Notes

Pastel Painting: An Ode to the Soft and the Sublime


Oh, the whimsy of He Xie Fen Cai ! If paints were like music, pastels would be the soft ballads that pull at your heartstrings. There's a story told in the art circles about Edgar Degas. Rumor has it that he once said, "Pastels? They're only magic sticks! Okay, I might have made that up. If he hadn't said it, then he should have, right?






What is the deal with Pastel Paintings?

If you've never tried your hand at pastel painting, boy are you in for a treat. the tingology I remember my first pastel experience - and what a mess I made! Pastels can be compared to the rebel of the paint world. It's a dance between oil paintings and pencil sketches.


Diving into the Pastel Spectrum

Soft pastels? Like butter melting on a hot summer day, they melt and blend like a dream. But let me warn you, if you're a neat freak, soft pastels will test you. Hard pastels, on the other hand? The older, more serious sibling. Perfect for those of us (yes, me included) who can't keep within the lines. Oil pastels are a completely different animal - they're like coloring with lip gloss. Smooth, bold, and oh-so-vivid!


You're welcome to my mistakes and tips

Okay, let me share some of my blunders and what I've learned:


Surfaces matter: What was your first impression? I tried using printing paper. Bad idea. It's best to use pastel paper or board.

The Easel Fiasco: I thought I was too cool for an easel. But after getting pastel dust everywhere (including my cat), an easel is now my best friend.

Dress the part: Wear something that you don't care if it gets dirty. Pastels don't care about your white shirt!

Sort of Organize: Pastels all over? Have you been there? I have a system that uses old ice cube trays. It's odd but works!


Technique Adventures

Here's where you can let your hair down and experiment!


The same as making a sandwich with pastel colors! Then, just layer one color over another and voila! Depth!

Blending: I mix like a DJ. Blending can be done with brushes, fingers, or those fancy blending sticks. Whatever gets you going.

Scumbling: No, it's not a fancy dance move. You lightly drag one color over another. Pure magic!

Sgraffito: Not to be confused with an espresso. Scratching the surface is all you need for some undercover fun.


Join the Pastel Party

Every artist I know who's dived into pastels has a tale to tell. From coffee spill disasters to unexpected masterpieces, it's a ride. So, if you're thinking about joining the pastel party, remember: it's not just about the art. It's all about the laughs, the oops, and the magic you can create when you let yourself go. Salutations to pastels, unsung heroes in the world of art!
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