In the previous article, we gained a deeper understanding of Bonnie Griffith's artistic journey and the inspiration behind her beautiful landscape paintings. Now, let's turn our focus to one of the key tools that help bring her creations to life — soft pastels. In this next segment, we invite Bonnie to share her thoughts and insights on using this unique medium. She will dive into what makes soft pastels special, how they influence her creative process, and offer valuable tips for fellow artists and beginners interested in exploring this versatile and vibrant medium.
The Power of Soft Pastels
➤What are your thoughts on soft pastels as a medium? What makes them special, and why do you enjoy working with them?
The power of pastels: pastels are a favorite medium for me - both in studio and out in the field. It’s the immediacy of the medium and the richness of the colors. One can merely open a box of pastels and start painting. There is no time needed for mixing paint or waiting for a painting to dry! For the most part, pastels are a very lightfast medium as proven over time. These are all reasons that I like the medium.
➤Could you share some unique techniques for using soft pastels? Do you have any tips for beginners?
Pastels are so versatile. They can be used on a variety of substrates, be painted very texturally or smooth. They can be incorporated in multimedia works or merely painted traditionally in a solo application. For beginners this medium is ideal because you have with a set of pastels a beautiful range of colors and values - no mixing. There are no brushes to clean or waiting for paint to dry. I like to advise beginners to get a quality set of pastels with a good variety of color and value in a professional grade of pastels. So with the Colour Block set of 100 they can achieve exactly that.
➤If someone were seeing your work for the first time, which soft pastel piece would you choose to represent you?
If someone is seeing my work for the first time I’d show them one of my winter plein air paintings done in late afternoon light because it illustrates values and color in relevant temperatures const with time of day and quality of light.
➤Could you share the story behind that piece? What inspired it, and what challenges or surprises did you encounter during the creative process?
This study was done on location with a limited palette carefully selected to execute the painting in a fairly short time since the light was late afternoon and the weather cold! The lake and the composition of the view was what drew me in to paint the scene. Anytime you work en plein sure the challenge is to work with a definite purpose to complete the work timely in the existing light. When you are painting outside in winter the temperature is a factor as well.