Exploring Water Soluble Pastels

Introducing Water Soluble Pastels

Welcome to the wonderfully whimsical world of water soluble pastels! These nifty art supplies combine the vividness of traditional pastels with the adaptability of watercolour, bringing a splash of watery delight to your artistic endeavours. Simply put, they allow artists to achieve painterly effects by activating the pigments with water. Whether you prefer dainty washes, translucent layers, or bold strokes, water soluble pastels are your new best friends.

Wondering how versatile these little wonders are? Here’s a peek:

Technique	Description
Dry Application	Use them like regular pastels for crisp, vibrant marks.
Wet Application	Apply a bit of H2O for a sweeping, painterly look.
Wash Technique	Brush over dry pastels to create lovely washes of colour.
Two-Colour Wash	Layer two colours dry, then blend them with water – magic!
Sgraffito	Scratch into the pastel layer for textured effects.
Mixing with Other Media	Combine with watercolours or pencils for mixed-media marvels.

 

Benefits of Water Soluble Pastels

Why, you ask, should you make space in your art arsenal for water soluble pastels? Prepare to be dazzled by their many perks:

• Vivid Colours: These pastels are the life of the party, offering bright and attractive hues that’ll make your artwork sing.
• Versatility Galore: Activate with water for an ink-like flow or use them dry for bold, striking lines. Fancy a mix? Combine them with watercolours or other water-based media.
• Layering and Blending: Smooth and blendable, they allow colour transitions smoother than a jazz playlist on a Sunday afternoon.
• Adaptability: Use them on various surfaces such as regular and watercolour paper, or even on certain panels for different textures and effects.
• Creative Possibilities: The range of techniques they accommodate – from delicate washes to sgraffito – can turn a simple sketch into a masterpiece.

Next time you feel like painting the town happy, grab a set of water soluble pastels and let your creativity flow.

Eager to dive into the specifics? Check out our favourite sets, including Caran D’Ache Neocolor II, Cretacolor Aqua Stic Aquarelle, and Mungyo Water Soluble Oil Pastels.

Feel the need to mix things up? Take a closer look at techniques like combining with watercolour or pencils for some mixed-media magic.

Best Water Soluble Pastel Sets

For artists on the prowl for high-quality water soluble pastels, this section takes a deep dive into some of the best sets on the market. These pastels are renowned for their vibrant colours, blendability and versatility. Let’s explore why Caran D’Ache Neocolor II, Cretacolor Aqua Stic Aquarelle, and Mungyo Water Soluble Oil Pastels are the go-to choices for art enthusiasts.

Caran D’Ache Neocolor II

Caran D’Ache Neocolor II pastels offer superb quality and versatility. Available in sizes of 15, 30, 40, and 84 in a metal tin (MyArtShop), these pastels dissolve in water, allowing artists to create stunning watercolour effects.

Features:

• Highly Pigmented: Rich, vibrant colours that pop off the page.
• Smooth Application: Glides easily across various surfaces.
• Blendability: Effortlessly blend colours using water, creating soft transitions.

Set Size
15
30
40
84

Imagine yourself painting a sunset, effortlessly blending those hues as if working with watercolours – pure magic!

Cretacolor Aqua Stic Aquarelle

Cretacolor Aqua Stic Aquarelle Oil Pastels are designed for artists of all levels, from beginners to professionals. These pastels are renowned for their maximum colour intensity and versatile use, suitable for various surfaces including paper, canvas, and even glass (My Art Shop).

Features:

• High-Quality Pigments: Provides lightfast, rich colours.
• Smooth Strokes: Perfect for detailed work or broad applications.
• Versatility: Can be used on multiple surfaces, making it a versatile tool in your art arsenal.

Set Size
10
20
40

Fancy painting on glass? Go right ahead; these pastels stick like a pro!

Mungyo Water Soluble Oil Pastels

Mungyo Water Soluble Oil Pastels offer an affordable yet high-quality option for artists. Available in sets of 12 and 24, these pastels are perfect for those wanting to experiment with water-soluble media without breaking the bank (MyArtShop).

Features:

• Affordable Quality: Great for artists on a budget.
• Smooth Texture: Easy to blend, particularly with water.
• Variety of Colours: Strong colour selection to enhance creative projects.

Set Size
12
24

Ever thought of blending bright, bold colours with just a splash of water? Mungyo makes it simple and enjoyable.

