Two Little Apples by Angie (Aja) Phillip

Sorry you didn't find them easy to use Angie. It just goes to show how different we all are in out preferred mediums! As it is I think you've done a fine job with this, the bowl has a great 3 dimensional shape to it and the pattern is well rounded into it. The apples (especially the red one at the front) shows a pleasing contour. Well done. My advice would be to not give up with the pencils! But if you do, I'll have them!! lol Only joking :o)

Hi Alison, thanks for your comments. Yes, I quite liked the end result but didn't really enjoy using them. I prefer something messier to work with, something I can smear about and layer thickly. I like clear lines, too, but the crayons felt hard. It's true you can put the colours on top of each other - but it's hard work. I'll keep them for a bit longer though - they'll be useful when I travel. I can't count the times I've set off on weekend visits without pastels or paints and then bought some more. the polychromos might do the trick. if I give up with them all together I'll send them to you!

I've never heard of polychromos. As I like to use pastels and crayons, please could you give me some info? I agree with Alison - don't give up. Every medium has it's uses!! You could even try mixing it with something else.

Hi Jean - 'polychromos' is a brand name. They're actually just colour pencils, but very nice ones. They're made by Faber-Castell. I bought mine online from GreatArt (www.greatart.co.uk) - a supplier I've used for years - their hardcopy catalogue is wonderful.