We all know how delicate, harmonious in color are the drawings made by pastel. However, not even every artist is aware that under this name there are several possibilities for drawing. These are soft, dry, oil pastels, pencils. Let's get to know them better, introduce important characteristics.
What is it?
Pastel (pencils will be one of the varieties here) is the result of mixing chalk, pigment and binding mass to the state of paste. In the future, it is formed into sticks and sent to dry. As a result, we see an almost pure pigment. Therefore, pastel can create a gentle, but rich color effect that other art paints cannot offer.
Each of the varieties (dry pastel, pencils) gives some specific effect to the pattern. For example, oil or soft is ideal for painting. And solid models are good for detailed images, quick sketches.
Material quality and safety
Pastel (pencils and other varieties) is primarily divided into two groups according to quality:
- Artistic. It contains high-quality pigments, it is distinguished by a thin ratio of binder and coloring composition. The colors here are bright and intense, have good durability and almost do not fade over time.
- Student. A great option for beginner artists. Pigments here are cheaper, and more bonding material. Hence, the colors in the figure will not be so pronounced, and the material itself will easily break. Cheap pigment is easily recognizable by the subscript "shade" after the name.
As for pastels, the colors here do not mix as well as in the case, for example, with watercolor paints. Therefore, artists have in their arsenal a large selection of pastel colors. It is better for novice painters and portrait painters to start typing their collection in separate shades than to immediately buy an expensive set. Gradually, you will assemble your own complex of the most needed flowers.
Both art and student pastels (pencils, soft, hard varieties) are now produced non-toxic. However, when drawing in the air, a cloud of pigment dust will still fly. Therefore, artists prefer to paint in the fresh air. A closed room is well ventilated or use humidifiers, masks, respirators.
Types of Pastels
Pastel (colored pencils will be one of the varieties here) is divided into four main types:
- Soft pastel. This is the traditional and most widely used form. It has an amazing saturation of shades. But it easily crumbles to a powder state. Presented in the widest range of colors - in the collections of some artists up to 500 shades. Ideal for blending, blending, layering, painting effects. Available in the form of cylindrical sticks. There is an option in jars - the pigment is applied with a special sponge.
- Dry pastel. It differs from the previous one in a high content of a binding composition. The color will be less intense, but the stick itself breaks and crumbles much less. Suitable for sketches, strokes, contours (the stick can be finely sharpened). Looks great in combination with soft pastel.
- Oil pastel. What is here? This pastel is oil pencils, where the pigment is bonded with oil and wax. Sticks do not crumble, do not break and do not gather dust. However, the pigment content in them is high: they give as saturated colors as soft pastels. They are also stable - they do not require fixing, they are well suited for work in the open air.
- Pastel pencils. The most convenient form. Outwardly it is an ordinary pencil, but instead of graphite - a hard-soft pastel of medium hardness. They are universal - pencils can be used with all other types except oil pastels. It is possible to sharpen for thin lines, as well as draw blurry strokes. Great for preliminary sketches. Convenience is that pencils are not easily soiled. They are comfortable creating quick drawings, enjoying pastel colors. Artists like to draw with such pencils on the open air. Variability can reach 80 pigments in a collection.
We also suggest that you consider pastel pencils in slightly different varieties - manufacturers.
Van gogh
This is a Dutch company that offers highly professional pastel pencils. Their main characteristics:
- Lightfast.
- Fit well on the paper, do not scratch it.
- High-quality pigments that perfectly reproduce color.
- It is convenient to use for drawing small details.
- Soft lead, leaving a velvety color mark.
DESIGN
This is a pastel pencil company based in the Netherlands. Here's how artists characterize its products:
- Soft lead, easy application of pigment on paper, which does not scratch its surface.
- Shades mix perfectly with each other. Pigments can be shaded.
- A high-quality wooden case makes pencil sharpening easy.
DALER-ROWNEY
And now pastel pencils come from the UK. They have the following characteristics given by the artists who tested them:
- The base consists of high-quality pigment that binds kaolin and chalk.
- The pigment is distinguished by color depth and rich shades.
- It is applied on paper gently, leaving behind a beautiful touch.
- Colors are easy to mix, rub. It is possible to use pencils to draw small details.
PITT Faber-Castell
A German company manufacturing high-quality art pastel pencils. Here is the difference between its products:
- Saturated shades.
- Colors mix well, allowing the artist to create beautiful transitions.
- Great for drawing complex and small details.
- Do not contain oil and wax. The percentage of pigment is maximum.
- With minimal fixation, they continue to maintain color brightness without fading over time.
- Lightfast.
- They are sold both in sets and individually, which is convenient for beginner artists.
Pencil "Divage Pastel"
And we will analyze the issue off-topic. Often come across reviews about the pencil "Divage Pastel". However, this product has nothing to do with the heroes of our story. Divage Pastel is the name of a range of cosmetic products. This includes pencils for lips, eyebrows, eyes of delicate (pastel) shades. Of course, this cosmetic product does not contain art material pastel among its ingredients.
Pastel pencils are a great option for a novice artist. Unlike traditional soft pastels, it is convenient to work with them in the studio and outdoors. Pencils do not break or crumble, do not get dirty hands and do not leave behind a cloud of pastel dust. Color variations in modern stores are rich.