Understanding Common Mistakes
Soft pastels are a beautiful and versatile medium that allow artists to create stunning, vibrant artworks. Like any art medium, working with soft pastels can come with its own set of challenges, and it’s not uncommon to make mistakes along the way. Understanding the common mistakes that artists make when working with soft pastels is the first step in being able to fix them.
One of the most common mistakes when working with soft pastels is overblending. It can be tempting to blend the colors together to create a smooth and seamless look, but overblending can result in muddy colors and a loss of vibrancy in your artwork. Another mistake is using too much pastel on the surface, which can cause the layers to become so thick that they won’t adhere properly and may crumble off over time.
Another mistake beginners often make is not using the right type of paper or pastels. Soft pastels require a toothy surface to adhere to, so using a smooth or glossy paper will not allow the pastels to grip the surface properly. Additionally, using low-quality pastels can result in colors that are chalky and not as vibrant as they should be.
Fixing Overblending
If you’ve made the mistake of overblending your soft pastel colors, don’t worry, it can be fixed. One method is to layer fresh pastel color over the blended area to reintroduce vibrancy and definition. You can use a light touch and build up the colors gradually to achieve the desired effect. Another option is to use a pastel fixative spray to set the blended layers and prevent further smudging. This can help restore the vibrancy of the colors and provide a protective layer over your artwork.
If you find that your colors have become too muddy from overblending, you can also try using a color eraser or soft pastel pencils to lift some of the pigment off the surface. This will remove some of the excess color and allow you to start fresh with a clean and vibrant palette.
Dealing with Excessive Pastel Application
If you’ve used too much soft pastel and the layers have become too thick, it’s important to address the issue before it gets worse. One method is to gently brush off any excess pastel powder using a soft brush or a clean cloth. Be careful not to press too hard or you may damage the underlying layers.
If the excess pastel is still not fully removed, you can use a kneaded eraser or a pastel eraser to lift off some of the pigment. Work gently and in small sections, being careful not to press too hard and damage the paper.
Choosing the Right Materials
To avoid some of the common mistakes associated with working with soft pastels, it’s important to invest in the right materials. Start by choosing a paper that has a toothy surface, specifically designed for soft pastel work. Brands such as Strathmore and Canson offer a range of papers suitable for soft pastels.
When it comes to pastels, investing in artist-grade pastels will ensure you have vibrant and high-quality colors. Brands such as Schminke and Unison are known for their excellent soft pastels.
Learn and Grow
Making mistakes is a natural part of the artistic process, and it’s important not to get discouraged. Learning from your mistakes and experimenting with different techniques will help you grow as an artist. Take the time to practice and explore the medium of soft pastels, and you’ll soon find yourself creating beautiful, vibrant artworks.
