Mastering key pastel techniques

Master a few key techniques used in pastel art by following this simple guide and you'll be on your way to creating great art!

What is the hatching and cross-hatching technique in pastel art?

Hatching and cross-hatching is a shading technique where you create depth, texture, and tone by layering intersecting lines. It’s commonly used in drawing with pencils, pens, or ink and pastel too. 

Mastering key pastel techniques

How to:

Hatching: Using parallel lines to create light shading. Space lines further apart for lighter areas and place areas closer together for darker areas.

Cross-hatching: Add another layer of lines crossing the first layer at an angle, creating darker tones.  

Be inspired: 

Look at works by artists like Albrecht Dürer for inspiration  on cross-hatching. 

Top Tips: 

  • Practise pressure control and using lighter pressure for subtle tones and firmer strokes for bold shadows. 
  • Combine cross-hatching with other techniques like stippling or contour lines for more dynamic effects
  • Gradually transition from light to dark areas by varying spacing and density, creating smooth gradients.
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What is the scumbling technique in pastel art

Scumbling is a painting or drawing technique that creates soft textures and subtle transitions by layering. Scumbling can be perfect for skies, clouds or subtle textures.      

Mastering key pastel techniques

How to: 
Apply your pastel in a light, circular or scribbling motion. Gradually build up texture and tone by applying translucent layers over a dry base. 

Top Tips: 

  • Avoid overworking to maintain the textured airy effect. 
  • Practise to find your unique touch. 

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What is the feathering technique in pastel art? 

Feathering is a technique for creating soft transitions or delicate textures. It’s ideal for natural elements like fur, hair, or feathers.

How to: 
Use fine, short strokes in a similar direction that taper off at the ends. Overlap the strokes to build texture while following the natural flow of the subject such as the curve of the hair or feathers. Blend gradually, adding layers to increase density for darker layers. 

Be inspired: 
Look at works by artists like pastel pencil artist Naomi Jenkin (naomijenkinart.com) for fantastic examples of feathering. 

Top Tips: 
• Practise control to keep lines smooth and consistent. 
• Use tools like sharp pastel pencils for precision.

Mastering key pastel techniques

If you're new to pastels, don't stop here! Explore our other beginner-friendly guides to learn all you need to progress and develop your pastel skills.

What is the stippling technique in pastel art?

Stippling is a shading technique that involves tapping the point of a pastel onto paper to create many small dots. It is perfect for detailed and intricate artworks. Stippling is often used to place many colours next to each other so that when viewed from a distance, the viewer’s eyes are tricked into mixing the colours together. Stippling can also add texture and depth to a piece of art.

Mastering key pastel techniques

How to: 

Use a fine point to create tiny, even-spaced dots. Lightly tap the surface without dragging the pastel. To control density, use fewer spaced-out dots for lighter areas and cluster dots closer together for darker areas to build shadow and depth. 

Mastering key pastel techniques

Top Tips: 

  • Stippling is time-intensive but rewarding. Work in small sections to maintain focus and consistency.
  • Place dots randomly to keep the texture natural and organic, avoiding lines or obvious shapes
  • Practise regularly for precision and control

Be inspired: 
Look at works by artists like Georges Seurat for inspiration in pointillism, a stippling variation with colour.

If you’re new to pastel art, don’t stop here! Explore our other beginner-friendly guides to learn about choosing the right pastels, blending techniques, framing your artwork, and keeping your creations safe. Each article is packed with tips to help you improve your skills and enjoy your pastel journey

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