Yes, you can wet pastels, and many artists actually incorporate water or other wet mediums into their pastel techniques, particularly in the initial stages of a painting.
Wetting Pastels: A Common Practice
Using wet pastels is a frequent technique, especially in the early stages of a pastel painting. Here's why and how it's done:
- Establishing Underpainting: Wetting pastels allows artists to create an underpainting, a foundational layer of color that influences the final artwork. This is particularly helpful when working on lighter-toned paper, where covering large areas with a darker value is necessary.
- Creating Color Shifts: Wetting the pastel can help to shift the colors and values in a painting, allowing for more complex and nuanced effects.
- Improving Adhesion: Wetting the pastel can help it adhere to the paper, especially when layering multiple colors.
How to Wet Pastels
Several methods exist for wetting pastels:
- Direct Application: Apply pastel to the paper and then use a brush with water (or another solvent) to blend and spread the pigment.
- Pastel Wash: Mix pastel shavings with water or solvent to create a "wash" that can be applied with a brush.
- Wet Paper: Apply pastel to wet paper; the moisture helps the pastel bind to the surface.
Considerations When Wetting Pastels
- Paper Type: The type of paper you use is crucial. Sturdier paper that can withstand moisture without buckling is essential. Watercolor paper or paper specifically designed for mixed media are good choices.
- Pastel Type: Soft pastels are generally more suitable for wetting than hard pastels because they dissolve more easily.
- Solvents: While water is most commonly used, other solvents like alcohol or mineral spirits can also be used, offering different blending characteristics and drying times. Experimentation is key.
