Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

How to Blend Soft Pastels

The question of whether or not to blend soft pastels is up to the pastel artist. If the pastelist does decide to blend, there are two things to consider: The first is that it is inadvisable to blend more than two pastel colors together. Blending too many colors often leads to "muddiness" where the colors streak and are thus no longer as beautiful as the sum of their parts. The second is that it does not matter what you blend with. Every store-bought or found tool yields its own unique results. Do a little experimenting to discover which blending technique is right for you.

Things You'll Need

Soft pastels
Pastel paper
Blending tool
Fixative

Instructions

- 1
  Apply the pastel colors to the paper as you wish.
- 2
  Blend the colors with the tool of your choice. Firm, high-quality cotton swabs are great for blending small- to medium-sized areas and mixing, but not completely blending colors. A small, stiff paintbrush will give a softer, more thoroughly blended look and sweeps away excess pigment. Your finger (use a finger cot or cotton glove) is a great, complete blending tool. Tortillons (smudge sticks), makeup sponges, foam and fabric also make great tools that each produce unique results.
- 3
  Spray the blended colors with a fixative. The fixative will keep the colors from smearing or flaking off when handled. If you still have work to do, choose a "workable" fixative that allows you to draw and blend over the layer you have already put down. This is a great way to mix more than two colors without creating muddiness. Follow the manufacturer instructions for application rates and amounts. Work outside or near an open window if possible.

Other Hobbies