Soft pastels are a fun and forgiving medium. The more you experiment, the more you will master this versatile tool! While you are trying these out, think about how you can incorporate them into your next artworks.
You Will Need:
- Micador For Artists Soft Pastels
- Micador Paper Stumps
- Drawing Paper

Technique 1: Using the Edge
This technique is great for covering large areas with colour! Start drawing with your pastel on its side. For smaller subjects and more intricate details, try breaking your pastel in half so it’s easier to hold and manoeuvre in tighter spots.
Technique 2: Blending
Micador For Artists Paper Stumps are great for blending. Start by shading a chosen colour on your paper. Use your stump to softly smudge the sketched lines, blending them together. Try using two colours, and softly smudge where they meet.
Technique 3: Cross-hatching
To cross-hatch, draw a set of lines that follow your object’s surface shape. Once you have drawn lines in one direction, draw some facing another direction. Keep repeating this until you’re happy. Use different tones to create shadows and depth.