Soft Pastels

What Are Soft Pastels?

Soft pastels are sticks of pigment held together by a minimal amount of binder. This composition gives them a powdery texture that allows for easy blending and layering on paper. They are an excellent choice for creating soft textures and gradients in drawings.

Differences Between Soft and Hard Pastels

Although both soft and hard pastels are made from similar materials, they differ in texture and usability. Here are some key distinctions:

• Texture: Soft pastels have a crumbly, powdery texture, while hard pastels are firmer and less prone to breaking.
• Blending: Soft pastels blend easily due to their powdery nature. Hard pastels, being less powdery, are more suited for detailed lines.
• Color Intensity: Soft pastels generally offer more vibrant colors than hard pastels due to their higher pigment content.
• Durability: Soft pastels are more fragile and can break easily, whereas hard pastels are sturdier and easier to handle for precision work.

Soft Pastels vs Oil Pastels

Soft pastels and oil pastels are distinct in composition and application. Here are several ways in which they differ:

• Binder: Soft pastels are bound with minimal binder, giving them a powdery texture. Oil pastels use an oil-based binder, making them somewhat similar to oil paints.
• Texture: Soft pastels have a dry, powdery texture, whereas oil pastels are creamy and allow for buttery blending.
• Blending Techniques: Soft pastels can be blended with fingers or tools, while oil pastels are blended more like paints, using tools or even solvents.
• Surface Suitability: Soft pastels require textured surfaces to hold the pigment, whereas oil pastels can be used on a wider range of surfaces, including canvas and smooth paper.
• Final Appearance: Soft pastels offer a matte finish, while oil pastels can have a glossier appearance.

Learning Soft Pastel Techniques

Soft pastels provide artists with a broad range of possibilities for creating vivid and detailed artwork. To take full advantage of this medium, it's essential to learn and practice various techniques.

Basic Techniques for Using Soft Pastels for Beginners

If you're new to using soft pastels, starting with the basics is key. Here are a few foundational techniques:

• Side Stroke: Use the side of the pastel stick to cover large areas quickly. This is especially useful for laying down background colors.
• Hatching: Create texture by drawing closely spaced parallel lines. Crosshatching can add depth.
• Feathering: Lightly dragging the pastel across the paper for soft, subtle lines.
• Stippling: Apply small dots of pastel for a dappled effect.

Advanced Soft Pastel Art Techniques

For those who wish to expand their skills, mastering advanced techniques is a great next step.

• Sgraffito: Scratch through the top layer of pastel to reveal colors underneath, which can create detailed textures.
• Underpainting: Start with a wash of watercolor or diluted pastel to establish a base composition, then build layers with dry pastels.
• Layering: Apply multiple layers of pastel to create richer, more detailed artwork. This technique builds depth and color complexity.

Blending Techniques for Pastels

Blending is an essential skill for creating smooth transitions and depth in soft pastel art.

• Finger Blending: Use your fingers to gently smudge and blend pastels directly on the paper.
• Blending Tools: Tortillons or blending stumps can provide more precision than fingers for detailed areas.
• Brush Blending: Soft brushes can be used to blend pastels subtly, ideal for backgrounds.
• Layered Blending: Apply a base color, blend, then overlay with another color and blend again for complex hues.

Essential Tools and Materials

To fully embrace the vibrant world of soft pastels, having the right tools and materials is crucial. From selecting the right paper to gathering essential tools, each choice influences the final artwork. Let's explore the fundamental supplies you'll need.

Choosing the Right Paper for Soft Pastels

The paper you choose plays a significant role in the outcome of your pastel artwork. Here are some factors to consider:

• Texture: Look for papers with a toothed surface as they hold the pastel better. Textured paper helps in layering colors and achieving rich tonal variation.
• Weight: Heavier paper (at least 160 gsm) is recommended to support the pastel's weight and reduce curling.
• Color: Colored papers can add depth and mood to your artwork. They can enhance or contrast with the pastels, presenting more dimension.

Must-Have Tools for Soft Pastel Art

Beyond paper, several tools can enhance your experience and technique with soft pastels:

• Pastel Holder: Holding small pastel fragments becomes easier, allowing for better control and less wastage.
• Blending Tools: Utilize tools like blending stumps, tortillons, or even soft brushes to merge colors smoothly.
• Fixative Spray: Once your piece is finished, a light layer of fixative can prevent smudging and lock in colors.
• Art Erasers: Specifically designed kneadable erasers can lift pastel with ease and allow for correcting areas.
• Masking Tape: Use it to create clean edges or secure paper to a drawing board.

Maintaining Soft Pastels and Artwork

Proper maintenance of your soft pastels and artworks ensures their longevity and pristine condition. By taking certain precautions, you can protect your materials and preserve your creations.

Caring for Your Soft Pastels

Taking good care of your soft pastels involves storing and cleaning them efficiently. Here are some helpful tips:

• Storage: Keep pastels in a cushioned box. Use individual compartments or separate sticks with padding to prevent breakage.
• Cleaning: To clean pastel sticks, roll them gently on scrap paper or a cloth. This removes the outer dust and restores vibrancy.
• Environment: Store pastels in a cool, dry place to avoid humidity, which can affect their texture and color.

How to Preserve Soft Pastel Art

Preserving your soft pastel artwork keeps it safe from smudging and other damage. Follow these steps:

• Fixative Application: Utilize a fixative spray lightly after completing a piece. Hold the spray at a distance to evenly coat without saturating the paper.
• Framing: Frame artwork under glass to protect it. Use a spacer to prevent direct contact between the pastel surface and the glass.
• Storage: Store unframed artworks flat in a clean area, sandwiched between acid-free materials to prevent bleeding and deterioration.