Blending pastels on Pastelmat involves layering colors strategically, utilizing the paper's unique texture to your advantage. The key to effective blending lies in understanding how the paper interacts with pastels and how to layer them correctly.
Layering Technique for Blending
Pastelmat's slightly abrasive surface allows for multiple layers of pastel, which is crucial for blending. The general principle is to follow these steps:
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Start with Light Pressure: Begin by applying your pastel colors with light, gentle strokes. This allows for better blending and avoids filling the tooth of the paper too quickly.
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Light Over Dark or Dark Over Light: According to a reference, a key blending technique is layering light over dark for smoother blends, and dark over light for a similar result on darker Pastelmat. This means you should apply the lighter colors or values first, then progressively layer the darker colors on top, and vice versa for darker Pastelmat papers.
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Use Your Fingers, Blending Stumps, or Tools:
- Fingers: Lightly use your fingers to gently move the pastel particles on the surface, smoothing out the hard edges between the colors.
- Blending Stumps: These tools help in blending more precisely, especially in smaller areas. They can also create softer edges.
- Paper Stumps: Paper stumps will help you to blend pastels and get a smoother texture.
- Other Tools: Some artists prefer foam blending tools, cloths or soft brushes to help achieve specific textures and blended areas.
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Build Up Layers Gradually: Avoid heavy application of pastel in a single layer. Instead, apply several light layers, blending after each layer. This will achieve a more natural and cohesive look.
Specific Examples:
| Technique | Description | Best for... |
|---|---|---|
| Light Over Dark | Apply lighter shades on top of previously applied dark shades. This method uses the light particles to blend the dark ones. | Creating soft highlights and transitions |
| Dark Over Light | Apply darker shades over the top of previously applied lighter shades, this is useful for blending colours together, or creating shadows and depth. | Adding shadows, depth, or creating contrast on a dark paper. |
| Finger Blending | Using your fingers to lightly blend pastel colors directly on the paper. | Small areas and soft blending |
| Blending Stumps | Using paper stumps to blend colors on the pastel mat. | Precision blending and soft edges |
Troubleshooting:
- Paper is Filled: If the Pastelmat seems filled, and blending is difficult, it might be necessary to gently remove some pastel using a soft brush or kneaded eraser.
- Hard Lines: To avoid hard lines, blend as you go, building up color gradually, using soft strokes, and layering your pastel colours.
By mastering the art of layering and utilizing the texture of Pastelmat, you can achieve beautiful and seamless blends in your pastel artwork.
