A mixed selection of artist’s quality soft pastels from Unison, Daler-Rowney, Schmincke, and Sennelier. Arranged in tubs of ground rice which prevents colour contamination , DARKS and LIGHTS, and mid-tones WARMS and COOLS. A selection of pastel pencils from Derwent, Faber-Castell and Stabilo. Putty Rubber and slice of Plastic eraser. Baby Wipes to keep hands clean and wipe away changes.

Alizarin , Indigo Raw Umber watercolour paints . Various brushes including a wash brush and Rigger. Sliding Viewfinder.

A neutral mid-tone support Misty Grey mount board by Daler-Rowney. An initial broad water wash helps raise a surface nap on smooth mount board which will give a better tooth for pastel work.

Establishing the lights and darks of the composition with loose watercolour brushstrokes.

While observing carefully and using a rigger brush room features and objects are plotted into the composition .

Further drawing with the rigger brush and initial stroking in of pastel colour.

Continuing to correct drawing and building the pastel marks up gradually , blocking in colour with the broad side of a pastel stick.

Using a pastel pencil to refine the drawing.

Building up stronger colours by cross hatching the pastel marks and blending in with fingers.

I enjoy describing the details that particularly catch my eye. Not everything will be finished to this extent. Pastel pencils come into their own here, sharpen with a knife to get a good point.

Resist resolving every area to an equal extent. A vibrant zing of neat pastel colour livens particular items. If worked firmly they need no fixing . Most fixatives deaden pastel colour.

Final details and highlights.

Some work with a fine charcoal pencil [ Faber Castell - soft ].