Pastel School contains everything you need to begin with confidence. It describes the different types of pastels available and offers invaluable advice on putting together a basic starter palette and adding the colors suitable for landscapes, portraits, flowers, and other popular subjects. Simple exercises introduce you to the effects of various colors on papers of different tones and textures. The versatility of pastels is one of their most appealing qualities, and Pastel School takes you step-by-step through the techniques that make them such a remarkable medium. From how to hold a pastel (including how the angle produces specific effects) to hatching, blending colors, feathering, stippling, overlaying, and more, each step is explained in detail and accompanied by clear illustrations. And when it's time to use your skills to create your first still life or landscape, you'll find plenty of helpful tips and guidelines about such matters as composition, lighting, and perspective - plus a gallery of finished paintings illustrating different approaches and styles. The eight projects included here demonstrate the creative process from initial planning to final touches. They give you eight great ideas to begin with, but feel free to let your imagination fly.