Tillie Doyle
Pan pastels are a fun and versatile medium for artists to express themselves. They are soft pastels packed in pans, which makes them convenient to carry and use. While they are meant to be used dry on paper, they can also be used like paint and mixed with water. Pan pastels are perfect for underpainting and covering large areas quickly. They can be applied using a variety of tools, including fingers, sponges, and brushes. Artists can mix colours directly on the pan surface or on the working surface. The use of fixatives is optional and depends on personal preference.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application | Using a sponge, pick up the color and apply it to the surface. |
| Mixing | Mix colors on the pan surface or on the working surface (paper). |
| Fixing | Use a workable fixative to seal the layer. |
| Paper Type | Pan pastels work well on dark papers and smooth papers. |
| Underpainting | Pan pastels can be used for underpainting, but some artists prefer not to use them with oils. |
| Tools | Sofft tools (sponges), pastel pencils, and brushes can be used with pan pastels. |
| Erasing | Pan pastel colors can be erased or lightened with an eraser. |
| Layering | Pan pastels can be layered over graphite, colored pencil, charcoal, oil pastel, oil sticks, cold wax, oils, printmaking ink, watercolors, and acrylics. |
| Details | Pan pastels are better suited for larger paintings where detail is less important. |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the surface
Once you have selected or prepared your surface, it is crucial to test the colours of your pan pastels. Swipe the tool across the pan to pick up the colour and then test it on a scrap of paper similar to the one you will be using for your final artwork. This step ensures that you achieve the desired colour and tone before applying it to your main piece.
Before applying pan pastels to your surface, it is recommended to consider using a fixative. A fixative is not necessary, but it can help prevent smudging and protect your work. Workable fixatives are quick-drying sprays that can be applied between layers, allowing you to add additional layers of pan pastels or other mediums. If you prefer a smoother finish, you can use a pastel fixative or varnish to protect your artwork and isolate previous layers of colour.
When you are ready to begin painting hair, prepare your pan pastels by gently picking up the colour with a sponge, brush, or the tool of your choice. You can also use the cover of the pan as a mixing area, especially if you want to create a pastel wash by mixing the pastel with alcohol. Remember that pan pastels are intended to be used dry, so do not mix them with water in the pan.
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Choosing colours
When it comes to choosing colours for painting hair with pan pastels, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to understand that pan pastels are different from traditional pastels in that they can be mixed to create new colours. This means that you are not limited to the colours available in the pan and can create a wider range of shades by mixing them together.
If you are new to mixing colours, it might be a good idea to start with a limited palette. This could be a complementary orange-blue palette, as suggested by Joyce Washor Saltzman, or a palette based on the primary colours: red, blue, and yellow. You can then add secondary colours like orange, violet, and green to create a full spectrum.
Another important consideration is the colour of the paper or board you are using. If you want to achieve pure, clean colours, it is best to use white paper or board. However, if you always paint on toned paper, you can certainly use that for your pan pastel paintings as well. Just keep in mind that the colour of the paper will affect the final hue of your painting.
To create accurate colour charts, you will need paper or board, a cutting mat, an X-acto knife, masking tape, and a plastic scraper. First, decide on the size chart you want to make. Then, choose your master colours and create a separate chart for each one, including all the values of that colour. This will allow you to see how the colour changes when mixed with others and help you choose the right shades for painting hair.
Overall, choosing colours for painting hair with pan pastels involves understanding colour mixing, selecting a limited palette, considering the colour of your paper or board, and creating accurate colour charts to guide your choices.
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Applying the pastel
Pan pastels are designed to be used dry on paper and applied with a variety of tools. You can use the cover of the pan as a mixing area. The pastel powder stays in suspension on the water. You can use a brush to pick up the pastel and mix it with water to create a pastel wash. However, it is important to note that these are not meant to be mixed with water in the pan. If you want to create a pastel wash, take the pastel out of the pan and mix it with alcohol.
PanPastel offers unique application and mark-making options that can be achieved with their Sofft tools, which are sponge tools in different shapes and sizes. They can be cleaned and reused but should be treated gently to ensure longevity. The sponges have a texture and stiffness that works well with the Pan Pastels.
