Emilie Meyer
Pan pastels are a type of soft pastel packed in pans, which makes them convenient to carry. They are meant to be used dry on paper and can be applied with a variety of tools such as sponges, brushes, and palette knives. To apply, gently pick up the colour with your chosen tool and add it to your surface. You can also mix colours, either on the pan surface or on your working surface, to create new shades. It's important to note that while pan pastels can be used with water to create interesting textures, they don't mix well with water and are intended to be used dry. To protect your artwork and prevent smudging, you can use a workable fixative, which is a quick-drying spray that seals the pastel layer.
Characteristics and Values of Pan Pastels
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paper Choice | Use sanded paper for better adhesion. |
| Tools | Use Sofft sponges or soft tools for application. |
| Technique | Move in a circular motion when adding colour. |
| Colours | Start with lighter colours and move to darker colours. |
| Blending | Use coloured pencils with pan pastels for blending. |
| Fixative | Use workable fixative to seal the layer. |
| Erasing | Pan pastel colours are erasable with any eraser. |
| Prints | Avoid making prints larger than the artwork. |
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What You'll Learn
Using fixatives to prevent smudging
Fixatives are essential when using pan pastels to prevent smudging and seal your artwork. Workable fixatives are quick-drying sprays that can be applied in between layers of pan pastels. They are designed to be applied during the creation process, allowing you to continue working on your piece without disturbing the previous layers. Workable fixatives are typically used in well-ventilated areas due to their strong odour, and they dry within an hour.
There are various types of fixatives available, each with unique characteristics, such as drying time, odour, and level of smudge protection. Some popular options include the Sennelier Latour Spray Fixative, which provides adequate smudge protection after two coats, and the Winsor & Newton Professional Fixative Medium, which offers good smudge resistance after one coat and even better protection after two coats.
When choosing a fixative, it is important to consider the level of smudge protection you require and whether you need water resistance. For example, the Royal Talens Concentrated Fixative Spray provides good smudge protection after three coats but has moderately poor water resistance.
Additionally, some fixatives may darken pastel colours, so it is recommended to test them on a small area first. SpectraFix, for instance, does not darken pastel colours as long as it is applied in very light layers.
Applying fixatives correctly is crucial to achieving the desired results. It is recommended to spray your artwork several times during the creation process to ensure better long-term adhesion of the pastels to the paper. Using a fine mist sprayer can help prevent heavy droplets and ensure an even application.
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Applying colour to a surface
Pan pastels are packed in pans and are designed to be used dry on paper. They can be applied with a range of tools, including Sofft sponges and brushes. When using a Sofft sponge, gently pick up the pan pastel and apply it to your project in a circular motion. Be careful not to swipe the pan's surface too much, as this will generate excess dust and overload the sponge. You can use the same sponge for several colours, but be sure to wipe it on a dry paper towel between colours.
You can also use brushes to apply pan pastels, but be aware that they may knock the pastel off the paper, especially if used on areas with coloured pencil. A small mop brush can be useful to soften areas that are primarily pan pastels.
Pan pastels can be used on different types of paper, such as sanded paper or watercolour paper. Sanded paper is a popular choice because the pastels stick to it well. You can also experiment with using pan pastels on different papers, as demonstrated by artist Lynn Howarth, who has used them on Fabriano Artistico hot press watercolour paper, Fisher 400 sanded paper, and Canson Mi-Teintes.
When applying colour, it is recommended to start with lighter colours and move to darker colours, as it is harder to lighten pan pastels than to darken them. You can create depth and variation by using different shades of the same colour or by mixing colours on the pan surface or directly on the paper.
If you want to create interesting textures, you can mix the pan pastel powder with water. Dip your brush directly into the pastel pan and then into the water to create a wash. This will result in a wash with a bit of unevenness and interesting textures. You can also dip your brush directly into the pastel pan and paint areas of the wash darker while it is still wet.
To seal in the pan pastel and prevent smudging, you can use a workable fixative. Spray your work with the fixative once you are happy with the blending. This will also help the pastels adhere to the paper better in the long term.
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Blending colours
When blending colours, it is best to use colours from the same colour family. For instance, you can blend Phthalo Blue Extra Dark, Shade, Pure and Tint to create a range of blue shades. You can also use the white and black mediums to tint colours and create dark shades, respectively.
