PASTELS
What Pastels Should I Use?
It can be downright overwhelming to know what pastels to buy with all the materials on the market. I’ve created this video to share more detailed information regarding the pastels that I recommend.
How to Sharpen your NuPastels
It can be very helpful to use a hard pastel sharpened to a point for greater control. In this video, I'll show you how I sharpen my NuPastels using a single-edge razor blade.
Dakota Pastels has created very helpful Comparison Chart for the major soft pastel brands on the market:
Dakota Pastels Softness Comparison Chart
Workable Fixative
Use this all-natural workable fixative to secure a layer of pastel so it binds to the surface for further work. This product will darken your colors slightly and may spit out of the nozzle if it is not cleaned regularly. But since you are adding further layers, this is not an issue. Clean the nozzle often with hot water. It's a wonderful product for use with your soft pastels.
Lascaux Fixative
Lascaux Acrylic Fixative is an aerosol based finishing spray used to secure the pastel and provide crystal clear protection once it is completed. This product will not darken the colors of your pastel painting. It provides additional bonding of the pigment to the surface for framing and shipping your pastel paintings. This product is toxic and should be used with adequate ventilation. I only use it outdoors. It is an excellent fixative. Product Link
