Pastel drawing is a beautiful way to create soft, vibrant portraits that capture the essence of your subject. With a unique blend of color and texture, pastels can bring your artwork to life. In this article, we’ll explore three diverse examples of pastel techniques specifically designed for portrait drawing. Each technique will help you develop your skills and express your creativity. Let’s dive in!
In this technique, layering multiple colors of pastels builds depth and realism in your portrait. This method is especially useful for creating skin tones and adding dimension to facial features.
Start with a light sketch of your subject’s face on textured pastel paper. Choose a base color for the skin tone and apply it lightly over the entire face using a soft pastel stick. Next, add layers of darker shades to define the shadows around the eyes, nose, and cheekbones. Blend the colors using your fingers or a blending stump to soften harsh lines, creating a seamless transition between shades. Finish by adding highlights with a lighter pastel to the areas where light naturally hits the face, such as the forehead, nose, and cheekbones.
For variation, experiment with different color combinations for diverse skin tones. You can also use a pastel pencil for finer details, like eyelashes and hair strands, giving your portrait more life and precision.
Sgraffito is a fun and creative technique that involves scratching into the pastel layer to reveal the colors underneath. This technique is perfect for creating textures in hair and clothing, adding a unique element to your portrait.
Begin by applying a base layer of color to your portrait. Once you have a solid layer down, use a sharp tool, like a craft knife or a palette knife, to gently scratch into the pastel. You can create fine lines for hair or more extensive patterns for fabric. The key is to be gentle; too much pressure can tear the paper.
After scratching, enhance the scratched areas by layering more pastel on top, allowing some of the underlying color to show through. This adds depth and interest to your portrait. Try using contrasting colors for a striking effect or a monochromatic palette for a more subtle look.
While pastels are vibrant and easy to work with, they can be smudged or damaged easily. This technique focuses on using fixative to preserve your work, ensuring your portrait remains as beautiful as the day you finished it.
After completing your pastel portrait, allow it to dry completely. Take your fixative spray—available at most art supply stores—and spray a light mist over the artwork from a distance of about 12 inches. This will help set the pastel while maintaining its color vibrancy. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
For an added layer of protection, consider framing your artwork under glass after applying the fixative. This not only preserves your portrait but also enhances its visual appeal. Remember to test your fixative on a scrap piece of paper before applying it to your finished work to ensure compatibility with your pastels.
These examples of pastel techniques for portrait drawing can elevate your artwork and help you express your artistic vision. Whether you’re layering colors, experimenting with sgraffito, or using fixatives, each technique offers unique possibilities. Grab your pastels, and let your creativity flow!