Portfolio: Beginning Pastel

Tips and Techniques for Learning to Paint in Pastel

Paul Pigram

• Publisher: Walter Foster Publishing
• Year: 2017
• Print ISBN: 9781633221949
• eBook ISBN: 9781633224285
• Topic: Art
• Subtopic: Art Techniques

Beginning Pastel guides beginning artists through an exploration of pastel techniques and step-by-step projects for acomprehensive and approachable overview of the vibrant pastel medium.

Pastels are a unique tool, and Beginning Pastel is the perfect introductory resource for artists just getting started in this colorful medium. Before jumping into the step-by-step projects, this book covers choosing the right paper, pastels, and colors, to basic techniques like blending, gradating, and masking. Each stroke and technique is clearly explained and beautifully illustrated. After learning the key concepts, you’ll promptly put them into practice through simple step-by-step exercises. With pastel often considered an advanced medium, Beginning Pastel makes the tricky task of drawing in pastel accessible and achievable for any artist.

The Portfolio series covers essential art techniques, core concepts, and media with an approach and format that’s perfect for aspiring, beginning, and intermediate artists.

Also available from the series: Beginning Acrylic, Beginning Drawing, Beginning Watercolor, Beginning Colored Pencil, Beginning Color Mixing, Expressive Painting, Beginning Color Mixing, Beginning Pen & Ink, and Beginning Composition.

Mastering
WHAT YOU'VE LEARNED

Introduction

Now let’s put your newfound skills into practice with eight painting projects. The projects here are divided into four sections covering spring, summer, fall, and winter. These projects will give you the unique opportunity to try the techniques you’ve read about and create your own beautiful pastel paintings.

Each project uses a color palette of 16 half-stick soft pastels, but feel free to choose your own colors if you prefer. Beginning here, you’ll find eight black-and-white drawings that you can copy and trace to begin each painting project. Try freehanding the sketches if you prefer not to trace—anything goes!

USING THE BLACK-AND-WHITE DRAWINGS

Each project has a corresponding black-and-white drawing. Carefully follow the step-by-step instructions below to create an outline of the composition, or sketch out your own drawing.

1. Copy the drawing onto lightweight paper.

2. Rub a dark pastel across the entire reverse side of the image.

3. Tape the drawing onto the sanded card.

4. Use a pen to lightly trace the image.

5. Peel off the black-and-white drawing to reveal your outline. Trace over the image with a soft black pastel pencil if it looks too light.

Starting with Spring

The Laburnum Arch in Wales' Bodnant Garden features beautiful flowers in spring, when it becomes a vast, vibrant cascade of golden yellows and greens. Try creating your own pastel painting of this gorgeous springtime scene, or use these tips whenever you paint flowers and trees.

COLOR PALETTE

Peach pink, dark brown, mid-brown, pale pink, dark green, mid-green, light green, golden yellow, mid-yellow, pale yellow, bright blue, mid-blue, pale blue, dark purple, mid-purple, and white

When beginning a pastel artwork, start with a loosely drawn subject. Gently outline where you want to place each element.

Layer in certain details with the flat side of a pastel. Also add shadows and light. Create flower stems using downward strokes across the page. Using the side of a pastel, distribute flowers under the trees, and use the chisel edge of a darker shade to place bushes and flowers on the sides.

tip

THE LIGHTER YOUR HAND IS, THE MORE EFFECTIVE THE SHADING WILL BE.

Use the chisel edge of a paste...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Contents
• Introduction
• Getting Started
• The Elements That Make Up a Painting
• Mastering What You’ve Learned
• About the Author
• Copyright