Cody Casey
PanPastel Artists’ Pastels are professional-grade soft pastels that come in stackable pans. They are easy to use and produce vibrant colours. When layering Pan Pastels, it is recommended to start with a thin layer and gradually add more to create depth. You can also add layers of different colours to create custom blends, highlights, and shadows. To apply the pastel, you can use tools such as Sofft sponges or inexpensive makeup sponges, swiping them over the pan surface a few times to pick up the colour and then gently applying it to your project in circular motions. For blending, you can use Sofft tools with a stencil to work on small areas and gain more control. Additionally, consider using sanded paper, such as LuxArchival, as it allows the pastels to stick well and creates a nice effect.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Sofft tools, sponges, stencils |
| Paper | Sanded paper, LuxArchival, Canson Mi-Teintes, Pastelmat, Somerset Velvet, Seawhite, Stonehenge, Pastelbord, cartridge paper, coloured papers with a non-glossy surface |
| Techniques | Use thin layers, add layers of other colours to create custom blends, highlights and shadows, use a colourless blending powder, mix colours on the pan surface or working surface, use with coloured pencils |
| Tips | Use a fixative to seal layers and prevent dusting, use workable fixative to seal Pan Pastel to the page, use varnish or sealant for UV protection, use a fine mist sprayer to avoid heavy droplets, spray several times while you work, use higher wax content pencils in areas you don't want to smudge |
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What You'll Learn
Using a stencil
Choose your materials:
Select a suitable stencil for your desired design. You can find a variety of stencils online or in craft stores. Pan Pastels, a versatile and fun medium, come in a range of vibrant colours. Choose the colours that best suit your design and the type of paper you will be using. Watercolour paper is a popular choice for its thickness and ability to take pan pastel colours well.
Prepare your background:
Before applying your stencil, you may want to create a coloured background. For instance, you can start with a layer of white pan pastel pearl medium or metallic colours to create a shine. Then, add lighter colours of pan pastels to the background, blending them to create your desired effect.
Apply the stencil:
Place your chosen stencil on the surface of your project. If you wish to add texture, apply modelling paste, crackle paste, fibre paste, or moulding paste evenly through the stencil. You can also use other types of pastes or mediums, such as watermark ink, to create different effects.
Colour and blend:
Using Sofft tools, gently blend the pan pastels onto the stencil design. Start with lighter colours first, as it is harder to lighten the pan pastels once darker colours are applied. Work in small areas and use circular motions to gain control over the blending process. You can create interesting effects by pairing pan pastels with watermark ink or using them on black paper.
Final touches:
Once you are happy with the colouring and blending, spray the artwork with workable fixative to seal in the pan pastels. You can then add additional elements, such as phrases or journaling, using tools like a Sakura Gelli pen.
Using pan pastels with stencils offers endless possibilities for creating unique and beautiful artwork. Experiment with different colours, papers, and techniques to discover the endless creative opportunities that this medium provides.
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Layering with other colours
When layering with other colours, it's important to remember that Pan Pastels are great for both large blocks of colour and creating details on your piece. The variety of tools available can help with this process. Using Sofft tools with a stencil is a great way to learn how to gain control by working in small areas. The more familiar you become with your tools, the easier blending will be.
When using darker colours, adding some white Pan Pastel to the background first can brighten it so that the darker, more intense colours stand out. This technique can be especially striking on black paper.
You can also create greater depth by adding layers of other colours to add custom blends, highlights, and shadows to your surface. For example, to create a soft green, grassy background, you can start by adding Extra Dark Green in layers and then add highlights with Bright Yellow Green.
Pan Pastels can be mixed with coloured pencils for a mixed media effect. When using coloured pencils over Pan Pastels, the Polychromos brand is recommended for softer blending. Higher wax content pencils will not blend as softly, but they can be used over areas you don't want to smudge as much.
To create intermediate colours, you can mix colours like you would with paint. Colours can be mixed on the pan surface or directly on your working surface.
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Paper choice
When it comes to layering pan pastels, the choice of paper is crucial. The paper should be suitable for the pastels to stick well and allow for layering. Sanded papers are a popular choice for this purpose, as they hold the pastel well and enable multiple layers. For example, brands such as LuxArchival offer archival and acid-free sanded paper, ensuring the longevity of your artwork.
