Test: Soft pastels, Pencils - Water & Alcohol
The more you read the more you know, at least that is what they say. Should we believe everything we read, hear?
After my discussion with co-pilot (don't ask) I know it's not different from certain people. The first idea is the best or at least what one should do, but if that's true, if we all keep copying the question remains: which part is art, which part is personal, where is that unique part showing you as an artist?
After the discussion with the teacher (after my befindings with the materials I have/use I know a lot of what is shown doesn't work for me. It can be the paper, the soft pastels, the brand of pastel pencils or a combination or simply the way I work.
What baffles me most is that I know today what she didn't seem to figure out in over 30 years. I know I am right and there's no point in let her show me how to do it. I already know plus she doesn't use Rembrandt or Faber Castell Pitt pencils.
Let's try how well both mix with (w) water and (a) alcohol (70%) and if it's worth my time.
The Rembrandt colours - 45.
It's the first time I use every colour. I broke them and unwrapped a piece. It feels as if there's a kind of film on a few. A good reason to rub them a bit.
Soft pastels are more colourful than pencils.
Do you see a difference with(out) water or alcohol?
Faber Castell Pitt pastel pencils - 24
Again trying water and alcohol.
Single colors + colours mixed.
Conclusion:
Ik don't see any point in using alcohol (it's expensive and the result is worse as with water).
The point of using water? Perhaps fewer pastel can be used and fixative spray is no longer needed (I doubt it) and it saves you rubbing it into the paper like my teacher said, which can be done using a pastel or a different pastel pencil like Stabilo might (not in my possession so let's see what else I can find).
P.s. Trying out the colours might be good to start with, which I didn't since I like to start and find out while doing.
Materials:
Soft pastels: Rembrandt
Pastel pencils: Faber Castel
Paper: Bamboo: 24 x 34 cm - 250 gsm - acid free
Brush: round
Rub/medical alcohol 70%
11-1-2026
P.s. I deleted this post since it showed the wrong community. How come it doesn't show in my profile but is still visible if I click on it via notifications, an empty sheet with the title 'deleted'?
Quess what? This post overwrote my "Two Women"!
The pigment in soft pastels is so intense compared to pastel pencils!
After your post, I realized that 'pastel' refers to the medium itself, not just a palette of baby pinks. I looked for them online and went to the stationery shop just to see them in person.
I’m still not sure if I’m ready to try them; my acrylic sets sit unused, and my jewelry making stuff are all in my graveyard of abandoned hobbies.
I thought maybe I just wanted to look at them or perhaps feel the texture. They are locked away in a cabinet, not much choice also.
You can combine it. I saw people make backgrounds with acrylic (same they do with oil paintings) or watercolour paint and next draw on it. If you want to give it a try buy a few or a simple set and make drawings out of 3 colours.
They can be very expensive, but I ordered some cheap ones (very soft ones) and see how that works out.
Btw it's the first time I see it behind glass - locked
I am working on the next fish (a request).
It's about 10 dollar and they locked it like that. Maybe the cabinet was too empty. LOL
Just 10 dollars? We pay way more. Perhaps they are afraid people will try them out just like with pens.
It's a Chinese brand. Probably that's why it's cheap.
I went to the 2D puzzle store again. Turned out it's the same brand you mentioned.
Rolife? I will check again.
If it comes to Chinese brands we pay easily 40 euros or more. No matter the brand.
I’ve noticed a lot of Chinese products being sold here at very reasonable prices, but when I check international platforms, they are more expensive—sometimes several times the price.
Faber Castell is an excellent brand