Pastel Painting Techniques

I really am glad that I have this book. I am a beginner pastelists. This book covers a lot of material on pastels, from paper selection to pastel types, etc. The examples are not as useful for me at this point, but would probably be of more use to an advanced artist. Yet the book is still good for beginners also because it covers several different topics and techniques on pastels.

This book shows 17 (anonymous) painters as they build up pastel paintings. Step-by-step colour photographs show each stage and intelligent commentary directs your attention to the important aspects. Each of the paintings is in a completely different style and they include a variety of landscape, interior, figure, and still life subjects. The paintings step out from the formulaic heavily worked approach epitomized in Watson-Guptil books with many refreshing variations on familiar genres. Simple quick sketches to carefully worked out masterpieces show the vibrancy and flexibility of pastel painting at its best. The various demonstrations use a variety of techniques, including mixed media: watercolour backgrounds, various blending and mixing methods, dry on wet, charcoal stick, conte ochre and black, and dry and wet overbrushed pastel. There are good hints on grounds, paper selection, and surface characteristics demonstrated in simple examples. Roddon even shows you how to make your own pastels! A book to inspire you and to encourage experimentation and adventure. Hedley Finger, Hand Holding Projects Pty Ltd 28 Regent Street, Burwood VIC 3125, Australia Tel & fax: +61 3 9809 1229