Pastels
http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/drawing/pastel-drawings.htm
The term 'pastel' refers to sticks of colour made from powdered pigment bound with resin or gum. Developed in the mid-16th century from coloured chalks used for drawing, pastels first became popular with portrait artists in the 18th century, for their soft atmospheric effects. Typically, pastel is applied dry to paper, allowing the artist to apply colour to a composition from the very beginning, without preparatory line and tonal preparation.
Write the terms and definitions below in your sketchbook
http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/drawing/pastel-drawings.htm
The term 'pastel' refers to sticks of colour made from powdered pigment bound with resin or gum. Developed in the mid-16th century from coloured chalks used for drawing, pastels first became popular with portrait artists in the 18th century, for their soft atmospheric effects. Typically, pastel is applied dry to paper, allowing the artist to apply colour to a composition from the very beginning, without preparatory line and tonal preparation.
Write the terms and definitions below in your sketchbook
- Pastel Paintings - the pastels cover the entire work with little or no paper showing
- Pastel Drawing - the pastels are applied in a way that leaves a lot of paper showing
Types of Pastels
Soft
This is the most commonly used pastel. It has less binder so the colors are brighter. It is easy to blend and smudge, and doesn't require much pressure to apply. Because of its powdery quality, working with soft pastels creates a lot of dust. The end product must be protected with a fixative so that it will not easily smear.
Hard
Hard pastels have more binder and less pigment, and are easy to sharpen. These pastels come in fewer colors and are used to create preliminary sketches.
Pastel Pencils
Pastels can be found in a pencil format which is less likely to break, and is often used with other types of pastels. It allows the artist to create fine lines and details.
Oil Pastels
Created from a combination of fat, pigment and wax, oil pastels have intense colors. They spread thickly on the paper, but don't blend easily. Some artist use turpentine to loosen the pastel making it easy to blend.
Water-Soluble Pastels
These pastels are applied and look like oil pastels. Since they have a water-soluble component, the are blended using water. They also come in fewer colors.
Paper
Tooth
There are pastel papers available for purchase, but any paper with some tooth (texture) will work for pastels.
Pastel paper comes in many colors including light tone, mid-tone, and dark tone. The tones help create color harmonies or contrast the vibrant tones of the chalk. Mid-tones are the most commonly used because they are a good compromise between light and dark.
Other Papers
Here are some other good paper choices: watercolor paper, pastel boards, and canvas. For water-soluble pastels, choose a paper that can withstand getting wet.
Techniques
Soft
This is the most commonly used pastel. It has less binder so the colors are brighter. It is easy to blend and smudge, and doesn't require much pressure to apply. Because of its powdery quality, working with soft pastels creates a lot of dust. The end product must be protected with a fixative so that it will not easily smear.
Hard
Hard pastels have more binder and less pigment, and are easy to sharpen. These pastels come in fewer colors and are used to create preliminary sketches.
Pastel Pencils
Pastels can be found in a pencil format which is less likely to break, and is often used with other types of pastels. It allows the artist to create fine lines and details.
Oil Pastels
Created from a combination of fat, pigment and wax, oil pastels have intense colors. They spread thickly on the paper, but don't blend easily. Some artist use turpentine to loosen the pastel making it easy to blend.
Water-Soluble Pastels
These pastels are applied and look like oil pastels. Since they have a water-soluble component, the are blended using water. They also come in fewer colors.
Paper
Tooth
There are pastel papers available for purchase, but any paper with some tooth (texture) will work for pastels.
- Smooth Paper - Won't hold pigment
- Medium Tooth - Allows for layering and blending
- Very Rough - Colors won't blend
- Gessoed Paper - Apply a thin coat to help colors stick (optional)
- Thick Paper - Prevents paper from ripping
Pastel paper comes in many colors including light tone, mid-tone, and dark tone. The tones help create color harmonies or contrast the vibrant tones of the chalk. Mid-tones are the most commonly used because they are a good compromise between light and dark.
Other Papers
Here are some other good paper choices: watercolor paper, pastel boards, and canvas. For water-soluble pastels, choose a paper that can withstand getting wet.
Techniques
http://www.artistsnetwork.com/ articles/crucial-pastel- painting-techniques-for -beginners-liz-haywood-sullivan
SIDE OR TIP - For large areas, use the side of the pastel. The edge of the pastel stick can create thin lines. http://www.ehow.com/video_ 12223836_pastel-fixative-techniques.html
FIXATIVE - Value gradation can be created from a uniform color by applying workable fixative. Spray the fixative close to the paper sweeping it across the pastel moving away from the paper as you go. Add multiple layers to darken the pastels. https://themilkmangoestocollege. wordpress.com/2012/12/13 /techniques-with-pastels/
FEATHERING - Light lines are loosely scribbled across the paper in short lines. This creates a light textured layer over another color. These lines often follow the contours of the object. |
http://www.cansonstudio.com /pastel-colour-blending- and-shading-dry-pastels
BLENDING - Fingers (called smudging), a paper tortillion (for small details), or a cloth are all great tools for blending. http://www.explore-drawing- and-painting.com/pastel- techniques-2.html SCUMBLING (GLAZING) - The broad side of a soft pastel is lightly dragged over an existing base layer. Use up to 2 colors over a base color to prevent colors from becoming over-mixed or muddy. The base color can be sprayed with a workable fixative to preserve it. http://www.magpienest.org/ category/bird-by-bird/?pg=5
SGRAFFITO - Lines are scratched into the surface of oil pastels or water-soluble pastels |
http://kemstudios.blogspot.com/ 2012/04/secret-to-effective -layering-with.html
LAYERING - Building up layers to create depth and the illusion of depth. http://paintbasket.com/studios /blog/2010/07/10/the-basics-of-pastel-drawing/
HATCHING/CROSS HATCHING - Hatch lines are grouped parallel lines. Cross hatch lines are sets of parallel lines layer in different directions on top of each other. |