How to Use Pastels

Pastels? They're awesome for any artist, no matter their skill level. Unlike paint, pastels are pure color. They're held together with just a little bit of glue. This gives you intense colors and a cool texture. Want to learn pastels? Or get better? This guide is for you. You'll learn what you need to create beautiful pastel art.

Understanding Pastels: What's Out There?

Before you start, it helps to know your pastels. There are different kinds. Knowing them helps you pick the right ones for your art. So, let's dive in!

Soft Pastels

Soft pastels are super popular. Why? They're colorful and creamy. They have lots of color and not much glue. This makes them easy to blend. And layer. But... they're also fragile. And they make dust.

Pros:

• Intense colors!
• Easy to blend.
• Great for layering.
• Creates a velvety feel.

Cons:

• Breakable! Be careful.
• Dusty.
• Can be pricey.

Hard Pastels

Hard pastels have more glue than color. This makes them firm. They're good for details and lines. Need to sketch something out first? Hard pastels are your friend. They give you more control.

Pros:

• Stronger. Less likely to break.
• Less dust!
• Perfect for lines and details.
• Cheaper than soft pastels.

Cons:

• Not as colorful as soft pastels.
• Harder to blend.

Pastel Pencils

Pastel pencils? Best of both worlds! You get the control of a pencil and the color of pastels. Great for details. And outlines. The wood keeps them clean. Easy to use, too.

Pros:

• Fantastic for details.
• Precise.
• Less messy.

Cons:

• Fewer colors to pick from.
• Might cost more than hard pastels.

Oil Pastels

Okay, technically not real pastels. But they're often grouped together. They use oil. Not glue. Oil pastels are creamy. And vibrant. They're permanent. No need for fixative! Use them for painterly effects.

Pros:

• Bright colors!
• Lasts forever. No fixative needed.
• Easy to blend. Versatile.

Cons:

• Hard to layer.
• Messy!

What Else Do You Need?

Besides pastels, you'll need some tools. These will make your art better. Here's a list:

• Pastel Paper: Important! This paper has texture. It grips the pastel. Sanded paper? Velour paper? Pastel board? All good.
• Easel: Helps you work at an angle. Keeps dust off your art.
• Blending Tools: Stumps? Tortillions? Your fingers? Use them to smooth pastels.
• Erasers: Kneaded erasers lift pastel without hurting the paper. Vinyl erasers? For more erasing power.
• Fixative: Spray it on to keep the pastel from smudging. Use it lightly. In a well-aired room.
• Workable Fixative: Want to add more layers after fixative? This is for you.
• Sharpeners: For pastel pencils. Use a sharpener for soft leads. Avoid breakage!
• Dust Mask: Protect your lungs from dust. Especially with soft pastels.
• Gloves: Keep your hands clean. (Optional).

Let's Draw! Pastel Techniques

Got your stuff? Good. Let's learn some techniques.

1. Sketch It Out

Start with a light sketch. Get your shapes right. Use a hard pastel or pencil. Keep the lines light. They'll be covered anyway.

2. Block In Colors

Start filling in the big color areas. Use the side of the pastel. Broad strokes. Focus on shapes. Not details. Yet.

3. Layering and Blending

Layering is key. Add layers to build color. And depth. Blend them with your fingers. Or tools. Work dark to light. Add highlights last.

4. Hatching and Cross-Hatching

Hatching? Parallel lines. Cross-hatching? Lines that cross. Use these for shadows and texture.

5. Scumbling

Scumbling is scribbling. Short, messy strokes. Great for leaves. Or fur.

6. Lifting and Erasing

Use a kneaded eraser. Dab it. Lift pastel. Create highlights. Fix mistakes. Vinyl eraser for harder corrections.

7. Fixing It

Happy with your drawing? Spray it with fixative. Hold the can about a foot away. Short bursts. Don't overdo it. It can darken the colors.

Tips and Tricks

Want to get better? Here are some tips:

• Good Air: Pastel dust is bad for your lungs. Open a window.
• Wear a Mask: Protect yourself from the dust.
• Try Different Papers: See how they change the look of your pastels.
• Clean Your Pastels: Wipe them with a cloth. Keep the colors clean.
• Experiment! Try new things. Colors. Techniques. Find what you like.
• Practice! The more you draw, the better you get.

Advanced Stuff

Ready for more? Let's try some advanced techniques.

Underpainting

Paint something first. Watercolor? Acrylics? Even a pastel wash. This gives you a base. Then, add details with pastels.

Glazing

Thin layers of pastel. On top of other layers. This changes the color. And adds depth.

Sgraffito

Scratch through a layer of pastel. Show the layer underneath. Creates cool textures.

Values

Values are light and dark. Understanding them is important. It makes your drawings realistic. Practice value scales.

Get Inspired!

Need ideas? Here are some resources:

• Books: Look for books on pastel techniques. And color theory.
• Online Help: YouTube is full of tutorials.
• Workshops: Learn from experienced artists.
• Art Museums: Study the masters.
• Online Groups: Share your art. Get feedback.

You Got This!

Pastel drawing is fun. And expressive. You can do so much with it. Learn the techniques. Practice. And you'll create amazing art. Don't be afraid to try new things. Explore. Find your own style. Enjoy the colors. The textures. Have fun!

And keep learning new art techniques. Keep pastel drawing!