Best Friend
Artists Drawing and Inspiration|Issue 37
This pastellist likes to maintain a good sense of humour, which helps her to rise above unconstructive criticism. And she is not afraid to experiment and invent her own techniques if something doesn’t quite work.
Cynthia Waygood
Best Friend

Step One

I like to take many photographs and observe the animal for myself. Otherwise, I ask for as many photographs as the owner can supply. I enlarge chosen photographs to A4 size on my computer, and I print them out in colour and black and white (this helps me with detail and shading).

I begin with a detailed sketch in my sketch book. My objective is to capture the spirit and character of my subject as accurately as possible.

MATERIALS

• Canson Mi Teintes pastel paper 160gsm (Toba).

• Soft pastels: Rembrandt; Faber Castell Studio range; Winsor & Newton.

• Black and white charcoal pencils.

• Pastel pencils (soft and hard): Faber Castell; Pitt Pastell; Bruynzeel.

• Workable Matt Fixative.

• Kneadable eraser.

• Paper stumps: 2, 4 and 6.

• Bristle brush – Size 0.

• Maul stick.

• Wet and dry cloths for cleaning fingers.

• CD player and inspiring music … Classical, New World, Jazz.

STEP TWO

My Canson pastel paper, with a piece of slightly bigger smooth card underneath it, is clipped to a large piece of MDF board on my easel. I make a gutter with an old piece of soft card to go underneath (this acts as a dust catcher). I attach my reference photographs to the MDF board surrounding my pastel paper.

With my inspirational music playing, I am ready to make a start.

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