Watching this DVD is like visiting the artist in his studio, watching and listening to him chat while he paints. You see Tom Coates painting a pastel portrait from a model, painting a self-portrait, using figure sketches from his sketchbooks to develop paintings, and looking around his studio to find elements to include (great for anyone who's ever needed to justify collecting appealing objects). You're likely to view it several times as it's so inspiring and informative. Pros Watch an accomplished pastel painter as he works in his studio. Demonstrations include a portrait from a model and a self-portrait. See how the artist uses his sketchbook to develop a figure painting from start to finish. Gives you plenty of tips for painting with pastels, and composition. Shows why you should have interesting 'props' in your studio. Cons Will make you wish you'd been more diligent in working in your own sketchbook. Gives you another reason for buying objects that catch your eye, for putting in a painting one day. For more go to: http://painting.about.com/od/productreviews/gr/DVDPastelFigs.htm