It can seem like finding old toys when you open a new box of pastels. Each bright stick suggests a delightful mess, bright color splashes, and times when you get an idea out of the blue. If you’re new to pastels, get ready to fall in love with them. They’re a blend of fun discovery and drawing that feels great. Read more here!
Let’s begin with your tools. There are two primary types of pastels: oil and soft. Soft pastels break apart and leave a fine dust on your fingers. They merge nicely with rough surfaces in a wonderfully chaotic way. Oil pastels, on the other hand, glide on with a smooth, waxy feel. Think of them as a crayon that never runs out of color. Don’t be scared by the choices. Choose the one that feels correct and get to work.
The kind of paper you choose is more important than you would think. Copy paper won’t work; pastels need something to hold onto. Pick a textured pastel paper or, if you’re feeling brave, even a piece of sandpaper. This added texture makes it simpler to add layer after layer of rich pigment, which makes each shade stand out.
Do you need a topic for your first project? Fruit is usually a good choice. You can draw apples, bananas, grapes, or whatever else you see in your fruit bowl. Use bright or soft colors, and don’t worry about your subjects moving. Pastels give even the most boring things a bright color and individuality.
A big aspect of working with pastels is mixing colors. Beginners often think their fingers are the best way to blend since they give instant input and control. If you don’t want to make a mess, use a blending stump or a piece of tissue. Sometimes, the best parts start off as “mistakes.” For example, a smudge that looks like it was made by accident could turn out to be your favorite part.
Don’t rush when you add color. Put down darker colors first, then lighter colors on top of them. Let the colors build up slowly, like cooking a lasagna one layer at a time. If it gets a little muddy, don’t worry. You can always brush off the extra or add a new color to make it look new again.
Cleaning up is easy. Don’t bother with the heavy-duty sponges; a light brush will simply get rid of pastel dust. A brief spritz of fixative or a light pass with hairspray will help set the colors so they don’t move about.
It’s typical for your first tests to look more chaotic than you intended. Every artist starts out by making a mess! Enjoy it—listen to your favorite songs, drink some coffee or tea, and enjoy the process of being creative. Letting yourself have fun along the way is where the magic frequently happens.
Are you thinking about joining an art group? You should definitely try it. Classes or hanging out with friends can give you support, feedback, jokes, and fresh ways of looking at things. Don’t keep your early work a secret; show it off with pride! Each artwork is a step in your artistic journey.
Pastel painting is all about having fun and letting go of old norms. Take time to play around, enjoy the happy mess, and show off your own flair. Keep in mind that the sole rule is to have fun and allow your imagination run wild, even if it means going beyond the lines.