by Robert H. Zondag
Pastels are an art medium in the form of a “crayon” or “chalk.” The stick consists of pure pigment in powder form that has been held together by a binder. They are available in different degrees of hardness with the softer varieties being wrapped in paper to prevent breaking. Pastels are also available in pencil format (“pastel pencils”).
Pastels offer a wonderful array of colors for your student and are an excellent choice when expanding your child’s repertoire of art mediums. Also, a student set of pastels are reasonable in price.
There are several techniques to have your student explore:
Cross Hatching: This technique looks like basket weaving. The student applies one set of hatch lines over another, usually in the opposite direction, forming the cross hatching. Two colors may be used to achieve a brilliant effect.
Blending: The blending of pastels can be accomplished using two different types of techniques. There is optical blending where the colors are not actually mixed together but instead lines are laid down closely together as in hatching (see below). The other type of blending is when the colors are actually mixed together, by rubbing with fingers or using cotton swabs or pieces of cloth.
Hatching: This is when you apply parallel strokes close to one another in on direction (for instance from the top right corner to the bottom left corner).
Scumbling: This is when you apply loose broken color over another layer of color.
Layering: The student applies color directly over another color without blending or cross-hatching.
When working with pastels, you may wish to use a fixative to prevent the pastels from smudging. Artists and art conservationists debate whether drawings should be fixed using a spray adhesive or fixative. In some cases, fixative can alter the look of a drawing, especially if non-archival adhesive is used. For most children’s work, however, fixative will help in preserving the work of art. Also, some types of fixatives may be used during the creative process to help prevent unintended blending or to enhance cross-hatching. When using fixative proper ventilation is necessary, especially around children. Also, fixatives can carry a risk of fire hazard. Adult supervision is recommended in all cases.
It is important to make sure your student uses paper with a ‘tooth’ or non-smooth surface. This will best allow the paper to catch and hold the pigment during the creative process.
Pastels offer a fresh tool for expression. Have fun exploring this new medium with your home school students!
As an artist, Robert H. Zondag has turned his passion into teaching children and adults to both create and enjoy the visual arts. He continues to act as a catalyst and consultant for administrators, educators and parents to design and assess art education programs. As a Regional Program Director for Young Rembrandts, Robert works with various districts, community education programs, private institutions, and home educators to incorporate successful drawing courses into schools, early education programs, and summer enrichment sessions.
Robert is available for consultation with your home schooling group or to speak at state or local conventions and meetings.
Robert H. Zondag
Regional Program Director
Young Rembrandts
729 Summit Ave
St. Paul MN 55105
Robert.Zondag@youngrembrandts.com
http://youngrembrandts.com/emetro-wwis/
612.382.6745
651.292.1582 (fax)
Pastels are an art medium in the form of a “crayon” or “chalk.” The stick consists of pure pigment in powder form that has been held together by a binder. They are available in different degrees of hardness with the softer varieties being wrapped in paper to prevent breaking. Pastels are also available in pencil format (“pastel pencils”).
Pastels offer a wonderful array of colors for your student and are an excellent choice when expanding your child’s repertoire of art mediums. Also, a student set of pastels are reasonable in price.
There are several techniques to have your student explore:
Cross Hatching: This technique looks like basket weaving. The student applies one set of hatch lines over another, usually in the opposite direction, forming the cross hatching. Two colors may be used to achieve a brilliant effect.
Blending: The blending of pastels can be accomplished using two different types of techniques. There is optical blending where the colors are not actually mixed together but instead lines are laid down closely together as in hatching (see below). The other type of blending is when the colors are actually mixed together, by rubbing with fingers or using cotton swabs or pieces of cloth.
Hatching: This is when you apply parallel strokes close to one another in on direction (for instance from the top right corner to the bottom left corner).
Scumbling: This is when you apply loose broken color over another layer of color.
Layering: The student applies color directly over another color without blending or cross-hatching.
When working with pastels, you may wish to use a fixative to prevent the pastels from smudging. Artists and art conservationists debate whether drawings should be fixed using a spray adhesive or fixative. In some cases, fixative can alter the look of a drawing, especially if non-archival adhesive is used. For most children’s work, however, fixative will help in preserving the work of art. Also, some types of fixatives may be used during the creative process to help prevent unintended blending or to enhance cross-hatching. When using fixative proper ventilation is necessary, especially around children. Also, fixatives can carry a risk of fire hazard. Adult supervision is recommended in all cases.
It is important to make sure your student uses paper with a ‘tooth’ or non-smooth surface. This will best allow the paper to catch and hold the pigment during the creative process.
Pastels offer a fresh tool for expression. Have fun exploring this new medium with your home school students!
As an artist, Robert H. Zondag has turned his passion into teaching children and adults to both create and enjoy the visual arts. He continues to act as a catalyst and consultant for administrators, educators and parents to design and assess art education programs. As a Regional Program Director for Young Rembrandts, Robert works with various districts, community education programs, private institutions, and home educators to incorporate successful drawing courses into schools, early education programs, and summer enrichment sessions.
Robert is available for consultation with your home schooling group or to speak at state or local conventions and meetings.
Robert H. Zondag
Regional Program Director
Young Rembrandts
729 Summit Ave
St. Paul MN 55105
Robert.Zondag@youngrembrandts.com
http://youngrembrandts.com/emetro-wwis/
612.382.6745
651.292.1582 (fax)
