Timothy Holmes demonstrates a pastel portrait and shows how he makes his own 'sanded' card.
Meet the artist
I have been painting with oil paints since my school days. Mainly landscapes and portraits. I only really started using pastels more recently. I know some people don’t like to use them because they can get a bit messy, but the effects can be interesting and on the whole I find them quicker to do than my oil paintings.
I am a bit of a messy painter but I usually have a plan and I tend to do my own thing more than follow a rule book. But for me making art is simply great therapy.
I started making pastel paintings and sketches of landscapes and seascapes on card and pastel papers, but soon wanted to try portraits and I found that quite challenging.
How to make your own pastel paper
You will need:
- Coloured card
- Golden Pastel Ground
- Water
- Brush
Preparing your card:
- Make sure your coloured card is flat and thick enough (270 gsm) to apply a pastel ground.
- Mix one part Golden pastel Ground to about three parts water then apply with a brush.
- The card will bend when damp but will flatten out as it dries.
- Apply one or two coats depending on how much ’tooth” you require.
- When the ground is completely dry lightly brush off any excess dust from the card.
Precautions when using Pastel Ground:
- Make sure you use disposable gloves when mixing and applying the ground
- Never breathe it in or get it or get it on your skin.
- Ventilate the room really well.
- Store in a safe place out of the way.
I wear a mask when applying inside, though I usually make a batch of ‘sanded’ cards in summer when I can do it out on the patio where they can also dry quickly.
Portrait painting demonstration
Choice of paper
The choice of coloured paper for this portrait was deliberate as I felt using a cooler colour would help deepen the darker shades and the overall cool low light feel.
These decisions don't always go to plan but I like happy accidents in art so it's worth taking risks.
I don’t really like blending the colours too much as I find it can make them a bit flat and lifeless, so this way I have the chance to let the colour of card come through a little in places and complement the shades around it.
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