You can use chalk pastels with water to create watercolour-like effects and enhance blending.
Here's a breakdown of how to use chalk pastels with water:
Creating Watercolour Effects with Chalk Pastels
The key to using chalk pastels with water is to apply them to dry paper first, and then use water to activate the pigment. This allows you to achieve soft blends and watercolor effects.
Steps to Activate Chalk Pastels with Water:
- Apply Pastel: Begin by applying your chosen chalk pastel colors directly onto dry paper. Lay down the desired amount of pigment, as the intensity will dilute slightly when water is applied.
- Prepare a Wet Brush: Use a taklon brush dipped in water. Ensure the brush is not dripping wet, as too much water can cause the paper to buckle and the colours to over-blend. A damp brush is ideal.
- Activate the Pastel: Gently brush the wet brush over the applied pastel. The water will immediately activate the pigment, causing it to spread and blend like watercolour.
- Control Blending: If you want very subtle blends, use a light touch with your wet brush. For more intense and fluid effects, you can apply more water and brush more broadly.
- Layering and Blending: You can use multiple layers of pastel and water to achieve the desired depth of colour and blending effects. Allow each layer to dry partially before adding more.
Tips for Success:
- Paper Choice: Using heavier paper, like watercolour paper or mixed media paper, is advisable as it will withstand the water better than thinner paper.
- Brush Choice: A taklon brush works well due to its smooth application and ability to hold a good amount of water.
- Water Control: The key to success is controlled use of water. Too much water will cause colours to become muddy, and the paper might buckle. Start with a damp brush and add more water as needed.
- Blending: Wetting your chalk pastels lets you create soft transitions and blends between colors without hard lines. You can apply a wet brush to the edge of a pastel to soften the line, or blend two colours together with water.
- Experiment: Try different techniques and water amounts to see the variety of effects you can create.
By following these steps, you can effectively use chalk pastels with water to create beautiful, blended, and water-colour-like paintings.
