Pastels: Once We Were Important

A simplified and well named painting tells a powerful and interesting story. This clever pastel artist is delighted to share her techniques for the benefit of others.

- Margaret Ann Wilson

MATERIALS

Colourfix paper.

Selected artists’ pastels.

While driving down a bush lane one afternoon, I noticed an abandoned property. It seemed so sad to see the old telegraph pole still standing – even though it had not been in use for many, many years. The post and letterbox were from another time, and the fences and wire were all put there by folk hoping for a future in farming. I felt I needed to tell this story.

Before I begin a painting, I ask myself: ‘What attracted me to this subject and what story is it telling me’? I need to determine what to leave in and what to take out. Once I have decided how I will paint the subject, I start making many sketches and doing lots of pondering. I finally come to a conclusion about how to tell the story.

Give this technique a go … see what your final sketch will be. It is a fun way to start a painting. As you are working and thinking, think about the colours, shapes, distance, and so on.

I am one artist who never has ‘white canvas syndrome’! By the time I am ready to begin painting, I am so excited I cannot wait to get my hands covered in pastel.

Starting a painting, I choose the colours for the sky. In this painting, four colours: White, mauve, dark blue and light blue. All colours start from the top. I cover the paper with white from top to bottom; dark blue one-third of the way from the top; and light blue two-thirds down. Don’t be shy to press pastels firmly. Then, working across the paper, start blending from the top down. Blending means to firmly press your fingers onto the pastel and, in small circular movements, work across the paper so your colours are mixed together.