Remember those carefree days as a child when you would lie on the floor, crayons in hand, creating vibrant squiggly lines? It’s that nostalgic feeling that ties beautifully into the world of pastel painting. Today, we’ll dive deep into the art of painting with pastels, guided by the insights of professional artist Aaron Schuerr in this Art School Live with Eric Rhoads.
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Text Overview of the Lesson:
Why Pastel Painting?
Pastel painting is often seen as the closest medium to coloring. It allows you to express yourself freely, just like when you were a child. With pastels, you can create your own coloring book, but with a more sophisticated and artistic approach. Aaron emphasizes that pastel isn’t chalk; it’s a vibrant medium that can bring your artistic visions to life.
Getting Started with Pastels
When starting with pastels, the choice of paper is crucial. Aaron uses a specific brand known as PastelMat. He mounts it to a board using a spray adhesive, ensuring it’s sturdy and easy to handle. This setup is also perfect for plein air painting, allowing artists to transport their work easily.
Choosing Your Paper
Why choose a colored paper instead of plain white? Aaron prefers a warm-toned paper that adds depth and richness to his work. White can often be too stark and distracting in the final piece. By selecting a light color, you can allow warm undertones to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Composition: The Key to a Great Painting
One of the essential aspects of painting is composition. Aaron shares his thought process when transitioning from a plein air painting to a studio piece. He considers the key elements of the landscape—vertical cliffs, horizontal rivers, and diagonal structures—and how they interact. It’s like assembling a puzzle, where each piece must fit harmoniously.
Balancing Elements
To avoid overwhelming the viewer, Aaron strategically balances the composition. He introduces trees and other elements to create a sense of intimacy and enclosure. This not only enhances the beauty of the painting but also invites the viewer to stay and explore the scene.
Working with Color
Color is vital in pastel painting. Aaron emphasizes starting with average values and tones before refining them. It’s about layering and adjusting as you go. This approach allows you to create depth and interest without getting stuck on one area. Remember, pastel can be vibrant, but it’s essential to maintain harmony within your colors.
Temperature and Value Shifts
When painting, consider how colors change as they recede into the distance. Closer elements are typically darker and warmer, while those further away are lighter and cooler. Aaron often blends these colors to create a cohesive look, ensuring that each element relates to the others.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Every artist faces challenges, especially when it comes to achieving the right values. In the video lesson above, Aaron shares his strategies for overcoming these hurdles. One effective technique is to group distant trees in a way that they maintain a sense of unity rather than appearing as separate entities. This helps in creating depth and perspective.
Finding the Right Balance
Making decisions about value and color can be daunting. However, Aaron suggests keeping the palette limited and focusing on the relationships between colors. This not only simplifies the process but also enhances the overall impact of the painting.
Final Touches: Bringing Your Painting to Life
As you approach the finishing stages of your pastel painting, it’s essential to refine your shapes rather than get bogged down in details. Aaron often uses a light touch and keeps areas of the paper visible to allow for vibrancy. The interplay of light and shadow is crucial in creating a dynamic piece.
Using Fixatives
To preserve your work, applying a fixative can be beneficial. It helps seal the pastel while allowing you to continue layering. However, artists should be cautious, as some fixatives can dull colors. Experimenting with different fixatives can yield various results, so find what works best for your style.
Sharing the Joy of Art
Art is not just about the finished product; it’s about the journey. Aaron encourages artists of all levels to embrace their creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just starting, pastel painting offers a unique way to express yourself and connect with your inner child.
Rediscovering the joy of pastel painting can transform your artistic journey. It’s a medium that invites playfulness and creativity, reminiscent of childhood coloring days. So grab your pastels, find a cozy spot, and let your imagination run wild. Remember, art is about the process, not just the result!
Resources for Aspiring Artists
- Free eBook: 45 Pastel Pointers from the Pros
- Free full-length art instruction video sampler
- Free Book: 201 Essential Plein Air Painting Tips
