Shading is a vital aspect of drawing that adds depth and dimension to your artwork. When using pastels, the rich pigments and blendable nature make them ideal for creating soft transitions and realistic textures. Here are three diverse examples of shading with pastels that will help you improve your techniques and create stunning effects in your drawings.
In portrait drawing, achieving a realistic skin tone is essential. This technique shows how to blend pastels to create smooth skin.
Begin by selecting a few pastel colors that represent the skin tone you are aiming for. You might choose a light peach, a mid-tone beige, and a darker brown for shadows. Start by applying the light peach all over the area where you want the skin tone. Use gentle strokes for an even application.
Next, layer the mid-tone beige in areas where the skin has more depth, such as under the chin or around the nose. Finally, add the darker brown to the shadowed areas, like the sides of the nose or the hollows of the cheeks.
To blend, use a tortillon or your fingers to gently rub the pastels together, creating a smooth transition between the colors. This method will give the skin a soft, realistic appearance, capturing the light and shadow beautifully.
Notes: Experiment with different color combinations to match various skin tones. Additionally, using a fixative spray can help set your pastels without smudging.
For a more graphic approach, this example focuses on creating dramatic shadows that add intensity to your artwork, such as in a still life.
Start with a simple still life setup, like a round fruit. Choose a vibrant color for the fruit (like red for an apple) and apply it with a heavy hand to create a bold base layer. Next, identify the light source and determine where the shadows will fall. Use a dark pastel, like deep purple or black, to lay down the shadow areas on the opposite side of the light source.
Instead of blending these shadows out completely, leave some edges sharp to create a striking contrast with the bright fruit. Gradually blend the shadow into the surrounding area using a lighter pastel that matches the background. This technique allows the fruit to pop against the backdrop while maintaining a sense of realism with the shadows.
Variations: Try using different colored pastels for shadows. For instance, blue or green shadows can create interesting effects, especially in a colorful setting.
This example demonstrates how to create texture and depth in natural elements like leaves or fur, using a combination of layering and shading techniques.
Start by choosing a range of greens for leaves or browns for fur. Apply the base color generously to your subject. For leaves, a bright lime green works well, while for fur, a warm tan can serve as a foundation.
Once the base is down, begin layering darker shades in the areas where shadows naturally occur. For leaves, use a forest green on the underside or the areas tucked beneath other leaves. For fur, incorporate deeper browns or blacks in the shadowed parts, like between the legs or near the body.
To create texture, use a stippling technique by tapping the pastel lightly on the paper, which can mimic the look of veins in leaves or the texture of fur. Blend lightly using a tortillon or your fingers, but maintain some of the stippled effect for realism.
Notes: Experiment with different pressures while applying the pastels to create varied textures. You can also try adding highlights with a lighter pastel to enhance the three-dimensional quality of your work.
By practicing these examples of shading with pastels, you’ll build your skills and confidence, allowing you to create more expressive and dynamic artwork. Happy drawing!