Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Pastel Painting

I like using pastels because it is closer to drawing than using oils or water colors and I love to draw. Then I end with a painting. It is also very satisfying to sketch with good pastel pencils.  

Here is a pastel painting that I just finished. I started it last summer while on the Rail Trail in Sterling and completed it in my studio. I very often work like that. 

Lake View on the Rail Trail
Pastel on Canson Mi-Teintes Paper - 16x20 unframed


Pastels are made from powered pigment using a binder. There are soft pastels and oil pastels. I use soft pastels which are easily blended. I start out with Rembrandt pastels: they are harder than other brands and makes the initial drawing easy. After my basic composition is done I go to a softer brand. Right now I'm using Winsor & Newton but I understand that W&N has discontinued their pastel line. Disappointing. I had wanted to add some colors to my basic collection and I do like their pastels. 

Have never had a desire to use oil pastels. Always thought I'd rather just oil paint which, as a matter of fact, I've recently been teaching myself to do. 


Posted by at

5 comments:

  1. Joseph LawlerMarch 20, 2014 at 9:09 PM

    I like that one -- very classic E.D.E. Also, very classic New England.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMarch 22, 2014 at 11:33 AM

    Dear Elizabeth,

    First, thank you for creating this blog! And your work is just what I like- honest, traditional, and respectful of natural beauty. We artists tend to be isolating, but deep down we truly do appreciate sharing our joys, sorrows and sufferings with each other. I write now with a suggestion for you: if possible, when you post a piece you're working on or completed, could you let us know the dimensions and perhaps also the paper or surface you've used?

    I have a BFA in Illustration, its use put on hold to raise a family and homeschool, but pray for the day I can return in whole to that love. (All in God's time...) I try to keep a mental file of new products and techniques to try, so your sharing that info would be of interest to me.

    NY Mom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethMarch 22, 2014 at 7:02 PM

      Dear NY Mom, Thanks for your lovely comments. I know what you mean about artists isolating themselves. Am trying to fight that. Your suggestion regarding size and materials.is a very good one. I will measure this piece next time I'm at my studio and post all the info together.

      Delete
  3. priest's wife - S.T./ Anne Boyd May 10, 2014 at 12:30 PM

    Of the pieces I've seen so far- this is my favorite

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)