How to Make Less of a Mess? [Archive]

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learning to paint

02-25-2001, 10:22 PM

No joke here. I'm becoming frustrated by the mess that I make every time I work with pastels.

Some details:

1. I'm more comfortable working at a desk or drafting table than an easel. I have a nice table easel, and it tilts slightly forward, but I can't see to find a comfortable arm position, and I tend to lose accuracy.

2. When I do try the easel, I haven't figured out how or where to let the dust fall.

3. As the paper gets packed with pastel dust, I usually need to knock it out. So I lift the whole ground on top of a big garbage can and tap-tap-tap. And the whole time, I think, there's got to be a better way. Dust everywhere...

4. I don't have a dedicated area for pasteling. Since the dust is not especially healthy, nobody wants me to work anywhere near where they live or eat.

I truly enjoy working in pastels, but there must be a better way! Tips and what-you-do are more than welcome!

Roan

02-25-2001, 11:29 PM

Paint:

Easels used for pastel tilt forward so that the pastel dust drops off away from the painting. You don't need a huge tilt, just enough that the dust doesn't accumulate on the painting. We usually create a 'catch tray' of some sort for the dust to collect into -- they usually sit right underneath your painting. I make mine out of tin foil and sit my drawing board directly underneath. I empty it between paintings outside in the garbage bin so I don't breath the dust in.

I was used to using a slightly flat or tilted surface myself and an easel took some getting used to. However, it's just a small learning curve and once you get used to it it's not a problem at all.

From what you've said I get the impression your entire problem would be rectified by forcing yourself to learn to use your table easel and using a catch tray.

If part of the problem is removal of pastel causing dust, ie: brushing off mistakes, you should take the painting outside. If you are blowing pastel dust off as you work, don't. It's an easy habit to get into and a hard one to break. Pastel dust isn't good for you to breath either.

If you were in a room alone, I'd just recommend wearing a mask, but you indicate that others are breathing the dust in as well. Your best bet is to work to avoid as much dust as possible.

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Roan
Call caraid tadhal tric, 's call caraid tadhal ainmig.
-- Friends are lost by calling often, and by calling seldom.
RoanStudio.com (http://RoanStudio.com) <-- pastel open stock vendor sources & reviews!

[This message has been edited by Roan (edited February 25, 2001).]

learning to paint

02-26-2001, 09:20 PM

Is it commonplace for a pastelist to use an easel? Or is it equally common to work at a desk? I'm asking because it's easier-- far easier-- for me to work at a desk, relatively flat. Which kicks up all sorts of dust.

If easel it must be, then easel it shall be. But do provide more input!

Roan

02-26-2001, 09:40 PM

It's more common to use an easel for exactly the reasons I stated above as well as many others that have to do with drawing, perspective, etc., -- that help?

My post above is merely pointing out that there is really no "right" or "wrong" way to paint, just the way that suits you and your environment.

If your dust is causing problems for others and an easel will help, then use an easel, by all means.

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Roan
Call caraid tadhal tric, 's call caraid tadhal ainmig.
-- Friends are lost by calling often, and by calling seldom.
RoanStudio.com (http://RoanStudio.com) <-- pastel open stock vendor sources & reviews!

aspiring artist

03-07-2001, 12:34 AM

In addition to Roan's great advice, I have also placed in my Extra Strength Aluminum Foil "homemade tray", some wet paper towels, OR a length of sticky tape to grab those dust particles. Makes clean-up a bit easier.