How to Paint With Pastel Pencils

Are you tired of the same old painting techniques? Want to explore a new medium that adds depth and texture to your artwork? Look no further than pastel pencils. These versatile tools offer a unique approach to painting, allowing for intricate details and vibrant colors that traditional paints cannot match.

But where do you start? Painting with pastel pencils may seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance, anyone can create beautiful works of art. In this article, we will dive into the world of pastel pencils, providing tips on how to choose the right materials, techniques for creating different effects, and step-by-step instructions for completing your own masterpiece.

Whether you are an experienced painter looking to try something new or a beginner searching for inspiration, this guide will help you unleash your creativity and take your artwork to the next level. So grab your pastel pencils and let’s get started!

Discovering Pastel Pencils: Understanding the Basics

Pastel pencils are a medium that has been gaining popularity among artists in recent years. Pastel pencils are made by combining pigments with a binder and then forming them into a pencil shape. They combine the best of both worlds, providing the vibrant colors of traditional soft pastels with the precision and control of regular pencils.

One of the benefits of using pastel pencils is that they can be used on a variety of surfaces, including paper, canvas, and even wood. They can also be blended easily to create smooth transitions between colors or to create more complex textures.

When it comes to choosing pastel pencils, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the quality of the pigment. Higher quality pigments will produce richer colors that are less likely to fade over time. Second, think about the hardness of the pencil lead. Softer leads will be easier to blend but may break more easily, while harder leads will provide more precision but may not blend as well.

The Benefits of Using Pastel Pencils

One of the biggest advantages of using pastel pencils is their versatility. They can be used on a wide range of surfaces and can create a variety of effects depending on how they are applied. This makes them an excellent choice for artists who want to experiment with different styles and techniques.

Another benefit is their ease of use. While traditional soft pastels can be messy and difficult to control, pastel pencils allow for greater precision and accuracy when creating detailed artwork.

Limitations of Pastel Pencils

While there are many benefits to using pastel pencils, they do have some limitations as well. One common issue is that they can smudge easily if not fixed properly with a spray fixative or other product designed for this purpose.

Another limitation is that they can be more expensive than traditional pencils or other art supplies, particularly if you opt for higher quality brands. However, many artists find that the benefits of using pastel pencils outweigh the costs.

Essential Materials for Painting with Pastel Pencils

When it comes to creating artwork with pastel pencils, there are a few essential materials that you’ll need to have on hand. These include:

• Pastel pencils
• Paper or other surface to draw on
• A sharpener designed for pastel pencils
• A blending tool such as a blending stump or foam applicator
• A fixative spray or other product to protect your artwork once completed

In addition to these basic materials, some artists may also choose to use additional tools or supplies depending on their individual preferences and techniques.

Choosing Pastel Pencils: Quality Matters

When selecting pastel pencils, it’s important to choose high-quality products in order to achieve the best results. Lower-quality pigments may produce dull colors that fade over time, while harder leads may not blend as well and can be frustrating to work with.

One popular brand of pastel pencils is Faber-Castell’s Pitt Pastel Pencils. These pencils are known for their high-quality pigments and smooth texture that allows for easy blending.

Another option is Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils which are known for their vibrant colors and soft leads that make blending effortless.

Additional Tools and Supplies:

In addition to the basic materials listed above, there are a few additional tools and supplies that many artists find helpful when working with pastel pencils. These include:

• Eraser: A kneaded eraser or gum eraser can help remove mistakes without leaving behind smudges or residue.
• Fixative spray: A fixative spray can be used to protect your artwork once completed, helping to prevent smudging and fading over time.
• Blending tools: Blending stumps and foam applicators can be used to create smooth transitions between colors or to add texture to your artwork.

Choosing the Right Paper for Your Pastel Pencil Artwork

When it comes to creating artwork with pastel pencils, choosing the right paper is essential. The right paper will allow you to achieve the desired effects while also protecting your work from smudging or other damage.

Considerations When Choosing Paper:

There are several factors to consider when selecting paper for your pastel pencil artwork. These include:

• Weight: Heavier weight papers are less likely to tear or wrinkle when working with wet media such as watercolors or ink.
• Texture: The texture of the paper can impact how well the pastel pigment adheres and blends on the surface. Papers with a rougher texture may provide more grip for the pigment, while smoother papers may allow for easier blending.
• Tooth: The tooth of the paper refers to its surface texture and how much grip it provides for the pigments. Papers with a higher tooth (more textured) will provide more grip, allowing for greater control over the application of pigments.

Paper Types:

There are several types of paper that are commonly used in pastel pencil artwork. These include:

• Drawing paper: This type of paper is lightweight and often has a smooth surface, making it ideal for detailed work that requires precision.
• Watercolor paper: Watercolor paper is thicker and has a rougher texture than drawing paper. It can be used with pastel pencils to create a watercolor effect or to add texture to your artwork.
• Velour paper: Velour paper has a soft, velvety surface that provides a high level of grip for pastel pigments. It is often used for creating detailed portraits or other highly textured artwork.

Mastering Techniques to Create Stunning Effects with Pastel Pencils

Pastel pencils can create stunning effects when used correctly. These techniques include using different pressures and blending colors. When creating a landscape, try using light pressure to create a base layer, then add more pressure to add depth. To create a portrait, use various shades of the same color and blend them together with a blending tool or your finger.

Pressure Techniques

Using different pressures is key to mastering pastel pencil techniques. Light pressure creates soft lines and shading while heavy pressure creates bold lines and dark shading. Experiment with different pressures by starting with light pressure and gradually increasing it for more depth.

