I like experimenting with making my own surfaces for the pastels. I think it goes back to my printmaking days or possibly, my love to make recipes. If I'm not in the studio playing "mad scientist," I'm in the kitchen whipping up a new dish or treat.
I had received my order of Pan Pastels, but was lacking in pastel paper. I grabbed some canvas board, a canning jar, gesso, water, paint and fine black tile grout. Yes, I said tile grout. It was on the shelf in the studio from a prior kitchen project. ( Most pastel surface recipes call for a fine grade pumice and etching paper.) Once I got the right consistency and gray tint, I used a 1.5 inch house paint brush and placed a layer on the canvas board, being careful to evenly distribute the gritty mix. I then allowed it to dry completely. Once dried, I took a fine grade sandpaper and went over the surface to remove any clumps or uneven areas. It worked great!
Since I enjoy the impressionist period, I first did two studies from two of my favorites of the time, Renoir and Monet. The next was from a reference photo I took while visiting Bonnie Castle, Alexandria Bay. I then completed a scene of two boys rowing on the river, also from reference photos.
I had received my order of Pan Pastels, but was lacking in pastel paper. I grabbed some canvas board, a canning jar, gesso, water, paint and fine black tile grout. Yes, I said tile grout. It was on the shelf in the studio from a prior kitchen project. ( Most pastel surface recipes call for a fine grade pumice and etching paper.) Once I got the right consistency and gray tint, I used a 1.5 inch house paint brush and placed a layer on the canvas board, being careful to evenly distribute the gritty mix. I then allowed it to dry completely. Once dried, I took a fine grade sandpaper and went over the surface to remove any clumps or uneven areas. It worked great!
Since I enjoy the impressionist period, I first did two studies from two of my favorites of the time, Renoir and Monet. The next was from a reference photo I took while visiting Bonnie Castle, Alexandria Bay. I then completed a scene of two boys rowing on the river, also from reference photos.