Using Water Soluble Pastels

Techniques for Water Soluble Pastels

Water soluble pastels aren’t just your average art supply – they’re the secret superheroes of the art world, capable of a multitude of techniques that can bring any artist’s imagination to life. Here’s how you can wield these mighty pastels:

• Dry Application: Looks like a crayon, feels like a crayon. Simply draw directly onto your substrate.
• Wet Application: Wet the tip of the pastel before applying it to your surface. This method gives a bold, vibrant colour.
• Wash Technique: Draw your shapes and then use a wet brush to activate the pastel, creating a lovely watercolour effect. Perfect for soft transitions and blending.
• Graded Wash: Start with a solid colour and then use water to fade it gradually. Great for sunsets, ombré skies, and dramatic backgrounds.
• Two-Colour Wash: Mix two colours directly on your substrate using a wet brush. Goodbye mundane, hello masterpiece.
• Scraping/Sgraffito: Apply a thick layer of pastel and then scrape away some of the pastel to reveal the layers beneath. Perfect for texture enthusiasts.
• Spritzing: Spray water onto your artwork after applying dry pastels. It’s like magic; the colours spring to life and blend beautifully.
• Masking Techniques: Use masking tape or fluid to create sharp lines and precise shapes. It’s all about control.
• Wax Resist Technique: Draw with a white wax crayon and then colour over it with your pastels. The wax pushes the pastel away, revealing the crayon design.
• Embossing: Apply pastels heavily, then use a stylus to press design into the pastel coating.
• Mixing with Other Media: Combine pastels with watercolours, pencils, or even markers for mixed media extravagance.

Creative Applications for Water Soluble Pastels

Water soluble pastels are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic choice for a wide variety of creative projects. Here’s how you can apply them in your art:

Technique	Description
Watercolour Effects	Achieve soft, flowing transitions and blends by using a wet brush after applying pastels dry. Ideal for landscapes and skies.
Mixed Media	Combine with watercolour pencils or traditional watercolours for depth and texture. Go wild with layering different mediums.
Illustrations	Perfect for comic artists, illustrate your scenes in bold, vibrant colours with the dry method, then blend colours with a wet brush for dynamic effects.
Portraits	Achieve smooth skin tones and soft textures by blending the pastels with a wet sponge or brush. Get ready to capture the essence of your muse with lifelike details.
Abstract Art	Explore textures by layering and scraping away pastels, or mix in other media for complex, intriguing patterns. Perfect for those who like to colour outside the lines.
Urban Sketching	Quick, on-the-go application with just a splash of water from a portable water brush to blend. Capture the essence of a city’s hustle and bustle effortlessly.
Greeting Cards	Create one-of-a-kind greeting cards with vibrant, painterly effects that’ll make Aunt Martha hang it on her fridge forever.
Craft Projects	Combine with stamps, stencils, and other tools. Use a mask or resist technique for clean, crisp designs.

 

Mixing Water Soluble Pastels

Water soluble pastels are a versatile medium that can be combined with other art supplies to create unique and dynamic artwork. Here’s how to mix these pastels with watercolours, watercolour pencils, and other media for exciting effects.

Combining With Watercolour

Combining water soluble pastels with watercolour allows for beautiful, soft transitions and vibrant layers of colour. Start by applying the pastels dry to your surface. Then, use a wet brush to blend the pastels, diluting them to achieve watercolour-like effects (Jackson’s Art).

Steps:

1. Sketch your outline with dry pastels.
2. Use a wet brush to activate and blend the pastel.
3. Add watercolours on top for additional layers and details.

Combining With Watercolour Pencils

Watercolour pencils, such as Derwent Inktense, bring precision to your artwork and can be seamlessly integrated with water soluble pastels. Use pencils for fine details and pastels for broader strokes.

Technique:

1. Draw finer details with watercolour pencils.
2. Apply pastels to larger areas.
3. Blend both using a damp brush for a cohesive finish.

Mixed Media Techniques

Water soluble pastels can be used in combination with various media to explore different textures and effects. These include techniques with scraping (sgraffito), spritzing, and masking.

Mixed Media Ideas:

• Sgraffito: Layer pastels and then scratch through to reveal underlying colours.
• Spritzing: Apply pastels then spritz with water for a mottled effect.
• Masking: Use tape or a masking fluid to protect areas, then apply pastels.

Technique	Description
Sgraffito	Scratch through layers for unique textures
Spritzing	Mottled effects using a spray of water
Masking	Protect areas to create clean lines

 

Tips for Effective Mixing

1. Layering: Build depth by layering different media.
2. Dry Then Wet: Apply dry pastels first, then blend with water to maintain control.
3. Experiment: Try various combinations to discover your favourite techniques.

By exploring these methods, artists can elevate their craft and unlock new dimensions of creativity.

Pastel Artistry Tips

Water-soluble pastels combine the vibrancy of traditional pastels with the adaptability of watercolours, providing artists with endless creative possibilities. In this section, we’ll cover a guide to using water-soluble pastels and some essential techniques for pastel artistry.

