Base coating with pastels

Tutorial Tuesday is a longstanding NaMoPaiMo tradition. Let's jump right in with this base coating how to from Stephanie Blaylock!

Base Coating a Chestnut with Pastels

by Stephanie Blaylock

Steps:

• Before you start, seal the primered horse with Mr. Super Clear matte. This helps the pastels go on smoother.
• First layer - Pan Pastels Yellow Ochre with black around the eyes and muzzle. Seal with Mr. Super Clear Matte and enjoy your YELLOW horse!
• Second layer - Pan Pastels Burnt Sienna and black points again. Seal with Krylon Gloss Crystal Clear. This helps prevent graininess, but will require more drying time.
• Third layer - Pan Pastels Burnt Sienna Shade and Red Iron Oxide Extra Dark. Begin to develop shading and black points again. Seal with Mr. Super Clear Matte.
• Fourth layer  - More layering of Red Iron Oxide, Burnt Sienna Shade and Burnt Sienna and black points again. Seal Mr. Super Clear Matte. 

I like to use old soft brushes. To prevent graininess don’t mix dark and light colors on brushes. Only use black on one specific brush.

This whole process took maybe two hours, with dinner during my gloss coat. After this I usually add acrylic details, which can take days to weeks, but this is a quick way to lay down smooth soft color.