You can use soft pastels with a brush to create blended and washed effects. Here's how it's done:
The Process of Using Soft Pastels with a Brush
This technique combines the vibrant color of soft pastels with the fluidity of watercolor. The process is straightforward and allows for unique artistic results.
Steps
- Sketch with Pastels: Begin by sketching your image using the soft pastels. Use relatively thick, sweeping, oblique lines. Don't be afraid to be bold with your initial strokes.
- Moisten with a Brush: Next, select the areas you want to work on. Using a damp, not soaking wet, supple paintbrush, moisten the pastel pigments. The moisture will begin to unify the colors, creating a smoother blend.
- Light Wash: If needed, use a very supple brush with water to further dilute the pastel pigments. This creates a light wash effect between the visible lines of your initial pastel strokes, resulting in a watercolor-like texture while still retaining the original marks.
- Control the Water: Pay close attention to the amount of water you're using. Too much water can cause the pastel to lift off the paper or become muddy. A controlled dampness will yield the best results.
- Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different brush sizes and amounts of water. The results can vary, offering a wide range of artistic possibilities.
Why Use This Technique?
- Blending: Easily blend pastels to create smooth transitions.
- Watercolor Effect: Achieve a watercolor-like transparency while still seeing your original pastel marks.
- Unique Texture: Develop a unique texture that combines the richness of pastels with the fluidity of watercolor.
Summary
Here's a quick table summarizing the process:
| Step | Action | Tool(s) | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Sketching | Create an initial drawing with thick, oblique pastel lines | Soft pastels | Foundation for color and forms |
| 2. Moistening | Dampen the pastel pigments with a brush | Damp brush | Color blending and unification |
| 3. Washing | Use additional water to further dilute the pigments | Very supple brush | Creates a light, watercolor-like effect while maintaining original strokes |
| 4. Control | Regulate the amount of water used | Damp brush | Prevents over-dilution and muddiness |
This approach to using soft pastels opens up exciting possibilities for artists. It allows for the blending capabilities of wet media while retaining the vibrant pigments of dry pastels. Remember, practice and experimentation are key to mastering this technique.