Guide to Using Water Soluble Pastels

Water-soluble pastels are a fun and versatile medium that can bring a splash of creativity to any artist’s repertoire. Here’s how to make the most of them:

1. Dry Application: Use them like regular pastels. Apply directly to the paper for vibrant, expressive strokes.
2. Wet Application: Dip the pastel in water before applying for a more fluid, paint-like consistency.
3. Wash Technique: Apply dry and then use a wet brush to create a smooth wash of colour. Perfect for those delicate skies or dreamy backgrounds.
4. Graded Wash: Start with a concentrated application of pastel and gradually add water to create a gradient effect.
5. Two-Colour Wash: Apply two different colours side by side, then blend with water for a soft transition.
6. Sgraffito: Scratch into a layer of colour to reveal the layer beneath—great for adding texture and interest.
7. Spritzing: Apply pastel and then lightly spritz with water. The result? Gorgeous splattered effects and rich textural variety.
8. Masking Techniques: Use masking fluid to preserve areas of your work while applying pastels around them, creating sharp and clean edges.
9. Wax Resist Technique: Draw with a wax crayon and then add pastels and water—magic happens when colours resist the wax, creating beautiful textures.
10. Embossing: Press a textured object against your paper before applying pastels for unique embossed patterns.
11. Mixing with Other Media: Combine with watercolours or watercolour pencils for varied effects and additional layers of depth.

Techniques for Pastel Artistry

Beyond basic applications, mastering a few advanced techniques can elevate your pastel artistry:

1. Layering: Start with light layers and gradually build up to darker tones. This can create a sense of depth and richness in your artwork.
2. Blending: Use your fingers, a blending stump, or a wet brush to seamlessly blend colours together. Achieve soft, natural transitions between hues.
3. Impressionistic Strokes: Use short, quick strokes to mimic the lively brushwork of the Impressionists. Great for landscapes and textured scenes.
4. Detail Work: Use the sharp edge of the pastel or a small, detailed brush to add fine details and intricate lines to your work.
5. Mixed Media Mastery: Combine water-soluble pastels with other media, such as watercolors or watercolor pencils, to add variety to textures and colour dynamics.

Technique	Description
Layering	Building colour intensity with successive applications.
Blending	Smoothing transitions with fingers, stumps, or wet brushes.
Impressionistic Strokes	Quick, short applications emulating classic brush strokes.
Detail Work	Sharp edges or brushes for fine, intricate details.
Mixed Media Mastery	Using water-soluble pastels with other water-based media.

Ensure to experiment with various techniques to discover new ways of expressing your artistic vision. The beauty of water-soluble pastels lies in their versatility and the myriad possibilities they offer. Happy creating, and may your colours always blend harmoniously!

Choosing Substrates for Pastels

Creating masterpieces with water-soluble pastels is an adventure, but choosing the right substrate can elevate that artistic experience. Let’s delve into the factors to consider and explore the best substrates for water-soluble pastel artistry.

Factors to Consider

Before picking up any random piece of paper, consider these key factors that influence how well your best water soluble pastels perform:

1. Tooth and Texture: The surface texture, or ‘tooth’, of the substrate affects how the pastels adhere. A rough tooth grabs the pastels, making blending and layering easier.
2. Weight and Thickness: Heavier weight papers or surfaces are less likely to buckle when water is applied.
3. Absorbency: The ability to absorb water without soaking through is vital for achieving delicate washes and transitions.
4. Durability: How well the substrate holds up over time, especially if you plan on displaying or selling your art.
5. Colour: Some artists prefer tinted or toned papers to add depth and contrast to their work.

Exploring Substrate Options

Now that the factors are clear, let’s explore some prime substrate choices for your water-soluble pastel adventures.

Watercolour Paper

Watercolor paper is an incredible option for those looking to combine the vibrancy of pastels with the soft transitions water allows. Its high absorbency and robust thickness are designed to handle various water techniques without warping.

Substrate Type	Tooth	Weight (gsm)	Durability	Absorbency
Watercolor Paper	Medium-Rough	250-300	High	High

 

Pastel Paper

Specifically designed for pastel artists, pastel paper provides an excellent tooth that captures the pigment well and allows for multiple layering.

Substrate Type	Tooth	Weight (gsm)	Durability	Absorbency
Pastel Paper	Medium-Rough	160-200	Medium-High	Medium

 

Mixed Media Paper

Perfect for those who like to mix it up, mixed media paper provides the versatility needed for combining pastels with other media such as watercolour pencils or traditional watercolours.

Substrate Type	Tooth	Weight (gsm)	Durability	Absorbency
Mixed Media Paper	Medium-Smooth	200-250	High	Medium-High

Choosing the right substrate is an integral part of mastering water-soluble pastels. Whether you’re applying mixed media techniques, exploring various creative applications, or tapping into techniques for pastel artistry, the right surface can make all the difference. Happy painting!