludes with a look at future plans for art classes and demonstrations.Chapters(00:00) Introduction and Family Update(02:41) New Art Project Overview(05:51) Challenges in Artistic Interpretation(08:40) Techniques and Artistic Choices(11:52) Progress and Artistic Insights(14:56) Conclusion and Future Plans

In this episode , Stephen and Colin Bradley discuss various topics related to art, including the challenges of creating cat art with reflections, the intricacies of miniature art, and updates on new classes and the online shop. Colin shares insights into his creative process, the techniques he uses, and the joy of exploring new artistic challenges.Chapters:00:00 Welcoming Summer and Family Updates01:55 Exploring the New Cat Picture12:50 Diving into Miniature Art21:25 New Classes and Shop Updates

In this episode of the Colin Bradley Art Cast, Stephen and Colin Bradley discuss various updates in the art community, including the revival of their online shop, the discontinuation of Fabriano Ingres paper, and the exploration of alternative papers. They also showcase Colin's recent artwork, particularly a cat portrait, and delve into the techniques used in pastel art, emphasising the importance of colour shapers. The episode concludes with a call for community engagement and feedback.Chapters:(00:00) Introduction and Updates(03:00) Reviving the Online Shop(05:53) Challenges with Fabriano Paper(08:49) Exploring New Paper Options(11:58) Colin's Recent Artwork(17:57) Techniques and Tips for Artists

In this episode we discuss a new demonstration and picture from Colin and discuss an article abut the length of various pastel pencil leads inside the different brands. Which brand do you think are the best value for money?Article discussed in this podcast: https://skyzune-art-academy.com/le-crayon-pastel-qui-vous-arnaque/

In this episode we share some research from a student about the history of pastel pencils. We also discuss canson mi-teines paper and Colin’s new picture of a cat.

In this Christmas episode Colin discusses his new snowy picture. From the build up to the finished result, learn the decisions Colin made along the way and give us your opinion on the final picture.

In this episode Colin offers a student advice on their commission. He discusses tips for improving the hand by adding shadows and depth. We also talk about a new cat picture he is working on. #catportrait #portraitpainting #portraitart #portraitartist

In this episode Colin talks about the finished laying dog picture and the challenges he faced. We discuss in particular the eyes, background and how he drew that fantastically realistic looking blanket.

In this podcast Colin discusses the new dog picture that he is working on and the challenges he found working with the reference picture. #artistsoninstagram #artpodcast #pastelpencils #pastelartist

This week's podcast we look back on the Purple Tulips Class and discuss key moments and techniques used in the picture.#artpodcast #stilllife #artist #artistsoninstagram

In this episode Colin answers a question from one of our students and offers advice for a background choice on her cat portrait. We also discuss the finished lion picture and the outstanding tree detail achieved on the trunk the lion is laying on. 

In this episode we discuss a young student that has discovered Colin’s lessons and her new found confidence. We also answer a question from a student regarding making white brighter and finally, reveal a change to Colin’s Quinton picture.

We discuss Colin’s final painting and how he felt the project went with using PastelMat for watercolour and pastel together.

Colin gives us a progress update on the new picture whilst explaining a couple of scenarios that have shaped the painting and made it unique.

In this episode Colin discusses the next phase of his AR Quinton landscape that he is working. He discusses the challenges with PastelMat and Watercolour as well as which areas he is mostly having to use Pastel Pencil on. 

In this episode we talk about Colin's new project combining watercolour with pastel pencils. 

We talk about Colin’s finished picture and another experiment that he’s been working on.

Colin gives us an update on his current picture of a clouded leopard. 

Colin gives us a quick update on his latest picture of a clouded leopard.

In this episode we discuss his finished lion picture and also the new picture he has started of a clouded leopard. 

Colin offers some advice to a student wishing to draw her daughter’s dog. We also watch back and discuss key moments in his horse and bridle class. 

Colin shows us the work in progress photos of his lion landscape. We discuss each stage and the reasons behind his choices. 

We start off the episode by answering a question from our Facebook group and then move onto rewatching the new cat eye tutorial now available on our website and YouTube. Watch the tutorial here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw8YMet0muI&t=0s

In this episode Colin discusses a different approach he is taking to a new lion cub picture he has chosen to do. We also answer a question regarding erasing tracedown from your line drawing.

In this episode we take a picture Colin found of a cat and talks about what he would do if he had to draw the picture as a commission. What choices and adjustments would he make in his final picture?

In this episode we watch back highlights of the tree and sun class. We discuss his approach, technique and the nuance of his pastel pencil methods. Watch the class free: https://youtu.be/klfMl3gwPTM

In this episode we look at a couple of clips from Colin’s landscapes and discuss the variations in painting trees in watercolour and pastel. Watercolour Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Edja0e4WEHgPastel Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN7yXG_GA6Y 

In this episode we watch back some of the highlights of Colin’s Squirrel Study lesson and discuss his colour choices and pastel pencil techniques he uses.

In this episode offer some advice for a student’s commission where she needs to include a dog’s bow tie. Colin also discusses a picture he’s just finished in his studio.

In this episode we discuss key moments of Colin’s beginners Seagull class whilst watching back highlights. Watch the full class for free on our website and YouTube: https://school.colinbradleyart.com/courses/seagull

In this episode Colin offers some advice for a student doing a child’s portrait and a ginger kitten. He also discusses his finished horse portrait.

This week Colin offers advice for a student attempting a dog portrait and also gives an update on his horse portrait.  

This week we discuss Colin’s next pastel picture of a Horse. He tells us why he chose to this picture and the early build up stages of colour with the horse hair. 

In this week Colin offers advice on how to draw a close up of a gnarled tree trunk and also show the finished picture of the dog running through grass. Colin discusses how he customised the depth of field to draw attention to the areas of the picture he wanted the viewer to focus on.

In this week Colin talks about his studio and working space. We also discuss his picture of the dog running with a stick in his mouth. If you have any questions or anything you would like us to discuss, drop us a comment or email!

This week Colin discusses a new picture that he is painting of a dog running with a stick in his mouth. He describes some of the technical points he had to take into account when doing this picture.

This week Colin discusses his finished Robin picture and also reveals a number of smaller exercises designed for beginners. He also discusses an unexpected, very useful tool that everyone should have in the house.

This week Colin reveals a fresh painting he is working on which is a gorgeous little Robin. We also discuss a new series of short free exercises that are appearing on YouTube, Udemy and our website.Watch the first short exercise on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/87mKYu4ipps

This week Colin discusses a new picture he finished this week of a cat portrait.  We talk about the changes he made from the original reference photograph in order to make it an easier and more appealing painting.

In this episode Colin discusses the finished elephant picture including the important detail he missed out! 

In this episode Colin discusses the new picture he is working on and explains why he is making changes from the original reference photograph.

In this episode Colin discusses a picture that he started but wasn’t enjoying and why he chose to start a fresh picture instead. 

In this episode we discuss Colin’s finished picture of the prowling wolf. He explains his colour choices, why the foreground was so difficult and the changes he made from the reference photo.

In this episode Colin discusses finishing the white tiger picture and how he picked the combination of colours to create a harmony within the picture and background.

In this episode, Colin talks about his latest picture of a white tiger. He discusses the techniques and colours he’s used to get the realistic effect.

In this podcast Colin talks about the final stages of his harbour picture and the minor detail he accidentally missed off. 

In this episode Colin shows the next stage of his landscape picture. We discuss how Colin’s landscape art absorbs you into the scene.