How can I make my pastel paint better?
As you look at your subject, squint as much as possible, which allows you to see the shapes rather than the details. Paint what you see, not what you think you know is there. Paint “fat over lean,” as you would in oil—that is, heavy over light, or soft over hard. Paint the highlights last to keep them clean and bright.
Why do artists use the underpainting technique?
Underpainting serves many purposes and can be used to achieve a variety of different things. It can give your work more depth and more dimension. It can create levels of contrast. It can better enhance areas of light, dark, and shadow.

What is Verdaccio underpainting?
Verdaccio is a greenish underpainting technique used byearly Italian fresco painters. The artist establishes all the values in the underpainting technique. Several transparent over paintings are then applied, achieving a realistic skin toned painting that glows.
What alcohol do you use with pastels?
Alcohol Wash Use denatured alcohol or 90-percent isopropyl alcohol and a flat watercolor brush to wash over dry pastel pigment, which will dissolve and stain the color into the paper. This method dries very quickly and creates beautiful effects.

How do you detail soft pastels?
To add tiny fine details and bright little shine marks, break the pastels into shards, either using your fingers or cutting them with a scalpel. These sharp pieces of soft pastel are far better for bright highlights than pastel pencils, as the pigment is richer.
What is Flemish painting technique?
Developed originally in Flanders, the method became known as the “Flemish Technique.” This method of painting requires a rigid surface on which to work, one that has been primed pure white, as well as a very precise line drawing.
What is pastel Liquifier?
A unique medium that can be applied directly to soft pastel to temporarily liquefy colours. This allows pastel to be mixed and blended, giving paint like effects and washes. Pencils and Pastels.
What is a alcohol wash for pastels?
An ALCOHOL WASH is simply a technique used to liquify pastel creating a wet underpainting. Using a paintbrush and 70% rubbing alcohol the artist wets the pastel creating a wet wash. Pastel can also be liquified with water and Odorless mineral spirits with slightly different results.
How do you seal soft pastels?
Sennelier Latour Spray Fixative for Pastels Use this resin-based and alcohol-based solution, explicitly developed by Sennelier for soft pastels, to seal soft pastel drawings and protect them from the support. Sennelier Latour Spray Fixative for Pastels prevents the subdued hues of pastel colors from being altered.
What colour should I do my underpainting?
The most traditional color for the underpaint is an earth color or grey. This might comprise burnt sienna, burnt umber or a mixture of an earth color and blue, such as ultramarine. It does not matter if the underpaint forms an even, flawless layer, as it will be painted over.