Pastels




I have recently starting using chalk pastels and find, even though my hands get very dirty, that it has been quite easy to use. One major disadvantage is that the drawing can easily be smudged. Liquid fixatives help, but dulls the vivid colors. Pastel artwork has to be framed differently to protect the surface and it still must be handled gentle when carrying it and hanging it up for display.

Plein Air Pastel Drawings

Chalk Pastel drawing of girl in a yellow jacket in front of a river

“Girl in a Yellow Jacket” - 10x12 in., chalk pastel, ©2019 All Rights Reserved - Plein Air pastel drawing, Steamboat Spring, Colorado. As I was drawing the river a young girl just happened to walk by and I quickly included her into the scene. An elderly couple bought the drawing to give to their grand-daughter for her birthday.



Chalk Pastel drawing of two fishermen

“Two Fishermen” - 12x16 in., chalk pastel, ©2019 All Rights Reserved - Plein Air pastel drawing, Steamboat Spring, Colorado. This drawing of the same river included two fly fishermen.



Chalk Pastel drawing of red barn

“Red Barn” - 11x14 in., chalk pastel, ©2019 All Rights Reserved - Plein Air pastel drawing, Steamboat Spring, Colorado. Early in the morning we drove out to one of the local properties. Each artist choose their own spot to draw. I choose the red barn.