To create a smooth and even blend, it is important to use a workable fixative. This will help seal the layer and prevent smudging. You can use a fine mist sprayer to apply the fixative evenly and avoid heavy droplets. It is also suggested to spray your work several times while you work to ensure the pastels adhere better to the paper in the long term.
Additionally, you can mix and blend pan pastel colours like paint to create a complete painting palette. This allows you to achieve a wide range of colours and effects, from soft pearl sheens to shimmering sparkles. With pan pastels, you can easily correct or remove colours using any eraser, making the blending process more forgiving.
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Using stencils
Preparing the Pan Pastels
Before you begin stencilling, it's important to prepare your pan pastels and work surface. Swipe the Sofft Tool over the pan surface once or twice to lift the colour—be careful not to swipe too much, as this will generate excess dust. You can use the same tool for multiple colours, just be sure to wipe it on a dry paper towel between colours.
Creating the Background
To create a colourful background, apply the pan pastel to your chosen surface, such as watercolour paper or fabric. You can use different colours and blend them together, creating depth and highlights. Once you're happy with the background, spray it with a workable fixative or sealant to seal in the pastel and prevent smudging. You can use products like DecoArt Media Ultra-Matte Varnish, mixing it with water and spraying it lightly over the surface, letting it dry before adding another coat if needed.
Now it's time to add your stencilled images. Place your chosen stencil on the surface and secure it in place. You can use modelling paste, crackle paste, fibre paste, or moulding paste to apply the pan pastel colours through the stencil. Evenly spread the paste over the stencil, being careful not to disturb the background media. Let this dry completely, which may take several hours or overnight depending on the humidity.
Adding Details
To add interesting textures and details, you can use watermark ink with your pan pastels. This technique works on both black and white paper, creating unique effects. You can also experiment with different types of paper, such as thicker watercolour paper or pastel paper, to achieve varying results.
With these steps, you can create beautiful and creative artwork using pan pastels and stencils. Remember to always seal your pan pastel creations, especially if you plan to layer other media on top, to ensure your artwork stays smudge-free and long-lasting.
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Erasing and lightening
Pan pastels are a fun and versatile medium to work with. They are soft, highly pigmented pastels that come in a pan format. They are not oil-based but have a chalk-like feel. One of the advantages of using pan pastels is that they can be erased or lightened, allowing for corrections and adjustments to be made.
When using pan pastels, it is important to choose the right type of paper. Sanded paper, such as LuxArchival, is a popular choice as it allows the pastels to stick well and creates a nice texture. It is also important to consider the tooth or texture of the paper, as this can affect the ease of erasing and lightening. Some papers may be more difficult to erase on, but it is still possible to lighten the pastel application.
To erase pan pastels, it is recommended to use a kneaded eraser or a piece of soft crustless bread. Lightly tap or rub the surface to remove the pastel, being careful not to apply too much pressure. If needed, sharpen the end of the eraser to a point for removing small details. Alternatively, a paintbrush can be used to sweep away pastel particles, or a knife or utility blade can be used to scrape away thick layers of pastel. It is important to note that traditional erasers should be avoided, as they can rub the pigments into the paper.
In addition to physical erasing, lightening can also be achieved by spraying the artwork with a workable fixative. This helps to seal the pastel layer, allowing for additional layers of pan pastels or other mediums to be added on top. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area when using fixatives and to allow adequate drying time.
When lightening pan pastels, it is generally easier to start with lighter colours and gradually build up to darker shades. This way, if adjustments are needed, it is simpler to lighten an area than to remove a large amount of colour. Blending can be done directly on the pans or on a separate piece of paper, and tools such as Sofft sponges and soft tools can be used for precise or loose applications.
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Frequently asked questions
Pan pastels can be applied using special applicators shaped as traditional brushes, sponges, or soft tools.
Pan pastels work best on sanded paper.
Yes, pan pastels can be used with traditional soft pastels and coloured pencils.
Pan pastels are meant to be used dry, but you can create interesting textures by mixing the powder with water.
Use a workable fixative to seal the pan pastels to the paper.
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