I am a lover of nature and have always been captivated by the sun shining on leaves, the mystical hues of sunset, or the gentle rush of water going here. Ever captured those fleeting memories? I tried it, and I discovered pastels. A medium that resonates strongly with nature’s transient and soft beauty. The medium was so captivating that I enrolled for a He Xie Fen Cai class just to try it out! I’ll share with you some secrets to pastel painting.
1. The Best Pastels to Use for the Nature’s Palette
Nature has a wide range of colors, from the deepest of blues in the twilight skies to the fiery-reds of the autumn leaves. Soft pastels with their wide variety of shades are perfect to capture these. They are bright, blendable and have that dreamy appearance we associate with nature.
2. Textures are key:
Landscapes are defined by textures. They can be as varied as the bark of an ancient oak or the ripples on a calm lake. You can achieve this effect by using a combination of soft and hard pastels. Hard pastels can be used for fine details. While soft ones give you a broad spectrum of color, they are the best choice for large areas.
3. Accept the Smudging
You might be a perfectionist and find pastels intimidating. Nature doesn’t care about perfection. It’s more about emotions. Accept the smudges. They can add an ethereal touch to your landscapes. This will make them appear more natural.
4. Nature’s Drama Light and Shadows
The play of shadow and light can make or destroy your painting. By observing nature, you can create depth in your pastel landscapes by understanding where light falls or shadows appear.
5. Inspiration for the Greats
You’ve probably seen a Monet before and thought you were there, amongst the waterlilies. This is the power of interpretation. Do not forget to take inspiration from master pastelists. You can learn from their pastel masters by analyzing their works and understanding their perspectives. Then, add your own touch.