New chalk pastels!

Last week we did our first chalk pastel tutorial

and I realized our pastel set was under-stocked and inadequate.

So I splurged on 2 sets –

a 24 set of chalk pastels

& my waited-so-long-on-my-wish-list set of pastel pencils!

When I put both sets out

and opened a new Hodgepodge chalk tutorial ~

Wind in the Tree

EVERYONE joined!

My older girls seldom do art with us,

but the new array of beautiful colors drew them closer …

and we all enjoyed a relaxing time with our pastels.

(The pastel drawings done from top to bottom by 10-year-old, 13-year-old, 18-year-old and me.)  

Several of us did a 2nd pastel picture not shown here.

Thanks Tricia for making our first lessons so easy!

Here are some pros and cons of chalk pastels ~

Pros ~

• bright colors
• covers a large area with very little effort or work
• layers of colors can cover up ‘mistakes’ or smudges
• limited colors layered on each other produces new shades and tones
• blending with finger or paper nub makes beautiful shading
• quick lessons because you can’t ‘work it too much’

Cons ~

• smudges easily
• lack of fine detail frustrate some kids
• can become messy if not careful
• chalk pieces break very easily
• some popular colors are often finished before most the other colors

Even if you only have a small set, or limited time, go ahead and try a chalk tutorial!

Blessings,