Blending Colors

Blending colors is another technique for creating stunning effects in pastel pencil artwork. Use a blending tool or your finger to blend colors together for smooth transitions between shades. Start with lighter colors and work your way towards darker shades, blending as you go.

Creating Layers

Creating layers is another technique that can be used to create stunning effects in pastel pencil artwork. Start by applying a light layer of color and gradually build up layers until you achieve the desired effect. This technique can be used to create depth in landscapes or portraits.

Blending Colors and Creating Smooth Transitions in Your Pastel Pencil Artwork

Blending colors is one of the most important techniques when it comes to creating smooth transitions in pastel pencil artwork. Use a blending tool or your finger to blend colors together for seamless transitions between shades. Start with lighter colors and work your way towards darker shades, blending as you go.

Different Tools for Blending Colors

There are several tools that can be used for blending colors in pastel pencil artwork including blending stumps, tortillons, chamois, and your finger. Each tool creates a different effect, so experiment with each one to find the best fit for your artwork.

The Importance of Layering

Layering is another important technique when it comes to blending colors and creating smooth transitions in pastel pencil artwork. Start with a light layer of color and gradually build up layers until you achieve the desired effect. This technique can be used to create depth in landscapes or portraits.

Protecting Your Masterpiece: Using Fixatives and Other Products for Your Pastel Pencil Artwork

Using fixatives and other products can help protect your pastel pencil artwork from smudging or fading over time. Fixatives come in two forms: workable and final. Workable fixatives allow you to continue working on your artwork while final fixatives provide a protective coat once the artwork is complete.

Types of Fixative

There are several types of fixative that can be used for pastel pencil artwork including aerosol, pump spray, and brush-on. Aerosol is the most popular type of fixative because it covers large areas quickly and evenly.

Other Products for Protecting Your Artwork

In addition to fixatives, there are other products that can be used to protect pastel pencil artwork such as glassine paper, matting, and framing. Glassine paper is a non-acidic paper that can be placed between layers of artwork to prevent smudging or damage. Matting and framing also provide protection by keeping the artwork away from direct sunlight or moisture.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Pastel Pencils and Other Art Supplies

Cleaning and maintaining your pastel pencils is essential for keeping them in good condition. Use a soft cloth or tissue to wipe off excess pigment after each use. Sharpen pencils regularly using a pencil sharpener or sandpaper block.

Sharpening Your Pencils

When sharpening your pencils, use a pencil sharpener specifically designed for pastel pencils. These sharpeners have larger holes and sharper blades to prevent the pencil from breaking. If you don’t have a pastel-specific sharpener, use sandpaper to gently sharpen the tip of your pencil.

Storing Your Art Supplies

Storing your art supplies properly can also help prolong their lifespan. Keep them in a dry and cool place away from direct sunlight or moisture. Use an air-tight container to prevent dust or debris from getting inside.

Tips and Tricks for Creating Realistic Textures and Details in Your Pastel Pencil Artwork

Creating realistic textures and details is essential when it comes to pastel pencil artwork. Use different techniques such as cross-hatching, stippling, and feathering to create texture and depth.

Cross-Hatching Technique

Cross-hatching involves drawing parallel lines over each other at different angles to create texture. This technique can be used to create grass, fur, or other textured surfaces.

Stippling Technique

Stippling involves creating small dots or circles on the surface of the paper. This technique can be used to create the appearance of rough skin or other bumpy surfaces.

Feathering Technique

Feathering involves using light strokes to create soft edges or delicate details such as feathers on a bird’s wing. This technique can also be used for blending colors together seamlessly.

In conclusion, painting with pastel pencils can be a fun and creative way to add color and texture to your artwork. By following these simple tips and techniques, you can unlock the full potential of pastel pencils and create beautiful pieces of art.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Paint With Pastel Pencils

What do you use pastel pencils for?
Pastel pencils can be used alongside soft pastels (not oil pastels) to add intricate details to a pastel painting. Many artists also use them with watercolors to enhance colors by applying them over dried areas. They are a popular tool for adding depth and texture to artwork.

What do you blend pastel pencils with?
The process for using pastels is just like using other tools, but there may be a small difference in the top and bottom sets. When blending, you may notice a difference in the technique used.

Do you use water with pastel pencils?
Different types of liquids such as water, rubbing alcohol, acetone, and oil painting solvents can be used to blend soft pastels. However, it is important to make sure that the surface you are working on is resistant to the blending liquid to avoid potential issues. It is recommended to check beforehand before beginning your work.

What is the difference between pastel pencils and soft pastels?
Soft pastels are composed of a higher quantity of pigments and less binders when compared to hard pastels and pastel pencils. This property gives soft pastels more vivid and intensive colors which is why many artists prefer using them. Their soft texture also makes it effortless to apply large quantities of color quickly on paper.

Do you need fixative for pastel pencils?
When using pastel colors on paper, it is important to apply a fixative even when applying light pressure. This is because pastels do not have an adhesive that keeps the pigment on the surface of the paper without absorption, unlike water or oil-based pastels or paints. To prevent the colors from smudging or fading, it is recommended to use a fixative on pastel papers.

What do I need to paint with pastels?
When using pastels, textured paper is the preferred surface, although boards, canvas, and even sandpaper can also be used. Before choosing a surface, it’s important to consider factors such as tooth and texture. Options such as pastel paper, watercolor paper, pastel board, and canvas are all viable choices.