You’re staring at a blank canvas and a box full of pastels. What do you start with? You’re standing at the bottom of a steep mountain and wondering how you will ever get to the top. Everyone starts somewhere. Let’s embark on The Tingology Harmony Pastels colorful adventure together.
Get comfortable with the materials you’re using. Pastels come in different forms–soft, hard, oil-based. Each pastel has its own charm and quirks. Soft pastels can be messy but are good for blending. Hard pastels can be more vibrant, but are less precise. Oil pastels? Buttery goodness that doesn’t fully dry.
Imagine that your pastel sticks are magic wands. You can use them to create everything from subtle whispers of colour to bold statements on paper. Try them out! Play around with them! Scribble, smudge or layer. There’s no need to rush.
It’s not only metaphorical when we talk about pressure. The difference between pressing pastels hard or softly is huge. Light strokes produce soft hues, while heavy pressure produces vibrant colors.
We’ll talk about blending, because that’s when the magic happens. Mix colors on paper using your fingers, blending stumps, or tissues. New shades will appear like treasures that are waiting to be found.
Underpainting is a trick that can be used to create a beautiful effect. It’s derived from other styles of painting, but it works great here as well! Use acrylics or watercolors to create a base layer before adding pastels. This will add depth and dimension to your pastels that a pure pastel might not be able to achieve.
Let’s now tackle a problem that every artist has to face: mistakes! It’s inevitable that smudges will occur; mistakes in lines may also happen. Pastel colors are forgiving. The kneaded eraser can remove unwanted marks from your work without damaging the surface.
Have you heard of fixatives before? These sprays will help your pastels to not smear everywhere once you are done. But be careful, too much will dull the vibrant colors that we all love.
Think about balance and composition as you progress. Imagine that you are composing music. Each element should harmonize while allowing the key parts to shine as solos.
It’s not just for artists with brushes that color theory is important. Complementary colors, or those opposites on the color wheel, create striking contrasts which draw the viewer’s eye instantly.
Texture is another important element in creating artwork that sings, or shouts! The use of different textures in a single piece will keep it interesting for those who are looking at it from a distance or up close.
If you’re wondering if there are shortcuts to improve quickly, here’s a spoiler: Practice is the key! Joining an art community will provide you with valuable feedback and inspiration on your journey.
Remember those times when learning was difficult, like riding a bicycle or solving algebraic problems. And remember how persistence eventually paid off? Keep pushing past frustrations, because often breakthroughs are just beyond!
Enjoy yourself, and that’s the most important thing. Art shouldn’t be stressful. It’s an expression that reflects who we are from the inside out. Celebrate small victories, laugh at mistakes and cherish those moments when everything comes together perfectly.
Are you ready? Grab your pastel sticks once more. They’re calling for a new adventure!