Using pastels can be tricky for those just starting out.
Though they can be messy, pastels are an exciting medium to use on a piece of artwork. With pastels, you can do practically anything you would be able to do with pencils and colored pencils such as cross-hatching, blending, shading and adding texture. Many artists avoid pastels due to the possible mess and their own unfamiliarity with the medium. However, pastels allow you to achieve a greater range of colors and blends than you would be able to with any other colored medium.
Instructions
1. Find a subject for your pastel drawing. Landscapes, cityscapes, portraits and still lifes are among some of the subjects that work best. Stick with a subject you have drawn before if you are just starting out.
2. Sketch an outline of the picture on a piece of paper using a regular No. 2 pencil. Draw on grainy paper so the pastel will stick easily. You have the choice to grid your sketch or work freehand. Add enough detail so you can make out each object, but do not go overboard with the initial sketch.
3. Begin filling in your background by working from the top of the page down. Continue to color down the paper until you have reached the subject. Do not color in any more background if you think you run the risk of smearing it with your palm while coloring in the subject. Continue working your way down, filling in both the background and subject as you go.
4. Blend colors by using your finger, a brush or a cotton swab. Note that although using your finger to blend pigments onto the paper is generally a bad idea due to the finger's oily texture, this technique will not be problematic with pastels, which are made up of oils already .
5. Add highlights and shadows to your picture with a pencil. If you desire, use a cotton swab to smear the pastel pigment of the background into the paper lightly to give it a smoother look. Remove any excess pigment with an eraser.
