Unlocking the Magic: A Comprehensive Guide to Painting with Pastels

Pastels, often referred to as dry painting, offer a unique and vibrant medium for artists of all skill levels. Their rich pigments and velvety texture allow for expressive mark-making and stunning visual effects. However, mastering pastels requires understanding their properties, techniques, and the right materials. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start creating beautiful pastel paintings.

## What are Pastels?

Pastels are essentially pure pigment held together by a binder, such as gum arabic or methyl cellulose. The quality and quantity of pigment determine the pastel’s vibrancy and lightfastness. There are several types of pastels, each with its own characteristics:

* **Soft Pastels:** These are the most common type, known for their intense color and soft, buttery texture. They contain a high concentration of pigment and less binder, making them easy to blend and layer. However, they are also the most fragile and produce a lot of dust.
* **Hard Pastels:** Hard pastels have a higher binder-to-pigment ratio, making them firmer and less prone to crumbling. They are ideal for drawing fine lines, adding details, and creating underpaintings. Brands like Nupastel or Cretacolor are popular.
* **Pastel Pencils:** These are pastels encased in wood, offering precise control and clean handling. They are perfect for intricate details, outlines, and sketching. Popular brands include Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel pencils and Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils.
* **Oil Pastels:** Although they share the name “pastel,” oil pastels are fundamentally different. They use an oil-based binder, resulting in a creamy, waxy texture that doesn’t produce dust. They don’t blend as easily as soft pastels, and require different techniques.

## Essential Materials for Pastel Painting

Before you begin, gather the necessary materials:

* **Pastels:** Invest in a good quality set of soft pastels, hard pastels, and pastel pencils. Start with a basic range of colors and expand your palette as you gain experience. Consider purchasing individual sticks to replace colors you use frequently.
* **Pastel Paper:** Choosing the right paper is crucial for pastel painting. Look for paper specifically designed for pastels, which has a textured surface (tooth) to grip the pigment. Common options include:
* **Sandpaper:** This provides an extremely rough surface for maximum pigment adhesion. It is ideal for layering and creating textured effects. Brands like UART are favored.
* **Velour Paper:** Velour paper has a soft, velvety surface that creates rich, luminous colors. It’s particularly well-suited for portraits and landscapes. However, it doesn’t allow for much layering.
* **Pastel Boards:** These are rigid supports coated with a textured surface. They are durable and allow for multiple layers of pastel.
* **Tinted Paper:** Choose paper in a color that complements your subject matter. Tinted paper can create a harmonious background and enhance the colors of your pastels.
* **Easel:** An easel provides a stable and comfortable surface for working. A studio easel is ideal for larger paintings, while a portable easel is convenient for plein air painting.
* **Blending Tools:** While you can blend pastels with your fingers, using blending tools can prevent smudging and create smoother transitions. Options include:
* **Tortillons:** Tightly rolled paper stumps used for blending small areas.
* **Blending Stumps:** Similar to tortillons but larger and firmer.
* **Chamois Cloth:** A soft, absorbent cloth for lifting off excess pastel and blending large areas.
* **Foam Applicators:** These are useful for applying and blending pastel in a controlled manner.
* **Fixative:** Fixative is a spray that helps to adhere the pastel particles to the paper, preventing smudging and preserving your artwork. Use it sparingly, as excessive fixative can dull the colors.
* **Kneaded Eraser:** This type of eraser is soft and pliable, allowing you to lift off pastel without damaging the paper. It’s also useful for creating highlights.
* **Workable Fixative:** Unlike final fixative, workable fixative can be applied during the painting process to set layers of pastel without completely sealing them. This allows you to continue working on the painting.
* **Dust Mask:** Pastel dust can be harmful if inhaled. Wear a dust mask to protect your lungs.
* **Gloves (Optional):** If you prefer to keep your hands clean, wear gloves while working with pastels.
* **Storage Container:** A storage container with individual compartments will help you keep your pastels organized and prevent them from breaking.
* **View Finder:** A viewfinder can help you compose your scene by isolating a section of the landscape or still life.

