Don’t think consider dipping your toe. Start straight away in pastel painting using both hands! Many people hear “pastels” and think vivid sidewalk scribbles or old-fashioned portraits, but these buttery, colorful sticks have much more behind them. And if you’re interested in 和諧粉彩, that soft, harmonic technique used in Japan, you’re starting someplace quite inspirational. More hints!

Let us start with layering first. Pastels want to mix; they are not shy. Holding a few chalky sticks, lightly layer one over another. Rather than sloppily applying color like peanut butter, build it gradually. Start in your lightest colors and tiptoe into darker tones, mixing as you go. Trust your fingertips; occasionally, they are the finest “brush” you own.

Speaking of blending, here’s a trick: avoid depending simply on your fingers. For gentler transitions, use cotton swabs, sponges, even bits of tissue paper. Some artists swear by those unusual small eyeshadow applicators; they are affordable and really work great! Every instrument generates a different effect.

Dust control is not glamorous anymore, but it is still vital. Pastel colors are well known for flying all around. To eliminate extra before adding fresh layers, tap your work lightly. If you can, work straight forward; gravity helps prevent undesired stains.

A pastel work may be ruined or enhanced by value and contrast. Squint your subject. Look where shadows pool and where light strikes. First sketch those patterns using a gray or blue pastel to map shadows. Add colors only once you’re satisfied with your forms. Trust me; this approach avoids subsequent headaches.

Let’s start with surfaces; paper is really important! Textured papers grip pigment and allow you build layers high; smooth surfaces are forgiving. Particularly popular for such brilliant, deep hues are sanded papers. Experiment; if you want, tear up an old grocery bag and scribble on it. You may find the outcomes surprising.