Joanna James
From paintings of beautiful landscapes to real-life images, pastels can create magic in the hands of fine artists making the finished pieces of art look near natural. The importance is knowing the basic steps to create such masterpieces as have been perfected by experienced artists.
Being the foundation of the piece of work you start, the 'surface' you select is of utmost importance and must be chosen with care to turn out a successful piece of work. Like most drawing papers, pastel papers are available in many hues and surface textures offering options for Sri Lankan artists. Using a toned surface provides more flexibility for an artist to gain sharper feedback on the colour being used. The tonality of the paper also supports to 'show through' layers of pastel applications and the subtle contrasts of the colours applied. Attention must be paid to the texture of the paper as well as the final appearance of the work depends to a great extent on the texture of the paper.
Try your creativity with layering colours such as layering over previous strokes by covering them fully or by purposefully letting a few peeks of the original colour be visible leading to a more original and unique look. Through layering, colours do get mixed either optically or by a natural blending of the colours adding an element of interest and a new perspective to the artist. To gain the finest outcome through layering use your imagination and visualization to try out not only a single layer of colour but multiple applications of colour to arrive at that almost natural finish, as portrayed in many pieces of art at the Sri Lankan Art Gallery.
Pastels provide the artist with the opportunity to develop the details of the piece of art towards the latter part of the work. Although it is wise to have a rough picture of the details earlier on, there is no necessity to develop them meticulously right from the start, instead, the artist must thoroughly dwell on the tones and colours of the piece of work at these initial stages. Colours must be used on the bigger shapes and refined as the right image takes shape. When such undertones of colours are completed, the minute details can be finished bringing value and depth to the work of art.
Pastels give the ability to develop vast areas of colour in a short time thus enabling the artist to build patches of colour fast and loose as the piece of work starts. To get the best effect of this have your elbow or shoulder originate the marks by using broad movements to apply colours and get as much colour on the surface as you require as fast as possible. As stated in the earlier tip, the details and refining of the piece of work can be done as the image begins to take shape. Once this earlier stage is done, have patience as you layer colours and build up depth in the colour and move to develop details and satisfactorily finish a piece of work which can be called 'polished'.
This bold and emphatic colour tends to overpower images if used excessively. If required make your signature black by mixing it with brown or blue and use it sparingly. You can also innovate by reducing the impact of black through a layering of colours.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
