Using both colors, continue layering the feather strokes on top of each other until you’re satisfied with the result.ģ. Apply more pressure at the beginning of your stroke, then allow it to taper off as you reach the top of the line.

To practice the feathering technique, choose a couple of colors and make short, upward strokes on your paper. Feathering The feathering technique creates dimension through layering colors.įeathering involves creating a line or stroke that resembles a feather-a technique that’s used to add texture and detail to pastel art. You can also try blending colors together by laying them down on opposite sides of your paper and blending toward the center of the page to create a marriage between them.Ģ. As you continue to blend, take note of how the color of the pastel changes-how it gets lighter the more you blend, and how the pastel moves around on the page. Using your finger or a small piece of cloth or paper towel, gently rub it to create a blurring effect. First, using your pastel of choice, rub (or “lay” as it’s commonly called) some pastel on your paper. One of the many draws of pastels is their ability to easily blend, and practicing this skill is simple and straightforward. Blending Finger blending is a great place to begin for pastel practice. These skills will help you evolve your craft and create the best possible pastel art.ġ. 5 Techniques Every Beginner Should Masterīefore you embark on your first masterpiece, there are a handful of pastel techniques every beginner should try out.

PanPastels are popular among artists because they boast the highest concentration of pigment, they’re compatible with other art mediums like paint, and they erase just as easily as they blend. Though they technically fall into the category of soft pastels, PanPastels are set into pans, much like you might see with paint palettes. PanPastel palettes look more like paint than pastels!

Soft edge blending software