MATERIALS
• Large, upright easel• Large backing board either in masonite or any non-pliable board with a smooth surface (size 1m x 1.1m)• Strong bulldog clips – taping the inside of the clip that holds the paper to the board helps to prevent indent marks on the works• Arches 300gsm or Saunders Waterford 300gsm paper are my favourites for smaller works in pastel or a roll of paper I cut to size for larger works. The paper must have a good ‘tooth’ or roughness to allow the charcoal and subsequently pastel to grab.• Selection of soft charcoal sticks in various sizes, i.e. thin sticks for details• Soft, medium and hard charcoals for a stronger attack on the paper• Kneadable rubber to lighten areas or take off excess charcoal or pastel• Sennelier, Schminke and Rembrandt are my favourite pastel brands but I’ll grab anything that captures the pigment I’m after.• Fixative• Permanent fixative