Last month I demonstrated how you could get started in pastel painting using a basic set of soft pastels and a sheet of white watercolour paper. Pastel art papers are many and varied, however, and textures range from smooth, slightly textured to sandpaper-like. The rougher, or grittier, the paper, the more it can hold onto the powdery pigment of a pastel – and thus more layers can be applied. This is useful for creating a richness and depth to the painting. You can also buy pads of pastel paper, or single sheets, to divide up how you wish.
Colours are manifold, and the usual rule of thumb is that you should choose a tint that equates to the mid-tone of your intended painting. In that way darks and lights will contrast clearly with the dominant body colour.
