3 Ways To Make The Most Of Pastels

By Robert Sutter


When it comes to the softest methods of art out there, pastels have to rank pretty highly. These tools can be put to use in order to create softer images, bringing various colors together in order to create the most aesthetically pleasing pieces of art possible. However, what if you are new to this and require assistance in order to make the most out of this particular endeavor? If you would like some help on the matter, here are 3 tips that are worth your attention.

1. Hold the pastel in your hand as if you would hold a pencil. While the shape of a pastel might be worlds apart from a pencil, the ability to go about this can actually help to make whatever it is that you are trying to create stand out that much more. This will allow you to have a much greater level of control when it comes to your pastel, enabling you to create both thin and thick lines alike. You will soon learn that your whole arm will become involved in pastel art.

2. In order to mix pastels together, you have to be mindful. Painting seems to have the edge over this, in terms of ease of use, since you can easily mix colors together before you apply them to whatever surface it is that you are working with. It's an entirely different story when it comes to working with pastels but I feel like a greater variety of moods can be created as a result. For extra help in terms of blending, a sheet of tissue paper can't hurt.

3. One of the biggest variables to consider, as far as your pastels are concerned, is the surface that they might be applied to. This is especially important when given the fact that pastels usually do not work well with smoother surfaces, which means that you have to look for rougher textures. These, on the other hand, prove especially effective as far as pastel artistry is concerned. While a seemingly small difference, at first place, it can tremendously alter the landscape of what it is that you are trying to create.

I can only hope that these tips will be able to help you understand how to go about pastel artistry as effectively as possible. It's clear that this particular endeavor is a fulfilling one for many artists but I am sure that artists will be able to make the most of it if they have certain tips put into place. Every single element matters, in this regard, whether it's the surface used as a canvas, the way that pastels are used for drawing, or what have you. These tips, in the long run, should prove useful.




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