Fearless Friday, Beets with Pastel
Pastel is such a fun medium,
I think my favorite characteristic of pastel
is that it delivers instant vibrant color
This is my pastel set, it came in a wooden case with sponge inserts
that hold the pastel sticks and keeps them organized
{more info at the end of the post}
I do not consider myself a pastel artist as I have limited experience
and knowledge of this medium,
but I can tell you it’s great fun to play with and experiment!
Today we are going to do a quick sketch of colorful beets
I used a photo of an oil painting by Hallie Kohn as my model
I use paper blending stumps to blend the colors
I use the sharp edges of the stick to get sharp lines or you can use pastel pencils
At this point I decided to add 2 more beets
tucked behind the beets in front
to balance out the composition and make it more interesting
The down side of pastel is that it’s messy
I forgot to put a cloth on my easel to catch the dust
and you can see how it piles up and collects
near the bottom of the paper
Almost done
Final highlights and it’s finished
“Colorful Beets” 9″ x 12″ semi hard pastel on gray pastel paper
This was just a quick sketch,
I only spent about 30-45 minutes
If you can spend a short block of time,
even 15-30 minutes, for daily art
you will be amazed at how much you improve and learn
Juicy Details
There are many types of pastels, soft, semi hard, hard, pan pastels, pastel pencils, and oil pastels.
If you want to get an inexpensive set to try, there is a good one here, it is the same brand as mine, Mungyo, it has 36 colors and it comes in a good storage box, and is 50% off right now
Pastel pencils come in handy for details and drawing. I have a set of Stabilo that I like. There is a good set of 24 here, and it is 25% off right now
Oil pastels are more like a crayon and they don’t create dust when you use them, but they don’t blend as well as the other types of pastels.
Finished pastel painting must be sprayed with fixative to prevent smudging
Some pastels are toxic, so make sure you use them in a well ventilated area, or outside, and wear gloves if you are going to use your fingers to blend them
Be Fearless!
I will be joining these fabulous parties and blogs:
Sundays on Silverado/ Love Your Creativity
What’s for Dinner/ Between Naps on the Porch
All About Home/ Common Ground & Follow the Yellow Brick Home
Oh My Heartsie Girl / Turn About Tuesday
Karin’s Cottage Linky Party / Creative Crafts / Crafty Creators
Full Plate Thursday/ Creatively Crafty/ Thursday Favorite Things
RSS - Posts
Beautiful beets! I love both red and golden varieties. You did an excellent job, Jenna.
Thank you Angie, have a great weekend!
I love art and music, but don’t have an artistic or musical bone in my body. I find myself way too busy in retirement, but your blog has me mentally edging towards choosing a medium and giving it a try. I’m not ready yet, but your daily practice of art makes so much sense and is so encouraging!
Thank you Linda, setting aside a block of time is a great way to get started. There are a lot of online classes and You Tube videos available with lessons, I hope you give it a try!
Jenna, the pastel beets are beautiful. You always amaze me with your Fearless Fridays and your talents. It is so hot, a good day to stay inside and paint. Stay cool!
Thank you Pam, much appreciated! Yes, it too hot for June!
Beets I am not a fan of–but your work and that of Hallie Kohn are definite favorites! Thanks for the tips you listed–especially the safety aspect, I had never known that. I have an artist daughter and I have always liked pastels, but was shy to even try my hand at a basic project. You encouraged me so I may take a shot at it soon. Thanks, Jenna–you’re my mentor! Georgia Gal
Thank you Georgia Gal, I’m not a fan of beets either put they make a good art subject 🙂 I hope you will give pastels a try, I always have fun with them, you’ll feel like a child playing with crayons!
I’ve never worked much in pastels and not for (literally) decades. But when I saw that Heidi Marshall work last summer I was sorely tempted. I love all your pieces you shared here. I’m not a beet fan but I love the way they look and you nailed it!
thanks so much Jeanie, pastels are a lot of fun, but oh so messy!
Nice work an inspiration!
Thank you!
You have such beautiful results with pastels, Jenna! 💕 Always love your tutorials.
Thanks so much Patty Anne, I always enjoy seeing your steps too! Artists inspire each other!
J, I love your beets! Are the pastels chalk?
Thank you Rachelle, yes pastels are similar to chalk
Jenna, as always l love to follow your step by step paintings! My mom was a gifted painter until arthritis took over, but neither my sister nor myself (nor any of the grandchildren) inherited her talent so it always lovely to live art vicariously through your paintings. Thanks so much for sharing your gift and a most happy Monday to you!
Thank you Kim, that is really sweet! one of my sisters is an artist and she was my mentor, my other sister has no interest!
You may not consider yourself a pastel artist, but you sure do one heck of an imitation of one! This is great! I love all the pretty shades!
Thank you Alycia, pastels are such fun to play with!