At their most basic, pastels are sticks of paint held together with binders.While using them is called "painting," due to the effect created by a pastel when it is rubbed on paper, painting with pastels requires very specific techniques that are different from traditional painting.To learn how to paint with pastels, you need to know about the different qualities of the pastels and the types of paper to use.
Step 1: Determine which type of pastels you would like to use.
There are several different types of pastels, oil, hard, soft, and pastel pencils.Oil pastels are made with wax and oil.
Step 2: You can learn more about the types of paper you use.
The paper used for painting is usually softer than the paper that comes in pastels.It's because pastels don't like to stick to a smooth surface.The density and saturation of pastels make them great for working on colored paper.The grain on one side of the paper is made of lines and the other side has a slightly mottled surface.Another type of pastel painting paper is very close to a coarse sandpaper.These can be fun to experiment with.
Step 3: Purchase art supplies at your local store.
Purchase a few pieces of each type of paper and see what you like and don't like about it.Soft pastels, hard pastels and pastel pencils can be used together in a painting.Oil pastels can be hard to blend with other pastels.When buying pastels, keep this in mind.
Step 4: Determine the qualities of your materials.
You should explore the different properties of pastels through experimentation.There is a piece of paper.The lines they make are distinctive.If you pick up a pastel pencil, it will look like a traditional pencil with its detailed strokes.Feel the consistency of the pencil by handling it.If you pull it across a piece of paper, you should be able to see how much is transferred.There is a piece of paper.You can draw it on the paper.On its side, use it on its end.Notice how the lines are different.You can see how these lines differ by pressing firmly and softly.
Step 5: Try to see how pastels interact with each other.
To create clean and distinctive lines on top of other colors, try to blend the colors together.The skills you need to create a painting will be helped by this kind of experimentation.
Step 6: You should experiment with the paper you have acquired.
If you are using loose pieces of paper, it is a good idea to tape it down with masking tape so that you don't have to hold it in place.Look at the tooth of the paper.The paper's tooth indicates how much pastels it can hold.The paper has more teeth to allow more pastel to adhere to it.If you plan to paint several layers on the paper, it is difficult to use it that is too smooth.The paper's color affects the mood of your painting.Pale paper colors give a softer, more subdued effect, while dark red paper adds a warmer glow.
Step 7: If you want to plan out your painting, you should lightly sketch it on your paper.
General figures, objects and buildings should be drawn first.The time is right to figure out where the major elements should go in your drawing.
Step 8: The main areas of color should be laid out.
Pick the main color, which is going to be the largest area of your painting, from your sketch.As you block in shapes, paint with a light touch.If you are sure that the image is laid out correctly, use harder and more definite lines.If you want to keep the area lighter, apply white pastel over that spot.If it's still too dark, get a scraper and repaint.
Step 9: There are more layers of color to build up.
Once you have finished blocking your picture, fill in with heavier strokes.
Step 10: You can blend your colors to get the effect you are looking for.
To make your painting strokes random, add in tiny swirls of color, making sure to texture in the correct direction.Use strokes of a pastel pencil to mix colors and add texture.
Step 11: Blending colors can be finished with your fingers, shapers, or blenders.
This can make your painting look better.Pick up a small amount of pastels on the tip of the blender.The light in an eye can be added with a fine tool, compared to using a pastel pencil.To create softer edges, use a rounded, white eraser.To make the lines fade over the paper, drag the color out in curves.Blending can be done by using packing peanuts.You can lightly blend your colors with packing peanuts.Blending pastels with a packing pellet prevents you from touching the paper with your fingers.
Step 12: Fixative can fix the image you have created.
If the surface is touched, pastels will always be subject to damage.Fixative can be purchased at your local art supply store.You can put your painting in a frame.It will keep your image safe.