Pastels are capable of great subtlety of expression and, as a medium, are the nearest thing you can get to pure colour. Using them, though, requires a different approach and mindset as a lot of the blending and shading processes are achieved by close juxtaposition of shades rather than actual mixing, either on the palette or on paper. They have consistently been popular, although books on the subject have been more a trickle than a stream and a new one is always welcome.
Jenny Keal has been quietly carving out a reputation for herself and this excellent guide manages to go from basic principles to some more advanced techniques for landscapes, seascapes, flowers and more. Jenny begins by explaining materials, application methods and the use of fixative as well as composition, perspective and recession. The remaining two-thirds of the book is devoted to a series of five detailed step-by-step demonstrations that put these techniques into practice and develop your skills gently but progressively.
This is one of the simplest, and yet most comprehensive guides to pastel there is.
Search Press. Paperback. 96 pages. Colour throughout
Author: Jenny Keal
ISBN: 9781844485901
Learn the secrets of capturing magical childhood moments!
Talented artist Bev Lee shares her best pastel painting techniques in this wonderful guide, helping you to create beautiful pastel portraits of children.
Learn to grasp the basic techniques through 15 mini-demonstrations, then have a go at the nine complete step-by-step projects which explore a range of poses, skin tones, hair types and fabric textures.
With the help of this beautifully illustrated guide you will discover all the key steps of painting realistic and expressive portraits, capturing the true character of your subjects!
North Light. Hardback. 128 pages. Colour throughout
Author: Bev Lee
ISBN: 9781600610387
If you want to create quality pastel paintings in a matter of days, this book is for you!
Learn the basics of colour mixing and applying colour, as you use the books' interactive colour wheel to instantly see the precise shades you will achieve by mixing any two pastel colours.
Then, work through the books' eight step-by-step projects; Winter Sunset, Cliffs in Sunlight, Clementines Still Life, Thames Barge Race, House in the Snow, Flowering Cyclamen, Playing in the Shallows, and Barn Owl.
In each project you will get to grips with some of the most rewarding pastel techniques, including; blending, working dark to light, lifting off, and creating highlights and shadows...helping you to discover the versatility of pastels and achieve successful paintings every time!
Book: Search Press. Paperback. 160 pages. Colour throughout
Author: John Barber
ISBN: 9781844485345