Hints, Tips & Techniques for Pastels - Mediums
Mediums designed for other media can be used for Pastels to create different effects. Click on the headings to find out more:
Using acrylic texture gels and colours
Using water and gum Arabic
Mixing media
Using Acrylic Texture Gels and Colours
Textured acrylic mediums, modelling paste and acrylic colours can be used as underpaintings for pastel. The added texture breaks up the colour surface visually and gives the pastel something to stick to.
For experimental techniques pastel can be crumbled into wet mediums which will act like a glue. Remember, the medium on its own will dry clear, leaving only the additive texture showing. Mix acrylic colours into the mediums first if you want texture and colour.
Using Water and Gum Arabic
Pastel can be moved around on the paper by using water. The wet brush will drive the pastel particles into the paper and a blending effect will be left on the paper when the water has dried.
If you want to work with heavier layers of pastel, try a drop of Gum Arabic in the water. This will help the pastel to stick to the paper once the water is dry. Don’t use too much or the pastel will dry glossy.
Mixing Media
Pastel can be successfully combined with any water based mediums or colours. Colourful effects are achieved by using the paints on heavy water colour paper with the pastels on top.
Avoid the use of thick layers of acrylic as you will find the pastel won’t stick very well. This can be resolved by mixing the acrylic with a little Clear Gesso Base first, this will give it some tooth and then the pastel will adhere better.
