What Do I Need to Paint With Pastels

Have you ever gazed at a stunning pastel painting and wondered, “What do I need to paint with pastels?” Perhaps you’re an aspiring artist or simply curious about this medium. Either way, the world of pastels can feel daunting to enter without the right knowledge and tools.

But fear not! With the right guidance, anyone can create beautiful pastel artwork. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about painting with pastels. From choosing the right paper and pastels to mastering techniques like blending and layering, we’ll cover it all.

So whether you’re looking to hone your skills or just starting out on your artistic journey, read on for a comprehensive guide to painting with pastels. Get ready to unleash your creativity and bring gorgeous colors to life on paper.

Essential Materials for Painting with Pastels

Pastel painting is a unique art form that requires specific materials to produce the desired results. Here are some of the essential materials you will need to get started:

Pastels:

Pastels are sticks of pigments held together by a binder. They come in three types: soft, hard, and oil pastels. Soft pastels are the most popular because they have a rich color palette, blend easily, and can be used on various surfaces. Hard pastels have less pigment than soft pastels and produce more subtle tones. Oil pastels contain wax instead of chalk or gum, making them smoother and easier to blend.

Fixatives:

Fixatives help protect your artwork from smudging or fading over time. There are two types of fixatives: workable and final fixatives. Workable fixatives allow you to add more layers of pastel on top without disturbing the layers beneath, while final fixatives provide permanent protection once the painting is complete.

Paper:

Choosing the right paper is crucial for achieving good results when painting with pastels. The best paper for pastel painting should be able to hold multiple layers of pigment, have a rough texture that will grip the pigments, and be sturdy enough not to tear or wrinkle under pressure.

Recommended Papers:

• Pastelmat
• Canson Mi-Teintes
• Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Paper
• Sennelier La Carte Pastel Card

Avoid:

• Smooth papers as they do not hold pigments well.
• Newspaper or printer paper as they are too thin and will tear easily.

Easel:

An easel is essential for supporting your artwork while you work on it. It should be adjustable to different angles, sturdy enough to hold the weight of your paper or canvas, and have a tray to hold your pastels and other materials.

Recommended Easels:

• H-Frame Easel
• A-Frame Easel
• Tabletop Easel

Avoid:

• Flimsy or unstable easels that may tip over.

Choosing the Right Type of Pastels for Your Project

Choosing the right type of pastels for your project can make a significant difference in the outcome of your painting. Here’s what you need to know:

Soft Pastels:

Soft pastels are made by mixing pigment with a small amount of binder. They produce bold colors and blend easily, making them ideal for creating various effects such as shading, blending, and layering. Soft pastels come in different grades ranging from student quality to artist quality.

Student Quality:

• Made with lower quality pigments.
• Limited color range.
• Not as blendable as artist-quality soft pastels.

Artist Quality:

• Made with high-quality pigments.
• A wide range of colors available.
• Very blendable and easy to work with.

Hard Pastels:

Hard pastels are made with more binder and less pigment than soft pastels. They produce more subtle tones and are ideal for creating fine details, lines, and edges. Hard pastels come in various grades ranging from student quality to artist quality.

Student Quality:

• Made with lower quality pigments.
• Limited color range.
• Less blendable compared to artist-quality hard pastels.

Artist Quality:

• Made with high-quality pigments.
• A wide range of colors available.
• Easier to control than soft pastels for creating fine details and lines.

Oil Pastels:

Oil pastels are made by mixing pigment with oil and wax binder. They produce a creamy texture that is easy to blend and mix, making them ideal for creating smooth transitions between colors. Oil pastels can be used on various surfaces such as paper, canvas, or board.

Student Quality:

• Made with lower quality pigments.
• Limited color range compared to artist-quality oil pastels.
• Less vibrant colors than artist-quality oil pastels.

Artist Quality:

• Made with high-quality pigments.
• A wide range of colors available.
• Brighter and more vibrant colors than student-quality oil pastels.

The Best Paper and Surfaces for Painting with Pastels

Choosing the right paper or surface for your pastel painting is crucial for achieving good results. Here are some of the best options:

Paper:

The best paper for pastel painting should have a rough texture that can grip the pigments and hold multiple layers of pigment without smudging or smearing. Here are some of the recommended papers:

Pastelmat:

Pastelmat is a premium paper designed specifically for pastel painting. It has a velvety surface that grips the pigments well and can hold many layers of pastel without smudging. Pastelmat comes in various colors and sizes.

Canson Mi-Teintes:

Canson Mi-Teintes is another popular paper for pastel painting. It has a slightly rough surface that can hold multiple layers of pigment without tearing or wrinkling. Canson Mi-Teintes comes in various colors and sizes.

Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Paper:

Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Paper is an affordable option for beginners or students. It has a medium-tooth surface that can hold multiple layers of pigment without smudging or smearing. Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Paper comes in various sizes.

Surfaces:

Pastels can also be used on other surfaces such as canvas, board, or even sandpaper. However, it’s essential to choose a surface that will grip the pigments well and prevent them from falling off.

Sennelier La Carte Pastel Card:

Sennelier La Carte Pastel Card is a specially designed board with a fine-grain coating that grips the pigments well and prevents them from falling off. It’s suitable for both soft and oil pastels.

Clairefontaine Paint’ON Multi-Technique Pad:

Clairefontaine Paint’ON Multi-Technique Pad is a versatile paper that can be used for various art techniques, including pastel painting. It has a fine-grain surface that can hold multiple layers of pigment without smudging or smearing.

