Learning objectives
■ Follow a pastel-painting process
■ How to handle your pastels
■ Use alcohol to liquify the pastels
This month I will be sharing my process in creating an iconic view of Old Harry Rocks in Dorset. It's the perfect image for us to explore pastel painting. This stepby-step process is designed to build your confidence and explore working with a specialist sanded surface in soft pastel.
I used neat alcohol to liquify the pastels in this painting (see last month for more details). I use the wetted pastels as a paint-like paste to create a painted base layer. This allows me to create colours that are luminous; they are layers of colour that work together to create vibrant artworks. One reason I enjoy tutoring beginners to use soft pastel, is that any mistakes can easily be painted over, or an area of pigment can be lifted off with an old rag.
Preparation
I suggest working upright or on a desk easel, rather than flat; it's better for your neck than leaning over a desk. A good tip is to plan your colour palette and create a comfortable working
