To make pastels with pigments, you primarily need to mix pigments with a binder and water, and sometimes a filler. Here is a breakdown of the process:
Pastel Making Process
The process involves combining pigments with water and a binding agent to form a paste that can be shaped into sticks. The steps are:
Preparing the Pigment Paste
- Mix pigments with distilled water: Begin by creating a paste using the pigments and distilled water. This mixture is the base for your pastel.
- Add filler (optional): You can choose to use pure pigment or mix it with a filler, such as Whiting Chalk. A typical ratio might be 1 part pigment to 2 parts Whiting Chalk. The chalk adds bulk and helps with the pastel's structure and texture.
Combining Ingredients
- Combine paste with gum solution: Next, the pigment paste, whether pure or mixed, is combined with a gum solution. This gum solution acts as a binder to hold the pastel together.
- Crush and mix: The combined mixture is then crushed and thoroughly mixed until it becomes smooth and the pigment is evenly distributed.
Shaping and Drying
- Forming into sticks: Once the mixture is prepared, it is shaped into pastel sticks.
- Drying: Finally, the shaped pastel sticks are allowed to dry completely, solidifying them into usable form.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Pigments | Provide color to the pastels. | Iron Oxide, Cadmium Yellow, Ultramarine Blue |
| Distilled Water | To create a paste for blending | Clean water free of minerals |
| Filler (Optional) | Adds bulk, controls texture, affects the handling. | Whiting Chalk |
| Gum Solution | Acts as a binding agent. | Gum Arabic, Tragacanth |
Conclusion
Making pastels from pigments requires careful mixing and binding to achieve the desired consistency and color. By following these steps, you can create your own set of pastels.
