I am considering using conte crayons for portraits. Mainly I have used graphite pencil for portraits and would like to get some feedback from those who have used conte crayons as I have only heard of this medium recently and am quite interested in it.

Jean

Hi Jean! If you're looking to try portraits in pastel, then I think that the very basic advice would be to look for soft pastels as, in my experience, they're much easier to blend.
The other thing is to try your pastels on different paper colours, as portraits using simply highlights and shadows can be stunning.

Come back to me if you want a little more specific information, and I'll do my best to help.

Very best wishes,


Steve Williams
PA & RSC Wigan / Warrington / St Helens

Steve, Thanks very much for the reply. As I only have soft pastels, should I also have a set of pastel pencils for defining lines? I don't have a set but am thinking of purchasing them as I only have a soft pastel set.

Speaking of paper, could you give me some advice on pastel paper to purchase (not got any either!). I've been having a look at the SAA shop for affordable pastel pads and cant seem to find any. I'm pretty sure I've had a good look. Anyway, maybe you could suggest a brand of pastel paper pads with various colours which I could practice on and I'll look for them!

Hi Jean! If you're starting to have a go, I would suggest that you, perhaps, try simply using Rough Watercolour Paper to practice on; there is the slight problem of white spots, where the dry colour doesn't quite reach the bottom of the paper texture, but its good to practice on.
When and if you have had a go at this, then have a look at the SAA Shop again, and consider something like Hannemule or Clairefontaine Papers when you are ready for the next stage.
For a really effective portrait, try using one of the Velour Papers for a very soft effect.
As a stop gap until you feel confident enough to spend money on good pastel paper, have a look at your local art supplies shop where you should be able to get something cheap to work on; you should be able to get a pad with a variety of colours.

Good luck and very best wishes,

Steve Williams
PA & RSC Wigan / Warrington / St Helens

Thanks Steve for all the advice :) You're a star!