STEVE’S TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL PASTEL PAINTINGS

● Be yourself

As people we are all unique, and the same is true of our approach to painting. A painter’s style is as recognisable as their handwriting. Be influenced by the painters you admire and learn from them, but strive to develop your own distinct way of portraying the world around you. I once read a comment from a famous artist who was asked what he thought about people copying his work. He replied that he had no problem with this as, in the years to come, his poor work would be credited to others and their good work credited to him.

● Shapes should have creditability

Many artists use grids when drawing the initial outline or shape of a subject. This is particularly important when the shape relies on its accuracy for creditability and where there is an established expectation by the viewer of what the subject should look like. I frequently use a grid as an aid to drawing for mechanical or manmade objects when I know these will be scrutinised by ‘expert viewers’. Railway engines and other mechanical subjects are typical examples.

● Opposites attract

For some reason I have found that, when working in pastel, colours on the opposite side of the colour wheel work really well together and give energy to the picture. The same is also partly true with harmonising adjacent colours.

● Showcase your tones

Tones are one of our greatest tools when depicting a three-dimensional image on a piece of two-dimensional paper. Don’t be afraid to introduce your own tonal interpretation if it helps describe your subject.