Beautiful Swan: Lesson 3

You don’t need to have an easel for pastel. In fact, it is easier using pastel flat on a table. However, be sure to tape the paper down onto a board so that your picture doesn’t move!

In regards to pastels:

When breaking the pastels into smaller pieces, be sure to remove the paper covering the pastel before breaking into pieces. This will help the pastel from crumbling and being unusable.

Don’t use pastel over carpet because it can stain very easily.

Be sure to use the side of the pastel rather than the tip. It is not a pencil, but rather paint.

Don’t use any water around pastels. If you accidentally get any damp fingers or rags on the pastels they will turn hard and you will not be able to get the pigment onto your paper. Use a DRY paper towel to wipe off hands. Only at the end of the lesson should you wash your hands off.