## Setting Up Your Workspace

Creating a well-organized workspace is essential for a smooth and enjoyable painting experience. Here are some tips:

* **Choose a well-lit area:** Natural light is ideal, but if that’s not possible, use artificial lights that mimic daylight.
* **Protect your work surface:** Cover your table or desk with paper or a drop cloth to prevent pastel dust from staining it.
* **Arrange your pastels:** Organize your pastels by color in a way that makes them easy to access. You can use a pastel box, a tray, or even an egg carton.
* **Keep your tools within reach:** Place your blending tools, erasers, and fixative nearby so you don’t have to interrupt your work to find them.
* **Ventilation:** Ensure adequate ventilation to minimize the inhalation of pastel dust. Open a window or use an air purifier.

## Basic Techniques for Pastel Painting

Once you have your materials and workspace set up, you can start exploring the basic techniques of pastel painting:

* **Applying Pastel:**
* **Side Stroke:** Hold the pastel stick on its side and apply it to the paper with a broad, sweeping motion. This is useful for covering large areas quickly.
* **Tip Stroke:** Use the tip of the pastel stick to create fine lines and details.
* **Layering:** Build up your painting by applying multiple layers of pastel. Start with lighter colors and gradually add darker colors.
* **Hatching:** Create texture and value by drawing parallel lines close together.
* **Cross-Hatching:** Overlap hatching lines in different directions to create darker values.
* **Scumbling:** Apply pastel in a scribbled, circular motion to create a textured effect.
* **Blending:**
* **Finger Blending:** Gently blend the pastel with your fingertip to soften edges and create smooth transitions. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can muddy the colors.
* **Tortillon/Blending Stump:** Use a tortillon or blending stump to blend smaller areas and create more controlled transitions.
* **Chamois Cloth:** Use a chamois cloth to lift off excess pastel and blend large areas.
* **Erasing:**
* **Kneaded Eraser:** Use a kneaded eraser to lift off pastel and create highlights. You can also shape the eraser to create different effects.
* **Hard Eraser:** Use a hard eraser for removing small areas of pastel.
* **Fixing:**
* **Workable Fixative (during process):** Apply a light coat of workable fixative between layers to prevent colors from blending together too much and to help secure the pastel to the paper.
* **Final Fixative (after completion):** Apply a light, even coat of fixative to your finished painting to protect it from smudging. Hold the can at a distance of about 12 inches and spray in short bursts. Be careful not to over-apply, as this can dull the colors. Applying fixative in multiple light layers is much better than one heavy coat.

## Step-by-Step Pastel Painting Example: Simple Landscape

Let’s create a simple landscape painting to illustrate the techniques we’ve discussed.

**Step 1: Sketching the Composition**

Using a hard pastel pencil or charcoal, lightly sketch the basic shapes of your landscape. Include the horizon line, trees, hills, and any other prominent features. Keep the sketch simple and avoid adding too much detail at this stage.

**Step 2: Applying the Underpainting**

An underpainting helps to establish the values and color harmony of your painting. Choose a pastel color that complements the overall mood of your landscape. For example, you might use a light blue for a sunny day or a warm brown for a sunset scene. Apply the pastel with a side stroke, covering the entire surface of the paper.

**Step 3: Blending the Underpainting**

Use a chamois cloth or your fingers to gently blend the underpainting. This will create a smooth, even base for your subsequent layers of pastel.

**Step 4: Adding the Sky**

Using soft pastels, begin to add the colors of the sky. Start with lighter colors, such as light blue and white, and gradually add darker colors, such as dark blue and violet. Blend the colors together to create a smooth gradient.

**Step 5: Painting the Hills**

Using soft pastels, add the colors of the hills. Start with lighter colors, such as light green and yellow, and gradually add darker colors, such as dark green and brown. Use a combination of side strokes and tip strokes to create texture and depth.

**Step 6: Adding the Trees**

Using pastel pencils or hard pastels, add the details of the trees. Use a variety of greens, browns, and blacks to create texture and form. Pay attention to the direction of the light and shadow.

