Pastels are delightful tools that allow artists to create rich, vibrant colors and textures. But what if we told you that combining pastels with other mediums could unleash a whole new world of creativity? Let’s dive into three playful and practical examples of combining pastels with other mediums that will make your art pop like never before!
Imagine a dreamy landscape painted with soft pastels and flowing watercolors. This technique is perfect for creating ethereal backgrounds or whimsical illustrations. To start, create a base layer using watercolor on your paper. Let it dry completely. Once dry, use soft pastels to add layers of color on top, blending them gently with your fingers or a blending stump. The beauty of this combination lies in the transparency of the watercolor, which allows the vibrant pastels to shine through without overwhelming the scene.
In this example, a serene sunset sky can be beautifully rendered by using watercolor for the sky’s gradient and then layering pastels for the clouds, giving them a fluffy, textured look. Finish it off with some silhouettes in pastel for contrast.
Notes: Experiment with different paper types; watercolor paper works best for this technique due to its texture. You can also try adding a splash of white gouache for highlights!
Here’s a fun twist: combine the fluidity of ink with the softness of pastels! This combination is perfect for those who love to create striking illustrations or mixed media pieces. Start by sketching your design with ink—think bold lines and intricate details. Allow the ink to dry thoroughly (you don’t want any smudges ruining your masterpiece!). Then, use soft pastels to add color to different areas of your illustration.
For instance, create a vibrant garden scene where the flowers are outlined in black ink, and the pastel colors bring them to life. The stark contrast between the ink and pastel can create a dynamic visual experience that draws the viewer’s eye.
Notes: Use waterproof ink to prevent bleeding when applying pastels. You can also layer different pastel shades for depth and drama!
Charcoal and pastels make an intriguing duo! This combination is fantastic for creating dramatic portraits or moody landscapes. Start with a charcoal sketch to lay down your composition. The intense black of charcoal provides a strong foundation. Once you’ve established your shapes and shadows, use pastels to fill in colors and highlight areas.
For example, when drawing a portrait, use charcoal for the contours of the face and pastels to add skin tone, hair color, and background details. The result? A stunning contrast that adds depth and dimension to your artwork.
Notes: Experiment with layering; charcoal can be smudged for soft transitions, and pastels can be used to build up vibrant highlights. Remember to fix your artwork with a spray fixative to prevent smudging!
By combining pastels with these other mediums, you can explore new textures, contrasts, and effects that will breathe life into your art. So grab your pastels and let your creativity run wild! Happy creating!