Pastels: Mastering their Use

Pastels have been a beloved medium for artists for centuries, offering a unique blend of vibrant color and delicate texture. In this comprehensive guide, we delve deep into the world of pastels, exploring their history, types, techniques, and how to master their use for stunning artworks. Today, we begin a series about the different types of art mediums available today for you to experiment with.  Previously, we explored art movements and art forms and you can see one of those posts here.

A Brief History

This art form can trace its origins back to the Renaissance era, where artists sought a medium that could mimic the softness of chalk but with more vibrant hues. Over the years, pastels have been employed by renowned artists like Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt, who showcased the medium’s versatility and depth.

Types of Pastels

Understanding the different types of pastels is crucial for any artist:

1. Soft Pastels: These are the most commonly used type, known for their intense colors and buttery texture. They blend easily and are perfect for layering.

   

2. Hard Pastels: Harder in consistency, they are ideal for detailed work and sharp lines.
3. Oil Pastels: Unlike soft and hard pastels, oil pastels are bound with oil, making them creamy and great for blending.

   

4. Pencil Pastels: These are pastels in pencil form, perfect for precision and detailed artworks.

Techniques to Master

Pastels are versatile, and with the right techniques, one can create mesmerizing artworks:

• Layering: Start with a light base and gradually add layers to achieve depth and intensity.

            Layering is the foundation of pastel artistry. It involves:

• • Base Layer: Start with a light shade as the base. This sets the tone and mood of the artwork.
  • Middle Layer: Introduce medium shades to add depth. This layer often determines the primary colors of the artwork.
  • Top Layer: Add the darkest shades and highlights. This layer brings out the contrasts and sharpness in the artwork.
  • Tip: Always start with soft strokes and gradually increase pressure for deeper shades.
• Blending: Use your fingers, blending tools, or brushes to merge colors seamlessly.

             Blending is the magic wand in a pastel artist’s toolkit. It involves:

• • Finger Blending: Using fingertips to softly merge colors, creating a smooth gradient.
  • Tortillon Blending: A paper blending tool that offers precision and is ideal for detailed work.
  • Brush Blending: Using soft brushes to blend, especially useful for large areas.
  • Tip: Blend in the direction of the artwork’s flow to maintain consistency.
• Scumbling: This involves rubbing one color over another, creating a unique texture and hue.

            Scumbling is about adding texture. It involves:

• • • Overlaying: Gently rub one color over another without fully blending. This creates a unique hue and texture.
    • Tip: Use a light hand and choose contrasting colors for a mesmerizing effect.
• Feathering: A technique where soft strokes are used to create a feather-like texture.

            Feathering introduces softness. It involves:

• • Gentle Strokes: Use the edge of the pastel stick and lightly drag it across the paper.
  • Directional Feathering: Change the direction of strokes to create wind, water, or hair-like textures.
  • Tip: Maintain a consistent pressure throughout the stroke for uniformity.

Caring for Your Pastels

To ensure longevity:

• Storage: Store in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Use protective cases or trays to prevent breakage.
• Fixatives: Use a fixative spray to protect your artwork from smudging.While not a drawing technique, using fixatives is crucial:
  • Workable Fixative: Allows you to continue working on the artwork after application.
  • Final Fixative: Seals the artwork, protecting it from smudging and external elements.
  • Tip: Always test the fixative on a small section before applying it to the entire artwork.
• Handling: Always handle pastels with clean hands to prevent dirt and oil transfer.

Choosing Quality Pastels

Investing in high-quality pastels can make a significant difference:

• Pigmentation: Opt for pastels with high pigmentation for vibrant results.
• Consistency: The texture should be consistent, neither too hard nor too soft.
• Lightfastness: Ensure that they are resistant to fading when exposed to light.

Learning the use of these versatile little chalk sticks requires patience, practice, and knowledge. By understanding their history, types, and techniques, artists can harness the true potential of this versatile medium. Mastering pastel techniques is a journey of continuous learning and practice. Each technique offers a unique dimension to the artwork, and when combined, they create a symphony of colors, textures, and depths. As artists, we must constantly experiment, practice, and refine our skills to truly harness the potential of our tools. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, embracing pastels can open up a world of creative possibilities.

Here is a video explaining some of these techniques: