Pastel for the Serious Beginner

The title of Larry Blovits book "Pastel for the Serious Beginner" really tells it all. Never having used Pastels Blovits book sets one on the path of producing some really acceptable paintings. The instructions are clear...and step by step he moves you along the path of creation. But, as the title declares, it does take some serious effort.

I have used this book now for 2 years and have found it a great help. My first really wonderful painting I did was from this book. I found this book great because it had beautiful paintings that I would want to copy and for the beginner copying others work is usually where you start. The fundamentals on how to use the pastels for different backgrounds is also very good. I hilly recommend this book.

This is a great reference book for those just staring to learn pastel painting. It starts with the very basics and provides a solid foundation for the artist who has aspirations of taking their work to a commercial level.The book starts out examining materials including the pastels themselves as well as surfaces, fixatives and tools. It also discusses studio and pallet setup as well as protecting finished artwork. It then explains the fundamentals of design and composition such as color, value, light, shadow and space, and the basics of technique such as starting with shape outlines, color blocking and working from dark to light.Selecting and setting up subject matter is then discussed, including working from life, selecting a camera and using photography as and reference. Subsequent chapters focus on pastel drawing types including still life, landscapes, figures and portraits. Each section details the necessary procedures and elements such as lighting a still life, keeping a landscape in balance or posing a figure. A step-by-step demonstration of each type accompanied by reference photos is also included. Drawing on the author's experience and expertise as an artist, this is a book you can truly follow from beginning to end to develop and improve your own skills and abilities in working with pastels.

I really enjoy reading this book. Larry is a master pastellist with over 30 years of experience. His enthusiasm and spirit really come across in this book. He walks you through his recommendations for paper selection, pastels and studio set-up. He provides some step-by-step illustrations working from sketches to completed illustrations in still lifes, landscapes and potraits which serve as excellent examples.

If you are serious about becoming a pastelist or even as a hobby, this book is for you. I am glad I bought it.