How to Paint With Pastels on Canvas

Do you love the vibrancy and versatility of pastels, but always thought they could only be used on paper? Think again! With a few simple techniques, you can paint with pastels on canvas as well. In fact, using pastels on canvas can add texture and depth to your artwork that is hard to achieve with other mediums.

But how do you get started? What supplies do you need? And what are the tips and tricks for creating a successful piece? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re an experienced artist looking to expand your skills or a beginner wanting to try something new, this article will guide you through the process of painting with pastels on canvas. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right materials to techniques for blending and layering. So grab your pastels and let’s get started!

Materials Needed for Painting with Pastels on Canvas

Pastel painting on canvas is a unique art form that requires the right materials. Here are some of the essential materials you need to get started:

Pastels

You need soft pastels, not oil pastels, for painting on canvas. Soft pastels come in various colors and shades that allow you to create beautiful and vivid paintings. You can opt for student-grade or artist-grade pastels depending on your budget and skill level.

Canvas

Choose a high-quality canvas that can handle the texture of the pastel paint. The most popular options include linen, cotton, and polyester blend canvases. The size of your canvas depends on your preference and project requirements.

Fixative Spray

A fixative spray helps keep your pastel paint from smudging or fading over time. You can choose between workable and final fixatives depending on whether you want to continue working on your painting or have finished it.

Easel

An easel provides support for your canvas while painting and allows you to adjust its angle as needed. You can choose from different types, including tabletop, tripod, H-frame, and A-frame easels.

Other Materials Include:

• Paper towels or cloth rag to clean up any messes.
• Pencil or charcoal for sketching out the rough draft of your painting before applying pastel paint.
• Masking tape to secure the edges of the canvas to prevent it from slipping.
• A soft-bristled brush for blending colors.
• A palette knife for scraping off excess paint or mixing colors.

Preparing Your Canvas for Painting with Pastels

Before starting with pastel painting on canvas, you need to prepare your surface to ensure that it is ready for the paint. Here are some preparation steps you should follow:

Step 1: Prime Your Canvas

Use gesso or primer to prepare your canvas for pastel painting. Gesso creates a smooth and absorbent surface that helps the pastels adhere better and prevents them from smudging. You can apply two or three coats of gesso on your canvas, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next one.

Step 2: Sketch Your Painting

Sketch out the rough draft of your painting using pencil or charcoal. This will help you plan out the composition and proportion of your artwork before applying any paint.

Step 3: Secure Your Canvas

Secure the edges of your canvas with masking tape to prevent it from slipping while you are working on it.

Step 4: Choose Your Pastels

Select the colors and shades of pastels that you want to use for your painting. You can organize them by color family or in a way that makes sense to you.

Techniques for Applying Pastels onto Canvas

Pastel painting on canvas allows for different techniques and styles that can be achieved through various methods of application. Here are some techniques you can use when applying pastels onto a canvas:

Dry Application

This technique involves applying the pastel paint directly onto the canvas without water or other liquids. Dry application is best suited for creating bold strokes and vibrant colors.

Wet Application

Wet application involves mixing water with pastel pigments to create a smoother texture with less dust. Wet application works well for blending colors and creating gradients.

Other Techniques Include:

• Cross-hatching: This technique involves creating lines of crossing colors to create a layered effect.
• Scumbling: This technique involves applying pastel paint in circular or scumbled motions to create texture and depth.
• Layering: Layering pastels is an excellent way to create depth and texture in your artwork. You can layer different colors on top of each other to achieve the desired effect.

Blending Colors When Painting with Pastels on Canvas

Blending colors is an essential aspect of pastel painting on canvas. Here are some tips for blending colors when painting with pastels:

Use a Soft Brush

A soft-bristled brush allows you to blend colors without smudging them too much. Use a clean, dry brush to blend the edges of two different colors together.

Cross-Hatch Colors

Cross-hatching allows you to blend colors together and create a textured look. Cross-hatching involves creating lines of crossing colors that layer over each other.

Create Gradients

You can use wet application techniques to create gradients by blending two different colors together using water.

Layering Pastels for a Textured Effect on Canvas

Layering pastels is an excellent way to add depth and texture to your artwork. Here are some tips for layering pastels:

Start Lightly

Start with a light application of color before building up layers. This will prevent the surface from becoming too saturated with pigment, which can make it difficult to apply additional layers.