Additionally, the texture of the paper plays a significant role in the layering process. A smoother paper surface will result in fewer layers, while a slightly rougher texture, like that of sanded paper, will provide better adhesion for the pastel and facilitate more layers. If you're seeking a smooth blend, pastel sticks might not be the best option due to their slightly gritty nature.
PastelMat paper is another option that strikes a balance between texture and smoothness. It has just enough texture to hold multiple layers without being too rough on your fingers during blending. Alternatively, you can experiment with different types of paper, such as black or white paper, to create unique effects. For instance, using watermark ink on black paper can create a stunning contrast, especially with lighter-colored pan pastels.
The choice between black and white paper also influences the visibility of blending marks. White paper tends to make these marks more noticeable, and using a Pan Pastel Colorless Blender can help achieve a smoother blend. On the other hand, black paper can be paired with lighter-colored pan pastels to create shine and interesting textures.
Lastly, the paper size is another consideration. If you're working on a detailed piece, a smaller paper size might be preferable. Conversely, for pieces with a base tone or large areas of color, opting for a larger paper size will provide ample space to work with.
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Varnishing
When working with PanPastels, it is important to seal your work to prevent smudging and damage. This is especially important if you plan to add layers on top of the pastels, such as spray inks or brush paint.
One popular method for sealing PanPastels is to use a varnish. There are several types of varnish that can be used, including DecoArt Media Ultra-Matte Varnish and Krylon varnish. To use a varnish, it is typically applied in multiple thin coats, rather than one thick coat. For example, when using the DecoArt Media Ultra-Matte Varnish, it is recommended to mix half water with half varnish in a small spray bottle, shake well, and then spray a light mist over your artwork. Allow the first coat to dry before spraying a second coat. Test to see if the PanPastels smudge, and if they do, apply another coat of varnish.
It is important to note that the use of varnish on pastel artwork can darken or change the colours. This is a common issue with sealants on soft pastels. Therefore, it is recommended to test the varnish on a small area or practice piece before applying it to your final artwork.
Another sealing method that does not involve varnish is to use an acrylic polymer liquid (PVA) mixed with water. This method involves spraying or brushing the mixture onto the artwork in multiple layers. However, this method can also alter the colours and values of the pastels, so a good understanding of colour theory and the interaction between the pastels and PVA is necessary for successful results.
Whichever sealing method you choose, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary precautions to protect your work.
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Blending with pencils
Pan pastels can be used as an underpainting for coloured pencils. They are semi-transparent and can be applied thinly, so they won't interfere with the coloured pencils applied over them. They can be mixed like oils to create interesting effects.
When blending pastel pencils, you can use a paper stump, a finger, or soft tools to blend the colours together. You can also use pastel pencils alongside soft pastels for a mixed media effect. You can try different hues of the same colour first to get a feel for how you’d like to blend your colours, starting with blues and greens to oranges and reds.
For layering, you can layer a pastel pencil over another. Try laying down a lighter colour first before adding thin, linear lines like cross-hatching to create a thin overlay on top. This will create an optical blend, where the eye will blend the colours together, rather than on the paper.
It is important to use the right type of paper for pastel pencils. Pastel pencils require toothier paper, such as sanded paper, as they don’t have a binding agent to help them stick to the paper. Artists rub pastels into the tooth of the paper to make them stick. Lightly coloured paper will also help to show off your highlights and compliment the soft colours of your pastel pencils.
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Frequently asked questions
Sofft tools are recommended for applying Pan Pastels. These tools come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including sponges and knives, and can be used like paintbrushes to create different strokes and patterns.
Swipe the Sofft tool over the Pan Pastel surface once or twice to pick up the colour. Apply it to your desired surface as you would with paint. Remember, overloading the tool with too much colour can create excess dust.
Yes, Pan Pastels work well with coloured pencil drawings and can add unique effects to your artwork. They can also be used for underpainting before using other mediums like watercolour or alcohol. Additionally, you can draw stick pastels over Pan Pastels, but the reverse may not work as smoothly.
To create depth, add thin layers of Pan Pastel colours gradually. You can also mix and blend colours directly on your working surface to create custom highlights and shadows. Using Pan Pastels on black paper can create a striking effect, especially when combined with white Pan Pastel in the background to make darker colours stand out.