**Step 7: Adding Details and Highlights**

Using pastel pencils, add any final details and highlights to your painting. Use a kneaded eraser to lift off pastel and create highlights.

**Step 8: Applying Fixative**

Once you are satisfied with your painting, apply a light coat of fixative to protect it from smudging. Hold the can at a distance of about 12 inches and spray in short bursts. Let the fixative dry completely before handling your painting.

## Tips for Success

* **Start with a simple subject:** Choose a simple subject, such as a still life or a landscape, to practice your pastel techniques.
* **Work from light to dark:** Build up your painting by applying lighter colors first and gradually adding darker colors.
* **Don’t be afraid to experiment:** Try different techniques and materials to find what works best for you.
* **Practice regularly:** The more you practice, the better you will become at pastel painting.
* **Keep your pastels clean:** Wipe your pastels with a soft cloth or paper towel after each use to prevent them from becoming contaminated with other colors.
* **Protect your finished paintings:** Store your finished paintings in a portfolio or frame them under glass to protect them from smudging and damage.
* **Learn color theory:** Understanding color theory will significantly enhance your ability to create harmonious and visually appealing pastel paintings.
* **Use references:** Don’t be afraid to use photographs or other references as inspiration for your paintings.
* **Attend workshops and classes:** Taking workshops and classes can provide you with valuable instruction and feedback from experienced pastel artists.
* **Join a pastel art group:** Connecting with other pastel artists can provide you with support, encouragement, and inspiration.
* **Vary Pressure:** Experiment with the amount of pressure you apply to the pastel stick. Light pressure will create soft, delicate marks, while heavier pressure will create bolder, more intense marks.
* **Layering Techniques:** Explore different layering techniques, such as blending layers together for smooth transitions or leaving layers separate for a more textured effect.
* **Value Studies:** Practice creating value studies before starting a full-color pastel painting. This will help you plan the tonal range of your painting and ensure that your values are accurate.
* **Compositional Considerations:** Pay attention to the composition of your paintings. A well-composed painting will be more visually appealing and engaging to the viewer.
* **Embrace Mistakes:** Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are a valuable learning opportunity. Experiment with different techniques and approaches, and learn from your errors.
* **Observe Nature:** Spend time observing nature and paying attention to the colors, textures, and forms that surround you. This will help you develop your artistic eye and improve your ability to capture the beauty of the natural world in your pastel paintings.
* **Graded Washes:** Practice creating graded washes by applying a thin layer of pastel and then blending it out to create a smooth, gradual transition from light to dark.
* **Dry Wash:** This technique involves using a soft brush to blend pastel dust across the surface of the paper. It can be used to create soft, atmospheric effects.
* **Lifting Out:** Use a kneaded eraser or a soft cloth to lift out areas of pastel, creating highlights or correcting mistakes.
* **Sgraffito:** This technique involves scratching through a layer of pastel to reveal the layer underneath. It can be used to create interesting textures and patterns.
* **Impasto:** Apply thick layers of pastel to create a textured, three-dimensional effect. This technique works best on a sturdy support, such as pastel board.
* **Consider Local Color vs Perceived Color:** The ‘local color’ is the actual color of the object without any influence from light, shadows, or reflections. The ‘perceived color’ is how the color appears under specific lighting conditions.
* **Embrace the Underpainting:** Think of the underpainting as the foundation of your pastel painting. A well-executed underpainting can simplify the process of applying subsequent layers of pastel.
* **Explore Different Surfaces:** Experiment with different pastel papers and surfaces to discover which ones you prefer and which ones are best suited for your painting style.
* **Study the Masters:** Look at the works of master pastel artists, such as Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt, and Odilon Redon, to learn from their techniques and approaches.

## Conclusion

Pastel painting is a rewarding and versatile medium that offers endless possibilities for artistic expression. By understanding the properties of pastels, mastering basic techniques, and practicing regularly, you can unlock the magic of this captivating medium and create beautiful works of art. So, gather your materials, set up your workspace, and start exploring the world of pastel painting today!