Embedded Files
Overview
Overview
Goal
Goal
Students will explore the expressive and vibrant qualities of chalk and oil pastels by creating an animal portrait that demonstrates their understanding of color blending, value transitions, and composition. Students may choose to work with chalk or oil pastels to complete their portraits.
Materials
Materials
Surface: Pastel Paper or Drawing Paper
Materials: Chalk or Oil Pastels
Step 1: Chalk Pastel Exploration
Step 1: Chalk Pastel Exploration
Independently, watch this video about chalk pastels.
In your sketchbook, practice the techniques from the video.
Step 2: Oil Pastel Exploration
Step 2: Oil Pastel Exploration
Independently, watch this video about oil pastels. This video is a bit longer so feel free to skip through if you need to.
In your sketchbook, practice the techniques from the video.
Light Application
Light Application
What it is: Applying oil pastel gently so the paper texture shows through.
How to do it: Use light pressure, allowing the paper's texture to remain visible.
Example: Lightly apply blue for a cloud-like sky background.
Heavy Application
Heavy Application
What it is: Applying oil pastel with firm pressure for solid coverage.
How to do it: Press firmly, covering the paper completely.
Example: Use firm pressure to create a vibrant red apple.
Color Mixing
Color Mixing
What it is: Blending different colors to create new shades.
How to do it: Apply light layers of different colors, then blend.
Example: Mix yellow and blue to make green for leaves.
Blending a Gradient
Blending a Gradient
What it is: Creating a smooth transition between colors.
How to do it: Start with a dark color, lighten pressure as you move to the next. Blend at the overlap.
Example: Blend blue to orange and yellow for a sunset.
Stippling
Stippling
What it is: Creating texture using small dots.
How to do it: Tap or press the pastel lightly to make dots.
Example: Create texture for flower petals or tree leaves.
Using Blending Tools
Using Blending Tools
What it is: Using tools to smooth and blend pastels (q-tips, tortillions, paintbrushes).
How to do it: Try paper stumps, silicone tips, or your fingers to blend.
Example: Use a paper stump to soften edges in a portrait.
Sgraffito (Scratching)
Sgraffito (Scratching)
What it is: Scratching through a layer of pastel to reveal colors underneath.
How to do it: Apply dark pastel, then scratch with a sharp tool.
Example: Scratch through black pastel to reveal whiskers.
Impasto with a Palette Knife
Impasto with a Palette Knife
What it is: Applying thick pastel layers using a palette knife.
How to do it: Scrape pastel onto the knife, then apply it for textured strokes.
Example: Use impasto to create thick sunflower petals.
Refining with Colored Pencils
Refining with Colored Pencils
What it is: Adding fine details with colored pencils after using oil pastels.
How to do it: Add pencil details to sharpen edges or refine lines.
Example: Use pencils to add veins to flower petals.
Step 3: Pastel Animal Practice
Step 3: Pastel Animal Practice
Step 4: Sketching & Planning
Step 4: Sketching & Planning
Find a clear and detailed reference image of an animal for your animal portrait. If you have your own photo on your iPad, make sure it is high quality and easy to see.
Lightly sketch your animal portrait in your sketchbook using a pencil. Start with basic shapes to map out the head, body, and limbs. Use guidelines or a grid if needed to help with proportions. You can use this grid presentation.
Look closely at your reference image and pay attention to important details like color, fur texture, facial features, and any unique characteristics of your animal.
Remember, this is just the sketching phase! Focus on getting the overall structure right, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments as you go.
Step 5: Transfer Sketch to Paper
Step 5: Transfer Sketch to Paper
Redraw your sketch onto a piece of pastel paper. Do not use white paper.
Then, using the knowledge you obtained through your practice, begin adding color, value, and texture by working from background to foreground.
Be true to the background of your image and keep it the same as the photo. Do not leave any areas blank.
Step 6: Work on Art Portfolio
Step 6: Work on Art Portfolio
Reference the art portfolio requirements and complete your portfolio.
Reflection Questions & Artist Statement
Reflection Questions & Artist Statement
Reflection Questions
Reflection Questions
Answer ALL of the following questions by copying and pasting them into your portfolio:
How did you use color blending and value transitions with your chosen pastel type to create depth and realism in your animal portrait?
What challenges did you encounter while working with oil or chalk pastels, and how did you work through them?
How did you plan your composition to guide the viewer’s eye through your artwork? Do you feel it was successful? Why or why not?
What made you choose oil pastels, chalk pastels, or a combination of both? How did that decision affect your final result?
Artist Statement Questions
Artist Statement Questions
Use the following questions to write a short paragraph about your artwork:
What did you make?
Why did you make it?
What does your artwork mean?
How did you make your artwork?
Your artist statement can include:
Your inspiration
Themes you explored
Personal connections to your work
Information about the creative process (techniques, materials, etc)
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