New pastels What next?

It can be daunting having new pastels, here's a few tips on how to explore them when you first open the box. You can find edges, either the broken edge or as you use them, they will develop edges you can use. I also suggest you experiment with the pressure with which you apply the pastel. Firmer will apply more pigment or lightly to blend or glaze colour. I will show you some of my favourite surfaces, how they behave when you apply pastels and special characteristic of each. There's no right or wrong surface but every artist develops favourites, here are some of mine. When you are learning soft pastel, i think the first thing to explore is sanded surfaces, as they do improve the application of fine details. Traditional soft pastel paper, Fisher 400, Pastelmat and Sennelier Le Carte pastel card, are the surfaces I have sampled here. Next, the quality of soft pastels does make a difference, investing in your hobby is the best way of gaining confidence and new skills. Hope theses tips help, I'd love to know what you think. Happy Pastelling Nina