You use water-soluble pastel crayons by drawing on paper first, then applying water with a brush to dissolve the pigment and create washes of color.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Drawing with Water-Soluble Pastels
- Apply Directly to Paper: Use the pastel crayons to draw directly onto your chosen paper. Experiment with different pressures for varying pigment intensity.
- Covering Large Areas: For larger areas, use the side of the pastel stick. This will cover more surface area quickly and evenly.
- Blending: You can blend colors directly on the paper by layering them on top of each other. The water will further blend them later.
- Experiment: Try different techniques like hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling to create textures and tonal variations.
Activating with Water
- Wet Your Brush: Dip a clean brush into water. Use a flat, wide brush or a wash brush for larger areas, and smaller, detail brushes for finer work.
- Apply Water: Gently apply the wet brush to the pastel marks. The water will dissolve the pigment, creating a paint-like effect.
- Washing Technique: When covering large areas, work the water across the surface with a sweeping motion from edge to edge without stopping to avoid hard lines or uneven washes.
- Control the Water: Use more water for lighter washes and less water for more intense color. You can also lift the pigment with a clean, damp brush to create highlights or correct mistakes.
- Layering: Allow each layer of wash to dry before applying another to prevent muddiness. You can build up layers of color and value.
Tips and Considerations
- Paper Choice: Use paper that can handle water, such as watercolor paper or mixed media paper.
- Experiment with Techniques: Explore different water application methods, like spraying with a water bottle or using a sponge.
- Fixing: Once your artwork is dry, you can use a fixative spray to protect the pastel surface from smudging.
- Blending: Water-soluble pastels blend beautifully with water, offering smooth gradients and soft edges.
- Practice: Like any art medium, practice is key to mastering water-soluble pastels. Experiment with different techniques and materials to discover your own style.
By drawing with the pastels and then activating them with water, you can unlock a wide range of artistic effects, from delicate washes to vibrant, painterly textures.
