Bold & Beautiful: Vibrant Peacock in Pastel
Pastel Animal Demo
Course Summary
Dive into the world of vibrant color and intricate detail with this pastel peacock tutorial! Using the rubbing alcohol technique, we fixate an initial layer of soft pastel to create a bold underpainting. This not only establishes underlying shadows but also locks in a solid base to build upon. Learn how to "plop" your base colors down with confidence, blending them seamlessly before applying the alcohol layer. As we refine the piece, we layer rich pigments for the peacock’s iconic feathers, using soft pastels to create vibrant hues and pastel pencils for delicate details. The combination of bold strokes and precise lines brings the feathers to life, capturing the dynamic textures and radiant colors that make this bird so majestic. Whether you're a beginner or intermediate artist, this tutorial will help you create a show-stopping piece while mastering essential pastel techniques.
Takeaways / Lessons Learned
Rubbing Alcohol Technique:
Learn how to fixate soft pastels to the paper, creating a stable base layer that allows shadows and textures to shine through.
Layering Vibrant Colors:
Explore how to layer bold pigments on top of a secure underpainting for eye-catching results.
Texturing Feathers:
Use a combination of soft pastels and pastel pencils to add intricate details and realistic textures to feathers.
Fun & Expressive Techniques:
Discover how to "plop" down underlayers of pastel with confidence, embracing a loose and playful approach before refining details.
Shadow Foundations:
See how establishing shadows early with the alcohol layer simplifies the process of adding depth and dimension later.
Balancing Bold & Fine Details:
Find harmony between dynamic, bold strokes and delicate lines to create a balanced, vibrant composition.
Course Curriculum
Andrea Gianchiglia
