How to Start a Pastel Painting

Have you ever been mesmerized by the beauty of a pastel painting and wished you could create one yourself? Well, it’s not as challenging as it seems. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting, pastel painting is a great way to express your creativity.

However, starting with pastel painting can be overwhelming. Choosing the right materials, understanding color theory, and mastering techniques can be intimidating for beginners. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we will guide you through the basics of how to start a pastel painting. You’ll learn about the necessary supplies and get tips on how to choose colors that work well together. We’ll also cover some fundamental techniques that will help you bring your ideas to life on paper. So, dust off your art supplies and let’s get started!

Essential Materials for Pastel Painting

Pastel painting is a unique medium that requires specific tools and materials to produce beautiful works of art. Here are some essential materials you will need:

Pastels:

Pastels come in either soft or hard form and are made from pigment, binder, and filler. Soft pastels are the most common type of pastel used by artists as they have a high pigment content, making them easy to blend. Hard pastels, on the other hand, have less pigment and more binder, making them ideal for creating detail.

Paper:

Choosing the right paper is crucial for pastel painting as the surface texture can affect how well the pastel adheres to the paper. The best type of paper for pastel painting is one with a rough or toothy texture that can grip the pigment particles. You can choose from various types of paper such as sanded paper, watercolor paper, or pastel paper.

Fixative:

Fixative is a spray that helps hold the pastel particles in place once applied to the paper. It is essential to use fixative when working with soft pastels as they tend to smudge easily. Make sure to use an artist-grade fixative that won’t yellow over time.

List of Essential Materials:

• Soft or hard pastels
• Paper (sanded, watercolor or pastel)
• Fixative spray
• Easel
• Drawing board
• Kneaded eraser
• Tape (masking or drafting)
• Pencil sharpener

Choosing the Right Paper for Your Pastel Painting

The choice of paper affects how your pastel painting turns out. Here are some things to consider when selecting the right paper.

Texture:

The texture of the paper plays a significant role in how pastel pigment adheres to it. The tooth or roughness of the paper provides more surface area for the pastels to adhere, resulting in a better grip. Smooth papers tend to be less effective in holding onto the pastels and are better suited for detailed work.

Weight:

The weight of the paper determines its thickness and sturdiness. The heavier the paper, the thicker it is, which makes it more resistant to warping or buckling and can handle heavy applications of pigment.

Type:

There are different types of paper available such as sanded, watercolor, or pastel paper. Sanded papers have a gritty texture that provides excellent grip for pastels but can quickly wear down your tools over time. Watercolor papers can hold up well against multiple layers of application but may not have enough tooth for blending soft pastels effectively. Pastel papers are specifically designed for use with pastels and come in various textures and weights.

List of Things to Consider when Choosing Paper:

• Texture
• Weight
• Type (sanded, watercolor, or pastel paper)

Techniques for Sketching and Underpainting in Pastels

Sketching and underpainting are essential techniques used in all types of painting mediums, including pastels. Here’s what you need to know:

Sketching:

Sketching is a technique that involves creating an initial drawing on your paper using a pencil or charcoal before applying any color. This step helps you establish proportions, composition, and values before applying color.

Steps for Sketching:

1. Choose a reference image or set up a still life.
2. Sketch out the basic shapes and forms using light strokes.
3. Refine the sketch by adding more details and refining the values.

Underpainting:

Underpainting is a technique where artists apply a base layer of color to the paper before starting with pastel applications. This technique helps establish the overall tone, values, and composition of your painting.

Steps for Underpainting:

1. Cover the entire surface of your paper with a thin layer of pastel pigment in your chosen color.
2. Blend this layer using your fingers or blending tools.
3. Add another layer of pigment in a complementary color that will help establish value contrast and depth

Selecting a Color Palette and Mixing Colors for Pastel Painting

One of the most critical aspects of pastel painting is selecting the right color palette. Here’s what you need to know:

Analogous Colors:

Analogous colors are hues that sit next to each other on the color wheel. These colors tend to blend well together and create harmonious compositions. For example, red, orange, and yellow are analogous colors.

Complementary Colors:

Complementary colors are hues that sit opposite each other on the color wheel. These colors create high contrast when used together, making them ideal for creating focal points or adding interest to paintings. For example, blue and orange are complementary colors.

Mixing Colors:

Mixing pastels can help you achieve unique shades not available straight from the stick. You can blend two different hues by rubbing them together on your paper or use a blending tool to mix them on your palette.

