Yes, you absolutely can use colored pencils on top of soft pastels. This is a common and effective technique for mixed media art.
According to the "Layering and Blending Strategies" reference, "You can use pastel for your base layers and colored pencils for your top layers, or vice versa." This confirms that layering colored pencils over pastel is a recognized method in art practice.
Why Does This Layering Technique Work?
Soft pastels create a rich, often powdery layer on the surface of your paper or board. This layer has a "tooth" or texture that provides something for the colored pencil pigment to grip onto. Colored pencils, especially wax-based or oil-based ones, can then be used to add details, sharpen lines, or add fine layers of color over the softer, broader strokes of pastel.
Using colored pencils on top of soft pastels allows artists to combine the vibrant, blendable coverage of pastels with the precision and detail capabilities of colored pencils.
Practical Tips for Layering
To achieve the best results when using colored pencils over soft pastels, consider these tips:
- Start Lightly: Apply pastel layers with a lighter touch initially if you plan to add extensive colored pencil work. This leaves more "tooth" on the paper for the pencils.
- Apply Pencils Gently: When adding colored pencils over pastel, use a light hand. Pressing too hard can crush the pastel layer or cause smudging.
- Focus on Details: Colored pencils are excellent for adding fine lines, textures, and sharp details that are harder to achieve with soft pastels alone.
- Layer Gradually: Build up colored pencil layers slowly over the pastel, rather than trying to apply heavy coverage all at once.
- Consider Fixative: A light spray of workable fixative can help set the pastel layer before adding colored pencil, reducing smudging. However, test fixatives first, as they can sometimes alter colors.
Common Layering Approaches
Here's a simple breakdown of the techniques mentioned in the reference:
| Base Layer | Top Layer | Effect Achieved |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Pastels | Colored Pencils | Adds detail, fine lines, texture, sharper edges. |
| Colored Pencils | Soft Pastels | Adds soft color washes, subtle blending, coverage. |
Both methods offer unique possibilities for your artwork. Experimentation is key to discovering which approach, or combination, works best for your style and desired outcome.
Using colored pencils over soft pastels is a versatile technique that opens up many creative possibilities for adding detail, texture, and depth to pastel work.
