Best Friend

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

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.