Backgrounds play a crucial role in complementing pastel art, as they can enhance the subject, add depth, or evoke a specific mood. Here we look at the benfits of different backgrounds and also learn how to create our own bokeh effect

Backgrounds and their uses

Here are several types of backgrounds to consider for your pastel art...

Gradient backgrounds 

Smooth transitions between colours, like a sunset (warm yellows to pinks) or ocean hues (blues to greens) adds a soft, dreamy effect and complements the gentle nature of pastels. 

Neutral toned backgrounds 

Subdued tones like beige, grey, or light brown provide a subtle backdrop that helps the pastel subject stand out. 

Textured backgrounds 

Use cross-hatching, stippling, or blending for subtle texture and create a dynamic contrast to smooth or detailed foreground elements. 

Floral or nature-inspired 

Soft impressions of flowers, leaves, or abstract natural elements works well for portraits or still-life compositions. 

Abstract backgrounds 

Swirls, geometric patterns, or splashes of colour can add a modern or whimsical touch. 

Blended backgrounds 

Blend several muted colours to create an atmospheric feel, like fog or a distant landscape and enhances depth without drawing focus from the main subject. 

Negative space 

Leave parts of the paper untouched or use very light pastel application to highlight the subject and maintain a minimalist aesthetic.

Monochromatic backgrounds 

Use varying shades of one colour to offer a cohesive look while allowing the subject to dominate. 

Complementary colour backgrounds 

Choose a background colour opposite to the main subject’s colour on the colour wheel to provide striking contrast and enhance the vibrancy of the artwork. 

Subtle patterns 

Incorporate gentle patterns like polka dots, stripes, or waves to add character without overwhelming the subject. 

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.

Environmental backgrounds 

Suggestive scenery such as a blurry meadow, urban skyline, or misty mountain to set a narrative tone for the artwork. 

Dark or black backgrounds 

Create high contrast, especially for bright pastel colours and add drama and intensity to the piece.

How to create a bokeh background

Mastering the delicate interplay between focus and blur can transform an image. The bokeh effect, characterized by its soft, out-of-focus background highlights, is more than just a trendy aesthetic, it's a powerful tool for artists. Learning to create bokeh backgrounds empowers you to draw the viewer’s attention to your subject while adding a dreamy, almost magical quality to your compositions. Whether you’re capturing portraits, still lifes, or abstract scenes, understanding and applying this technique can elevate your work from good to truly captivating. 

Top tip Bokeh scenes can be worked on top of your subject or you can work your background around a subject.

Step 1

Start by laying down a colour as a base. It can be any colour depending on what sort of background you are looking for and it can also be a combination of colours. 

Step 2

Start with a dark version of the colour (green) and then add a medium variation over the top. 

Step 3

Using a pastel stick, keeping it low to the paper, begin to make circles. Start in the centre of circle and as you make the circle bigger, reduce the amount of pressure that you are applying. This will help to blur the edges.

Try not to use the corners or any sharp edges as the aim is to keep the circles as soft as possible. Depending on the type of pastel paper you are using, you will be able to use your finger to blur the edges quite easily. 

Andrea Naylor is a self-taught professional award-winning artist. Andrea has been teaching, demonstrating and creating commissioned artwork for over 20 years, specialing is hand-painted portriats of pets, people and wildlife. Find out more on her website or via social media

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