Hints, Tips & Techniques for Pastels
Pastels, as we know them, have been in use for more than 250 years. The great attraction for artists is the immediacy of pure pigment applied directly to the paper. First popularised by Rosalba Carriera, it is perhaps the drawings of Degas which make pastels so very famous.The earliest pastels were of quite a hard texture but as artists began to use more and more colour, the need for softer pastels increased.
Winsor & Newton Artists’ Soft Pastels provide a perfect balance between brilliance of colour and softness whilst minimising the level of dustiness.
In this hints and tips section you will find in-depth information about how to use pastels along with all you need to know about working with this medium; from colour palettes to how to frame your work along with creating special effects with erasers, you will find something new to try.
Browse through the headings below to find in-depth and illustrated pages of hints and tips.
Surfaces – how to choose the right paper
Colours – palette recommendations for different styles
Mediums - use water colour or acrylic mediums for special effects
Brushes and erasers – discover how to use these tools to enhance your work
Fixatives and framing – how to frame and store your work