Tips for Applying Pastel Base Colours

The initial base colour should be applied generously as it will have to cushion the stronger colours that are applied into it. This also has the effect of covering the paper better as you don't want any of the paper showing through. This would mean that the stronger colours could touch the raw paper giving a harsher tone and spoiling the effect you are trying to achieve. It is better to use a lighter touch when applying the stronger colours, if you continued to apply the same pressure there is a danger of crushing the pastel paper which would present you with a problem.Should you do this then sometimes a picture can still be saved. Unlike other mediums, Pastel Pencils can be erased and using the hard end of a double-ended eraser. I have done a YouTube tutorial showing how below.