Sketchbook: Pastel and Pen
I've always been afraid of pastels and suppose it's because I never received a formal introduction. They remain a mystery to me. Bought a book years ago - still afraid. Picked up a set of pencils. Afraid.
Have you been challenged by a technique? Feel comfort with the knowledge that I probably have you beaten as it only took around 20 years to put pencil to paper.
Now, I know that I'm not using official pastel paper but having laid down a layer of matte acrylic paint, I figured it had enough tooth. With my unschooled eye, I think the tooth was sufficient.
I'm not quite getting the process of layering. Do you go dark to light or light to dark? I opted to go with the former and had an issue getting a lighter layer on top. (missing fixative will do that) Hence, the white gel pen. Hey. It's my journal and if I want to break a rule or two, I will.
Still...
A question to you pastelers (pastelists?) out there. Dark to light or light to dark?
Materials:
I used a regular mechanical pencil for sketching and generic acrylic craft paint as well.
I've never used pastels for the same reason, just find it so daunting to learn a new medium! I think what you've created is really beautiful, the colour palette is sublime!
ReplyDeleteKelly | MYFAIRPIXEL
Thanks, Kelly. At first I said that's it for me but I think I'll give it another go.
DeleteQuite a nice painting. Love your background. Is it paint or pastel?
ReplyDeleteHi Jane! Thanks. The background was painted in with cheapo acrylic craft paints - the ones you find in a bottle for about $1 each. :)
DeleteLori, I think this is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!
ReplyDeleteI love the colors, and although I know nothing about sketching, painting, etc., I would say you have this mastered, and if not, you have surely created a beautiful work of art.
Beautiful, Lori! I used to use soft pastels a lot and love them. I used the pencils along with the soft ones, and it was easier to get coverage of highlights with the soft. What you did came out perfectly!
ReplyDelete