Mastering Techniques and Methods for Painting with Pastels

Pastel painting is a unique art form that requires specific techniques and methods to produce the desired results. Here are some tips to help you master pastel painting:

Layering:

Layering is one of the essential techniques in pastel painting. It involves building up layers of color to create depth and richness in your artwork. Start with light colors first and gradually add darker colors on top.

Blending:

Blending is another critical technique in pastel painting. It involves blending two or more colors together to create a smooth transition between them. Use your fingers, blending tools, or even a paintbrush to blend the colors together.

Hatching:

Hatching involves creating parallel lines with your pastels to create texture and depth in your artwork. Use different colors and line thicknesses to create interesting effects.

Cross-Hatching:

Cross-hatching is similar to hatching but involves crossing two sets of parallel lines over each other at an angle. This creates a cross-hatched effect that can add texture and interest to your artwork.

Blending and Layering Colors with Pastels: Tips and Tricks

Blending and layering colors are essential techniques in pastel painting that require practice, patience, and skill. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve better results:

Use a Light Touch:

When blending or layering colors, use a light touch to avoid damaging the tooth of the paper or smudging the pigments beneath. Apply light pressure at first, then gradually build up more pressure as needed.

Choose Colors Wisely:

When blending or layering colors, choose colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel for a harmonious effect. For example, blend yellow and orange together for a sunny effect, or blue and green for a peaceful effect.

Prevent Smudging:

To prevent smudging, use a fixative to protect your artwork once it’s complete. Alternatively, you can place a sheet of paper over the top of your artwork while working on it to prevent smudging from your hand.

Mistakes to Avoid When Working with Pastels

Pastel painting can be challenging for beginners, but avoiding common mistakes can help you achieve better results. Here are some mistakes to avoid when working with pastels:

Using Too Much Fixative:

Using too much fixative can cause your artwork to become sticky or dull-looking. Use fixative sparingly and only when necessary.

Not Using Enough Layers:

Not using enough layers can result in a flat-looking painting with little depth or interest. Build up multiple layers of color gradually to create richness and depth in your artwork.

Choosing The Wrong Paper:

Choosing the wrong paper can make it challenging to achieve good results with pastel painting. Choose a paper with enough tooth (texture) to grip the pigments well and hold multiple layers without smudging.

Preserving Your Finished Pastel Paintings: Tips and Techniques

Preserving your finished pastel paintings requires proper handling, storage, and framing. Here are some tips and techniques:

Fixatives:

Use fixatives (workable or final) to protect your artwork from smudging or fading over time. Spray lightly from a distance following manufacturer instructions.

Framing:

Frame your artwork under glass to protect it from dust, dirt, and humidity. Use acid-free mats and backing boards to prevent discoloration or damage over time.

Handling:

Handle your artwork with care to prevent smudging or tearing. Wear gloves when handling your artwork to avoid leaving fingerprints or oils on the surface.

Enhancing Your Experience: Tools and Accessories for Painting with Pastels

Using the right tools and accessories can enhance your experience when painting with pastels. Here are some of the recommended tools:

Blending Tools:

Blending tools such as tortillons, blending stumps, or chamois can help you create smooth transitions between colors without damaging the tooth of the paper.

Erasers:

Erasers can be used to remove unwanted marks or mistakes in your artwork. Choose a soft eraser that won’t damage the paper.

Brushes:

Paintbrushes can be used to add texture or fine details to your artwork. Choose brushes with soft bristles that won’t damage the tooth of the paper.

Pastel Holders:

Pastel holders can help you grip your pastels more comfortably and reduce hand fatigue during long painting sessions. They also protect your fingers from getting dirty from pigments while painting.

In conclusion, to paint with pastels, you need a set of quality pastels, paper or surface for pastel painting, fixative spray, and optional accessories like an easel or blending tools. With these basic materials, you can start exploring the versatile and vibrant medium of pastel painting.

Frequently Asked Questions about What Do I Need to Paint With Pastels

Do you need special paper for pastels?
Pastels can be used on any paper that has a rough texture, resulting in a unique finish based on how much pastel the paper can hold. This allows for a variety of different looks to be achieved.

How do you use soft pastels for beginners?
By using your pastel and adjusting the pressure depending on the softness of the pastel, you can create either a wider or more narrow stroke.

How do you prepare a canvas for pastels?
To create surfaces suitable for pastel art, making your own primer is the most economical option. This involves mixing grit, a binder like acrylic medium or gesso, and water. Pumice is a popular choice for grit among pastel artists, and using a 1-pound jar of 2F pumice will result in a medium-coarse surface.

Are pastels easy for beginners?
Soft pastels are an excellent art medium for new artists to experiment with, as they can produce stunning artwork with only a few simple techniques. These pastels are also appropriate for older children, who will enjoy the vibrant colors and the ease with which they can blend together.

Are pastels good for beginners?
Soft pastels are an ideal tool for novice artists as they provide opportunities to learn new techniques, experiment with colors, and enjoy the process of using a new medium. Don’t hesitate to try out these enchanting color sticks as they can enhance any beginner artist’s toolbox.

Do pastels work on canvas or paper?
Pastels can be used on a variety of surfaces, as they are very adaptable. The key is to find a surface with enough texture for the pastels to adhere to. Textured paper is the most commonly used surface for pastels, but boards, canvas, and even sandpaper can also be used.