All you need to know about dry pastel

Dry pastel is a noble material that allows for rich colours and varied textures. Thanks to a high concentration of pigments, dry pastel allows for creations that are high in colour and contrast. The effects obtained are also varied, whether it is a question of blur, gradation or fading. Dry pastel is thus distinguished by its versatility and the intensity of its colours. Economical in terms of consumption, it can be used on various supports. Here is an overview of its use, its specificities and its advantages.

Types of dry pastel

There are two types of dry pastel: soft and hard. Each of them is easy to handle. Soft pastels come in chalk sticks with little binder. They are powdery pastels with dense colours. A word of caution: soft pastels are very hard on the fingers when used. Hard pastels contain much more binder. This makes them very resistant. Whether soft and gentle or hard and with a strong character, dry pastels can be used in many ways depending on the technique used. In all cases, its richness in pigments offers brilliant colours, both on details and on large areas.

The use of dry pastel

Dry pastel is used by superimposing layers. One of its specificities is that there is no mixing of colours beforehand. There is no preparatory work, the colours are worked directly on the support and are therefore of fundamental importance. Depending on the level of pressure applied on the dry pastel, the colour will have a different rendering. It is also possible to mix the colours by applying vigorous pressure. To obtain a gradient, simply draw several lines of colour side by side and spread them out with your finger. It is also possible to lighten a shade by dabbing it lightly with an eraser.

The dry pastel can be used for both fine lines and large areas. The side of the stick should be used for large areas. Simply rub the pastel in horizontal strokes. In this case, a piece of dry pastel and not the whole stick is preferable for easy handling. The tip or the edge is preferable for precise lines. The details can then come to life easily. Finally, the flat end of the stick makes it possible to draw thick lines very gently. It should also be noted that the pressure exerted on the dry pastel influences the strength of the line. Depending on the intensity of the gesture, you will obtain a fine line or a thick line. The surface also plays a role: the rendering will be regular on a smooth surface whereas it will be choppy on a rough surface. Another interesting feature is that dry pastels are water soluble. This allows you to apply certain touches with a brush according to your needs and the desired result.

The advantages of dry pastel

One of the great advantages of dry pastel is that it does not require chemicals or varnish in its use. The absence of preparatory work makes it a particularly accessible technique. Moreover, dry pastel works do not require the use of thinners. Contrary to painting for example, this means that pastel does not dry. There is no time constraint to modify or complete the work. The texture will not change whatever the duration of the work and you will be able to take a break and then resume the realization as you wish.

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