Pastel paintings are created using brilliant-colored pastel sticks. High-grade pastels are very soft and can break easily, as they are mainly manufactured with pure pigment---the same found in oil paint. Pastel artwork is most noted for its luminosity, as demonstrated in master works by the artist Edgar Degas.
Function
The more dense the pigment layered on paper, the more saturated it becomes, reflecting light and creating luminosity. Achieve bright colors through layering pigments directly on top of each other.
Effects
Complementary colors are useful for shadows and to make compositions pop. Monochromatic hues, one color mixed with black or white and analogous colors, create harmony.
Consideration
Saturating the paper creates luminosity, though, allowing some colored paper to show through the drawing adds another dimension of brightness and freshness to the final image that otherwise cannot be achieved.
Idea
By adding a small amount of pastel color as an accent to a charcoal drawing, especially during figure studies, a flesh-like quality can be achieved. This requires a heavy-grain paper.
Warning
To make certain your colors do not dull or turn to mud, avoid layering warm and cool colors or using your fingers to blend.
Expert Insight
Plan your work with thumbnail sketches prior to starting. You cannot erase pastels. Pastels are easier to use as they wear down. Breaking them in half makes them seem less intimidating.
