Pastel painting holds a unique power to capture the essence of a place—the fleeting interplay of light, color, and atmosphere that brings a landscape to life. We learned this the hard way… For artists seeking to distill the poetic spirit of their subject, plein air practice can be a transformative process, allowing you to immerse yourself in the sensory experience of the natural world and translate it directly onto the paper or canvas.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
One such artist who has mastered the art of luminous landscape studies in pastel is Loriann Signori. A self-described “painter of luminosity,” Loriann’s work is defined by her deep connection to the natural landscape and her skilled application of pure, vibrant color. By regularly returning to study the same locations through a series of small plein air paintings, she develops an intimate understanding of the way light and atmosphere shift over the course of a day, season, and even throughout the years.
Plein Air Painting Techniques for Expressive Landscapes
Loriann’s pastel painting approach involves a careful balance of preparatory work, observational studies, and studio interpretation. She begins each new landscape series by venturing out into the field, often before sunrise, to capture the first glimmers of dawn light in a succession of small plein air sketches. These studies serve as color notes and compositional touchpoints, providing the foundation for her larger studio paintings.
“These new pieces work to help me understand the possibilities of color. Like a writer composing a poem, the colors are my words, and when I rearrange these words I hear/see a different experience.”
Back in the studio, Loriann uses these plein air studies as a springboard, developing the essence of the landscape through a layered process of underpainting, pastel application, and surface manipulation. She may start with a watercolor or acrylic wash to establish the initial tonal values, then build up translucent layers of pastel to gradually add depth, luminosity, and expressive brushwork. Further techniques like scraping, sanding, and rubbing the surface can enhance the sense of atmospheric haze or evoke the tactile quality of the environment.
By frequently revisiting a location and working in thematic series, Loriann has honed an intuitive pastel painting style that is deeply rooted in discipline and dedication to the craft. However, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining flexibility and openness to the unexpected throughout the creative process.
“I find that after all my planning I might want to always surrender some measure of control and pursue the unanticipated. The painting speaks and I respond.”
Pastel Painting Techniques for Luminous Effects
Loriann has experimented with a variety of pastel brands over the years, but has recently gravitated towards using the softest sticks, such as Terry Ludwig Pastels. This allows her to achieve the lustrous, atmospheric effects she seeks, especially when working on her preferred surface: 300 lb. hot-press watercolor paper.
To prepare the paper, Loriann first roughens the surface with sandpaper to create a toothed texture that can hold the pastel. She then applies an underpainting using pastel, rubbing it into the paper to establish a foundation. From there, she builds up translucent layers of additional pastel, similar to the way an oil painter would glaze. This technique allows her to create a sense of depth and luminosity, with the under-layers peeking through the subsequent applications.
Further surface manipulation through scrubbing, scraping, or sanding can help to uncover hidden colors or correct any passages that have become overworked. By maintaining a balance between careful planning and spontaneous discovery, Loriann is able to capture the essence of a landscape in a way that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant.
Developing a Personal Pastel Painting Style
Loriann’s pastel painting process is deeply informed by her longstanding dedication to the medium and her regular practice of plein air observation. By frequently returning to a location and working in series around a theme, she has developed a style that is both technically accomplished and infused with a distinct personal vision.
“I find that after all my planning I might want to always surrender some measure of control and pursue the unanticipated. The painting speaks and I respond.”
This willingness to embrace the unexpected is a vital part of Loriann’s creative approach. While she may begin with a clear compositional idea or color scheme in mind, she remains open to the unique opportunities that arise during the act of painting. By allowing the pastel to guide her, she is able to tap into a more intuitive, expressive mode of working that transcends simple representation.
The result is a body of work that radiates with luminous color, evocative atmosphere, and a profound connection to the natural world. Loriann’s landscapes invite the viewer to pause and become immersed in the essence of a place—to experience the fleeting magic of light, the shifting moods of weather, and the timeless, elemental beauty of the land.
Through her dedication to plein air practice and her mastery of pastel painting techniques, Loriann Signori has developed a distinctive artistic voice that speaks to the very soul of the landscape. Her work serves as an inspiration for artists of all levels who seek to capture the poetry of the natural world in their own creative expression.
To learn more about Loriann’s approach and explore her stunning pastel paintings, visit her website at www.loriannsignori.com. And for further resources on pastel painting and other artistic media, be sure to explore the offerings at Pencil and Paint Muse.
Tip: Practice daily sketching to continually refine your technique