When applying the pastel, gently pick up the colour with your sponge and add it to your surface. You can also use a dry paintbrush to apply the pastel. Colours can be mixed on the pan surface or on the working surface (paper). Pan pastels are also perfect for the underpainting of an image and can be used over wet or dry mediums.
You can create beautiful speckle-like textures by brushing more pigment into a wet wash. These textures will stay once the wash is dry. You can also make some areas darker by dipping the brush directly into the pastel pan and brushing it over the wash while it is still wet.
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Blending colours
When mixing colours, it is recommended to blend colours from the same colour family. For example, you can blend different shades of blue to create a smooth gradient. This allows you to create a variety of shades and tones, adding depth to your artwork.
You can also layer colours on top of each other to create a blended effect. This can be done by dipping your tool into one colour and then another, and then trying out the new colour on a sample space before applying it to your artwork. This method allows you to create unique colours that are difficult to achieve with traditional pastels.
Additionally, you can use tools such as blending soft stubs specifically designed for pan pastels to create soft blends and gradations. These tools can help you achieve beautiful colour transitions and add texture to your artwork.
Finally, it is important to note that pan pastels are semi-transparent, which is another difference from traditional pastels. This semi-transparent quality allows for interesting effects when layering and blending colours, creating a unique artistic style.
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Fixing the pastel
Fixing pastel paintings is necessary to protect the pigments and prevent them from smudging, falling off, or creating dust. There are several methods to fix pastel paintings, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some detailed instructions for fixing pastel paintings:
Aerosol or Spray Fixatives
Aerosol or spray fixatives are commonly used to protect pastel paintings. They create a protective barrier over the artwork, preventing smudging and preserving colours. When using spray fixatives, it is important to follow these steps:
- Ensure you are in a well-ventilated space, preferably outdoors, due to the flammable nature of fixatives.
- Test the fixative on a small area or a test piece before applying it to your final artwork, especially if it is a precious piece.
- Hold the can about 12 inches (30 cm) away from the artwork and at a 40-degree angle.
- Begin spraying in smooth, sweeping motions, using continuous passes.
- Apply multiple thin layers rather than one heavy coat to avoid uneven coverage and potential drips. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next one.
- You can also lay the picture flat and spray into the air above it, letting gravity pull the fixative down onto the surface, creating a thinner layer.
Handheld Clothes Steamer or Iron
Another method is to use a handheld clothes steamer or a household iron filled with distilled water. This technique stabilises the pigment and reduces free-floating dust particles:
- Hold the steamer or iron about two inches above the surface of the artwork. Ensure there is no dripping water.
- The pigment particles will darken and swell with moisture, but the original colour will return as the pigment dries.
- Let the artwork dry completely overnight.
Hairspray
Hairspray can be used as a temporary protective layer for pastel paintings. It is not designed specifically for artwork and may not provide long-term protection:
- Use unscented hairspray and hold the can at a safe distance from the artwork.
- Spray a light mist over the finished piece.
Framing
Finally, framing your pastel painting under glass is essential for its protection. Pastel paintings should always be framed to prevent the pigment from falling off or creating dust:
- Place your pastel painting between sheets of tissue paper, glassine paper, or any other protective material to store it away.
- Use a spacer with everything you frame to avoid smudging or damage during transportation or storage.
Remember, fixing pastel paintings may result in slight darkening or changes in colour. It is important to test and choose the right fixative for your artwork and always follow the instructions on the product label.
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Frequently asked questions
PanPastel Artist Pastels can be used with their own Sofft tools, which are sponge tools in different shapes and sizes. They can be cleaned and reused but should be treated gently. You can also use a dry, synthetic hair paintbrush.
Pan pastels are meant to be used dry on paper and applied with a variety of tools. To apply the pastels, gently pick up the colour with your sponge or brush and add it to your surface. You can also use pan pastels with reservoir brushes, using the cover of the pan as a mixing area.
Colours can be mixed on the pan surface or on the working surface (paper). PanPastel recommends blending with Sofft tools to retain the vibrancy of the colours and avoid mess.
