How should I draw a portrait with pastels?

Answer by  Kris (797)

Outline your subject very lightly in pencil. Then start filling in the colors as desired, taking into consideration shading and the direction of your light source. Shadows need to face the same way consistently. If you are using chalk pastels, protect your finished work with a fixative.

Answer by  benjaminbarry (34)

Draw the portrait in using an erasable pencil and light marks. When you are satisfied with your 'plan' divide the portrait into color areas. I find starting with the background (sky) works the best. Look at other pastel portraits and notice how the artist has shaded the various elements. Practice your shading and master before you finalize your portrait.

Answer by  SallyJ64 (3121)

Start by doing a basic sketch to give yourself some guidlines. This could also be done in pencil or choarcoal just to give yourself a base to work with. You'll want to layer the pastels, starting with the lighter colors first and then building up to darker colors. Be careful not to overwork or sumdge the drawing.

Answer by  supadoop (8)

Use colored paper: like a light gray or reddish. If you're just starting out, work from a photograph instead of a live model- it's easier to draw lines for proportion, to measure out distances between features, etc. Start by outlining the shape of the whole face, and where the features are, then moving in to details!

Answer by  Liz59 (10966)

Well if you want to make a portrait, just use the pastels in the direction you want to go. Make sure they are sharp and you have to know there is no room for mistakes.

Answer by  Liz59 (10966)

Well, go about drawing a portrait the usual way. But pastels are thicker in size, so do a test and see the way your pastels form colors on a piece of paper.

Answer by  amtcura66 (1340)

You should draw what you want first with pencil but very vaguely. Then you can go over it with pastels and add more shading.

Answer by  dd80 (6)

My knowledge of design and drawing is worth far more than three cents. Please try again! 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 1 1