This video demonstrates how to illustrate a plate of cookies using soft pastel.
- 1 min short (pastel brands)
- 1 min. video (handmade pastels)
- 1 min. video (Rosca de Reyes)
- 2 min. video (color thumbnail)
Starting with a quick thumbnail sketch, decisions about composition, creating depth and emphasis are discussed.
Techniques shown in soft pastel include how to layer colors, how to create gradients and blend to get specific colors, and how to create a balance of saturated and muted colors, and more.
Demo led by Art Prof Clara Lieu.
Video Walkthrough
- Drawing a small thumbnail sketch to plan the composition.
- Determining how large to draw the objects in the scene.
- Creating atmospheric perspective
- Layering techniques for soft pastel.
- Smudging pastels with a rag.
- Drawing on toned paper lays down a great foundation of tone.
- Use lighting to create a sense of cohesion in the scene.
- Being selective about what you choose to draw in the scene.
- Blocking in the largest shapes first.
- Lighting & contrast in the scene.
- Squint when you observe your reference image.
- How to articulate patterns without drawing in a precise manner.
- Deliberately showing your marks in soft pastel.
Art Supplies
Reference Photo
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