In the world of artistic expression, pastels have long been revered for their ability to create soft, dreamlike renditions of the world around us. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a budding creative, mastering the art of pastel painting can open up a world of possibilities for capturing the essence of your subjects with a unique and captivating touch.
Embrace the Beauty of Imperfection
One of the key insights shared by the 20 master pastellists featured in this article is the importance of embracing the beauty of imperfection. As Jen Evenhus so eloquently puts it, “the beauty of imperfection allows for happy little accidents to develop as you push pastel around and experiment with bold mark-making.” This sentiment is echoed by Lyn Asselta, who reminds us that “perfection is merely an idea” and that each painting should be seen as “simply your own next step.”
Embracing the unpredictable nature of the medium and allowing for spontaneous moments of discovery can be a freeing and rewarding experience for artists of all skill levels. By letting go of the pursuit of perfection, you open yourself up to unexpected and serendipitous results that can breathe new life into your work.
Develop Your Drawing Skills
Another resounding theme from the 20 master pastellists is the importance of honing your drawing skills. As Nancy King Mertz emphasizes, “Drawing is the foundation of painting, and it is important to be able to draw your subjects accurately in the correct proportion, size, angles, etc.” This sentiment is echoed by Lana Ballot, who suggests that “besides the obvious benefits of learning to get the right proportions and perspective, drawing improves many other important skills needed for a good painting.”
Drawing not only helps with accurately capturing the essence of your subject, but it also develops your understanding of color, value, and composition – all crucial elements in creating a successful pastel painting. Whether you choose to work in charcoal, graphite, or even pen and ink, the discipline of observational drawing can dramatically improve your pastel work.
Experiment and Embrace Diverse Influences
Several of the master pastellists emphasize the importance of experimentation and embracing diverse artistic influences. As Arlene Richman suggests, “Look at art – lots of art, all kinds of art – painting, sculpture, ceramics, architecture. It could be old art or new art, good art or bad art, who’s to say or know but you.” This exposure to a wide range of artistic styles and mediums can help you develop a more discerning eye and inspire you to try new techniques and approaches in your own pastel work.
Experimenting with different surfaces, pastel brands, and even mixing media can also be a rewarding way to expand your artistic horizons. As Daggi Wallace suggests, “Try new surfaces, new brands of pastel, new ways of applying them, mix them with other media, change up your subject matter, try funky angles and perspectives, play with composition, layering, underpainting, new ways of framing and presenting the finished work.” By embracing a spirit of playfulness and exploration, you can discover new avenues for creative expression and push the boundaries of what’s possible with the pastel medium.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Perhaps the most consistent and resounding advice from the 20 master pastellists is the importance of consistent practice. As Lisa Ober aptly states, “The rewards are well worth the effort” when it comes to painting as often as you can. Whether it’s a few hours a week or a daily practice, the more you paint, the better you’ll become.
Painting with regularity not only helps you develop muscle memory and technical skills, but it also allows you to hone your personal style and artistic voice. As Casey Klahn reminds us, “Paint daily. Keep your plan loose and feel free to deviate from it.” Embracing a flexible and exploratory approach to your practice can lead to unexpected discoveries and help you stay inspired and motivated on your artistic journey.
Cultivate a Beginner’s Mindset
Finally, the master pastellists emphasize the importance of maintaining a beginner’s mindset, even as you progress in your artistic abilities. As Pirkko Makela advises, “Open Eyes, Open Mind, Open Heart” – a sentiment that encourages us to approach each new painting or drawing with a sense of wonder and curiosity, rather than rigid expectations.
By embracing the lessons learned from our “failures” and allowing ourselves to be inspired by the work of others, we can continually evolve and grow as artists. As Nancie King Mertz reminds us, “The more drawing you have under your belt, the better painter you’ll be and the more quickly your skills will return or fall into place.”
Ultimately, the wisdom and insights shared by these 20 master pastellists remind us that the journey of artistic expression is one of constant learning, experimentation, and a deep appreciation for the process. By embracing the beauty of imperfection, developing your drawing skills, exploring diverse influences, practicing consistently, and cultivating a beginner’s mindset, you can unlock new levels of pastel perfection and capture the essence of your subject with a soft, dreamlike touch.