Playing with Pastels

Charcol and pastel value drawing

Dear Judy,

If you are new to painting I always suggest choosing a simple subject. I thought I would show you how to set up a simple still life and create some drama with the lighting.

I love painting bottles, so I picked one of my favorites and a sprig of flowers to go in it.

You can make a simple set up like the one below using a cardboard box. This will help you control the light source.

A desk lamp with an adjustable arm can be used to play around with shadows and highlights. I take lots of photos to find a pleasing arrangement and point of view and to determine the size and aspect ratio of the surface I will work on.

I then prepare an underpainting using charcoal and some grey pastel on a mid-tone surface. Not only do I want to get the drawing done as accurately as possible, but I want to establish the darks and lights, which, in this case, really creates the composition.

Next time... the finished piece! (I hope!)

Blessings-

Judy

Judy Albright Fine Art. | Website