Color Mixing Tips:

• Start with light colors and gradually add darker shades as needed.
• Avoid mixing too many colors together, which can result in muddy tones.
• Experiment with different color combinations until you achieve the desired effect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Pastel Painting

Like any medium, pastel painting can be challenging, and artists often face some common mistakes. Here are a few things to avoid:

Overworking:

Overworking your painting by repeatedly layering pastels can cause the paper’s texture to become saturated with pigment, making it difficult to add more layers. It can also lead to smudging or muddiness.

Poor Choice of Paper:

Choosing the wrong type of paper for your pastel painting can affect how well the pastels adhere to the surface. Using smooth papers or low-quality paper that can’t handle multiple layers of pigment can result in flaking or peeling.

Lack of Planning:

Not having a clear plan or composition before starting your painting could lead to issues like skewed proportions, poor value contrast, and unbalanced compositions.

Creating Depth and Dimension in Your Pastel Painting

Creating depth and dimension is essential for producing realistic-looking paintings. Here are some techniques that will help you achieve this:

Squinting:

Squinting helps reduce details so that you can focus on shape, value, and color relationships without getting distracted by minutiae. This technique helps establish the overall tone and values of your painting.

Layering:

Layering allows you to build up values gradually while creating depth in your painting. Starting with light colors and gradually adding darker shades on top can help create a sense of dimension.

Blending:

Blending is an essential technique in pastel painting that helps create smooth transitions between colors. You can blend using your fingers or blending tools to eliminate harsh lines and create a natural look.

Knowing When Your Pastel Painting is Finished and How to Preserve It Properly

Knowing when your painting is complete is a crucial aspect of pastel painting. Here are some tips to help you determine when your painting is done:

Step Away:

Taking breaks and stepping away from your work can help you see it with fresh eyes. This break allows you to assess what needs fixing or adjusting.

Assess the Composition:

Evaluate the composition, value contrast, color harmony, and overall balance of your painting. If everything looks good, then it’s likely finished.

Preserving your pastel paintings correctly will ensure they last for years without fading or deteriorating. Here are some preservation methods:

Pastel Preservation Tips:

• Spray fixative on your completed artwork to prevent smudging.
• Mat and frame the artwork under UV-protected glass.
• Avoid hanging your artwork in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Tips and Tricks for Beginners to Improve Their Skills in Pastel Painting

Here are some tips that can help beginners improve their pastel painting skills:

Practice:

Like any skill, practice is essential for improving your pastel painting skills. Set aside time to paint regularly, experiment with techniques, and try new things.

Study Color Theory:

Understanding color theory will help you create harmonious compositions while avoiding muddy colors or clashing hues.

Use Reference Images:

Using reference images or setting up still life objects can help you practice creating compositions and learn to see values and shapes more accurately.

Other Tips:

• Invest in quality materials.
• Experiment with different techniques and styles.
• Learn from other artists by watching tutorials or attending workshops.

In conclusion, starting a pastel painting requires basic knowledge of materials and techniques, as well as a willingness to experiment and practice. With the right tools and mindset, anyone can create beautiful works of art with this versatile medium.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Start a Pastel Painting

What is the process of pastel painting?
To create a pastel artwork, sticks of color are rubbed onto an abrasive surface, leaving pigment on the grain of the painting surface. If the work is completely covered with pastel, it is considered a pastel painting, if not, it is a pastel sketch or drawing.

How do you use pastels for beginners?
You have the ability to form the mountains using a clean edge technique, which can also be used to add highlights and shadows to them. Additionally, this technique can create distant tree lines.

How do you prepare a canvas for pastels?
Creating a primed surface for pastel artwork can be done cost-effectively by making your own primer using a combination of grit, binder like acrylic medium or acrylic gesso, and water. Pumice is a preferred grit for pastel artists, and a 1-pound jar of 2F pumice can create a medium-coarse surface.

What are the three pastel techniques?
Soft pastels can be used in various ways to create different effects on the surface. Some of the popular techniques include feathering, scumbling, and blending. Each technique has its unique characteristic and can produce distinctive results.

Are pastels easy for beginners?
Soft pastels are an excellent starting point for beginners looking to create stunning artwork using simple techniques. Additionally, pastels are appropriate for older children to experiment with as they offer rich colors that blend together seamlessly.

Is pastel painting difficult?
Soft pastel is a popular choice for both professional and amateur artists due to its distinct appearance and application techniques. However, some individuals may find it challenging and untidy to work with. By following a few guidelines, most issues can be resolved. Although pastel painting may present a challenge, practice can help artists improve and achieve mastery over the medium.