Making Professional Pastels. Resource at Daniel Smith, by Paul de Marrias.
I made these.
Pigment Pen
The Daniel Smith stores are here in Washington state. I especially enjoy going into the Seattle store and picking out big, white bags of pigment - French Ultramarine is my favorite.
Here are some stores around the US that supply pigments and other materials:
Daniel Smith, founded in Seattle.
Utrecht Art Supplies, founded in NYC.
Rochester Art Supply, Rochester, NY.
Artisan, Santa Fe. Find Gamblin pigments there.
I guess I borrowed some pigments from a pastel stick in this instance, but pictured is a bag of Daniel Smith Whiting. The jar holds blue easel tailings.
I love making pastels. I have never tried from bought pigments. I collect the debris from my paintings and add some water.
ReplyDeleteI made 2 new sticks this morning before breakfast - nice activitiy.
Making from new pigments is not as hard as one might think, Karen. Use a spray bottle with a paper towel rubber-banded to the trigger so as to change out after each color. Gloves and a mask.
ReplyDeleteSpray a "mashed potato pile" with water, and roll by hand. If too wet, dab with a paper towel. If too dry, add tiny amounts of water.
It is very rewarding!
I thought you need binder too? The way you describe it is very easy.
ReplyDeleteThe Paul De Marrias article at Dan Smith shares his "secret formula" which adds whiting and talc, which I call "body." I have yet to add any binder, although I have a bag of Gum Trag handy.
ReplyDeleteSo all the pastels that I have seen on your blog that you made yourself were without binder? Right?
ReplyDeleteIf that is the case I know I will be hooked!!!!
That's right, Karin, no binder . Whiting, french Talc and pigment. They are fairly soft, with a creamy texture.
ReplyDeleteThank you - I found the article. I hope I can get whiting and Talc here. Hmmm, wonder what that is. Germany is unfortunately a pastel-wasteland.
ReplyDeleteYou are really inspiring me Casey! Would love to make my own but on a boat it is a bit difficult . . . In the meantime, Paul made me a beautiful set of handmade cityscape colors a couple of months ago that are fantastic. It's amazing how much heavier a handmade pastel feels (all that pigment I guess). Thanks for all the info - what a great resource!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll make great use of the cityscape set, Eden!
ReplyDelete