Basic PanPastel Techniques

It’s very easy to begin using PanPastel.
Here are some basic techniques to get started:

Swipe the Sofft Tool over the pan surface

Step 1:

Swipe the Sofft Tool over the pan surface 1-2 times to lift the color.

Tip: Swiping the pan’s surface more than necessary will generate excess dust, because the Sofft Sponge will become overloaded.

The same tool can be used with several colors.

Step 2:

The same tool can be used with several colors. “Clean” Sofft Tools between colors by wiping on a dry paper towel.

Tip: Wipe KNIFE/COVER side to side so the paper towel doesn’t drag the cover off.

Apply like paint to paper

Step 3:

Apply like paint to paper / working surface.  Reload tool with color as required.

Mix colors - like paint

Step 4:

Mix colors - like paint - to create intermediate colors. Colors can be mixed on the pan surface or on the working surface (paper).


ERASABLE!

Colors are fully erasable with any eraser. So corrections can be made & color can be removed easily.

erasing
different erasers

Preparing to Paint

Here are the basic materials suggested to begin using PanPastel:

Paper Towel

Paper Towel (Kitchen) - For cleaning Sofft Tools between colors

Paint Kit

PanPastel Colors placed in a palette tray & Sofft Tools

different erasers

Eraser - to correct/remove color

Selection of papers

Selection of papers


Palette Trays

PanPastel Palette Trays are the ideal way to hold PanPastel in use and for storing and transporting them. They hold the pans securely. Each palette tray has a cover making storage of all of the colors in the tray quick and easy.

Applying color with a pallete
putting the lid on a pallete

TIP: To easily lift pans from the palette - use a PanPastel lid.


Fixative

Finishing - Fixing/Framing

Artwork created with PanPastel Colors should be treated in the same way as artwork created with soft pastel sticks for fixing, framing etc. PanPastel Colors work with all pastel compatible products including fixatives.

Although it is not essential, any spray pastel fixative /varnish can be used to protect PanPastel artwork.

Whether or not to use fixative and the technique chosen depends on personal preference and the working method.

TIP:  Fixative can be used as a way to isolate previous layers of color, especially on smoother surfaces. Read more about fixing here https://paintdrawblend.com/2014/12/fixatives/

You Might Also Like

PanPastel Surface Guide

A guide to using PanPastels on a number of different surfaces.

Color Mixing with PanPastel

A quick walkthrough of mixing colors with PanPastels

PanPastel Drawing Techniques

A visual overview of drawing techniques using PanPastels

Using Sofft Tools

A quick overview of using Sofft Tools with PanPastels.