Pastels (Oil & Chalk) Cheatsheet
Types of Pastels
| Pastel Type | Description | Characteristics | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chalk (Soft) Pastels | Powdery, vibrant, blendable | Soft texture, dusty, fragile | Fine art, blending, layering |
| Hard Pastels | Firmer, less powdery | More control, less dust | Detail work, underdrawing |
| Oil Pastels | Creamy, waxy texture | Rich colours, water-resistant | Bold strokes, mixed media |
| Pan Pastels | Soft pastel in pan form | Easy blending, no dust | Large areas, soft effects |
Essential Tools & Materials
| Tool/Material | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pastel Paper | Textured surface to hold pigment | Canson Mi-Teintes, sanded papers |
| Fixative Spray | Prevents smudging | Use workable and final fixative |
| Blending Tools | Fingers, blending stumps, brushes | For smooth transitions |
| Erasers | Kneaded or vinyl for corrections | Gentle on pastel surface |
| Palette Knives | Mixing and layering oil pastels | For texture and effects |
| Gloves & Aprons | Keep hands clean | Optional but recommended |
Techniques for Chalk Pastels
| Technique | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Layering | Building colour depth by applying multiple layers | Start light, build gradually |
| Blending | Smoothing edges and colours | Use fingers or blending stumps |
| Sgraffito | Scratching surface to reveal layers | Use pointed tools or knives |
| Feathering | Light strokes to create texture | Use short, quick movements |
| Dusting | Applying soft powdery colour | Use brush or sponge |
Techniques for Oil Pastels
| Technique | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Scumbling | Applying broken colour layers | Use light pressure |
| Blending | Smooth transitions using fingers or solvents | Use odorless mineral spirits |
| Impasto | Thick application for texture | Use palette knife or thick strokes |
| Sgraffito | Scratching to reveal layers | Scratch gently with tools |
| Mixed Media | Combine with acrylics or charcoal | Experiment with layering |
Paper Types & Suitability
| Paper Type | Surface Texture | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Textured Pastel Paper | Rough, toothy surface | Chalk pastels |
| Sanded Paper | Very abrasive texture | Holding thick pastel layers |
| Watercolour Paper | Heavy, textured | Mixed media with oil pastels |
| Bristol Board | Smooth surface | Detail work with hard pastels |
| Canvas | Primed for pastels | Oil pastel paintings |
Common Problems & Solutions
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Pastels crumble/dusty | Soft texture, overuse | Use fixative, layer gently |
| Colours dull after fixing | Fixative too strong or incompatible | Use pastel-specific fixatives |
| Difficulty blending oil pastels | Too cold or dry hands | Warm hands, use solvents |
| Smudging chalk pastels | No fixative applied | Apply workable fixative |
| Pastels not adhering well | Paper too smooth or oily | Use textured or sanded paper |
Care & Preservation
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Store flat | Prevents cracking and smudging |
| Use fixative sprays | Protects artwork from smudging |
| Frame under glass | Protects from dust and damage |
| Avoid direct sunlight | Prevents fading |
| Handle carefully | Use gloves or clean hands |
Popular Pastel Project Ideas
| Project | Pastel Type | Skill Level | Time Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portraits | Chalk or oil pastels | Intermediate-Advanced | Several hours to days |
| Landscapes | Chalk pastels | Beginner-Intermediate | 1-4 hours |
| Still Life | Oil pastels | Intermediate | 2-6 hours |
| Abstracts | Both types | All levels | Varies |
| Greeting Cards | Chalk pastels | Beginner | 30 min - 1 hour |
Learning Resources
| Resource Type | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Books | “Pastel Techniques” by [Author] | Detailed techniques and projects |
| Online Tutorials | Video demos and courses | YouTube, Skillshare, others |
| Workshops | Local art schools and studios | Hands-on experience |
| Communities | Online pastel forums and groups | Support and inspiration |