Create Contrast

Create contrast by layering lighter shades over darker ones or vice versa. This will help give your artwork dimension and visual interest.

Other Tips Include:

• Blend between Layers: Use a soft-bristled brush to blend the edges of two different colors together to create a smooth transition.
• Layer Different Colors: Layer different colors on top of each other to create a unique and textured effect.
• Use Fixative Spray: Use fixative spray between layers to prevent smudging and preserve your artwork.

Drying Time of Pastel Paint on Canvas

Pastel paint dries quickly compared to other mediums like oil or acrylic, which makes it an excellent choice for artists who prefer a more immediate method of painting. Drying time can depend on various factors, including temperature, humidity, and the thickness of the paint application.

Average Drying Time

The average drying time for pastel paint is around 24 hours. However, this can vary depending on the amount of pigment used and how much fixative spray is applied.

Faster Drying Time

To speed up the drying time, you can use less water when applying wet pastels or apply the pastel paint in thinner layers.

Slower Drying Time

To slow down the drying time, you can add more water when applying wet pastels or apply thicker layers of pastel paint.

Mistakes to Avoid When Painting with Pastels on Canvas

Here are some common mistakes that artists make when painting with pastels on canvas:

Using Too Much Pressure

Using too much pressure when applying pastels can cause them to become overly saturated with pigment and make it difficult to layer additional colors. Use light pressure when applying pastels onto canvas.

Not Using Fixative Spray

Not using fixative spray between layers or after finishing your artwork can cause it to smudge over time. Always use fixative spray to preserve your artwork.

Not Blending Colors

Not blending colors can make your artwork look flat and one-dimensional. Blend colors together using a soft-bristled brush to create a smooth transition.

Protecting Your Finished Pastel Painting on Canvas from Smudging or Fading

After finishing your pastel painting on canvas, it is essential to protect it from smudging or fading over time. Here are some tips for protecting your finished artwork:

Use Fixative Spray

Use fixative spray to protect your finished artwork from smudging or fading. Apply the spray in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next one.

Frame Your Artwork

Framing your artwork behind glass helps protect it from dust, dirt, and other elements that can cause damage over time. Choose a frame that complements the colors and style of your painting.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Avoid hanging your artwork in direct sunlight as this can cause the colors to fade over time. Hang it in a well-lit area away from direct sunlight or use UV-protective glass when framing.

Other Tips Include:

• Handle With Care: Handle your finished artwork with care to avoid smudging or damaging it.
• Clean With Soft Brush: Clean the surface of your painting with a soft-bristled brush to remove any loose pigment or debris.
• Avoid Moisture: Keep your artwork away from moisture as this can cause the pigments to run and bleed.

In conclusion, painting with pastels on canvas is a unique and beautiful art form that requires patience, practice, and skill. With proper techniques and materials, anyone can create stunning pieces of artwork using this medium.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Paint With Pastels on Canvas

Can you use pastels with acrylic on canvas?
It is likely that the oil pastels will stick to the acrylic paint without difficulty, but there are some concerns to be aware of. One potential issue is that the non-drying oil in the pastels might seep into the acrylic paint or paper over time, causing a persistent mark.

How do you prepare a canvas for pastels?
If you want to create surfaces that are ideal for using pastels on, the most affordable option is to create your own primer by mixing together pumice, a binder like acrylic gesso or medium, and water. Pumice is the preferred grit among pastel artists and a 1-pound jar of 2F pumice will create a surface that is medium-coarse in texture.

Can you mix pastels with acrylic paint?
If you’re using watercolors or acrylics and want to lighten a certain part, adding a small amount of white or light pastels will be effective. For mixed media purposes, you can add white pastels over watercolors as well as acrylics.

What can I use to blend pastels?
To blend pastels, you can use either a cloth or chamois, but chamois is more efficient. Chamois is a flexible and ultra-soft leather that works well for blending pastel colors. For bigger areas, you can rub or swipe the chamois over the paper surface.

Can you use a paint brush with pastels?
Apply pastel using a brush to blend its pigments and move the color around just like paint. Your initial lines will disappear and transform into brush strokes resembling those made with paint.

Are pastels easy for beginners?
Soft pastels are an ideal artistic medium for novices to experiment with, as they offer a simple approach to producing stunning artwork. Pastels are also ideal for older children to work with, as they will appreciate the vibrant hues and the effortless blending capabilities.