WHAT'S ON MY EASEL: Working with Pan Pastels -- Adding and Refining

Intensifying colors, refining details

I'm learning a lot about working with this medium, mostly that I needed to use a substrate with a lot more tooth than Stratford's Series 400 Pastel Paper. I also wish I'd used a much larger substrate; 10" x 12" doesn't give me enough space to work in a more painterly fashion with the Swifft® "brushes" (sponge applicators); they are too large for such a small format. (Hmmm; I wonder what would happen if I tried honing one with an X-Acto knife. They're cheap little buggers...nothing ventured, nothing gained.) Then too I'm fighting the illustration-like image that is evolving but I don't seem to be having much success.  Still, I do like working with these pastels, mostly because of their potential for expressive marks. 

Adding details

I'll take this to its conclusion, if only to complete the experiment and, if I have time, do it again on a larger substrate, one with more tooth. I'm also planning on adding to my palette; I want to experiment with their "tint" pans. 

WHAT'S ON MY EASEL: More of Experimenting with Pan Pastels

Phase 2: Refining proportions, adding shadows

After yesterday's initial blocking in, I've started refining proportions and adding a few shadows...mostly as reference points. I tend to work from the middle tones outward so I'll gradually be adding the lights and darks. I'm impressed with how easily the Pan Pastels erase with a kneadable eraser. I've also learned that I'm being much too energetic when I swipe my Swifft "brushes" over the colors. There's really no need to do that, and it creates too much dust. 

I'm working on Strathmore's 400 Series Pastel Paper. I wish I'd used something with more body to it; this stuff is too flimsy for the way I work.