Chalk pastels are a versatile medium - they are easy to blend and layer, and have the ability to provide a range of line and texture. The most daunting thing about pastels, especially in the elementary classroom, is their capacity for mess - dust everywhere, and chalky hands. I do believe it's possible to introduce them to the primary grades, with modeling and guidance. Below are some considerations for using chalk pastel:
Students should practice and experiment with differing pressure, texture-making, and blending before beginning a chalk pastel artwork for the first time.
Younger students may find it helpful to have a strong dark outline (such as black crayon or oil pastel) as as a border for blending.
Using black or colored paper Is great for contrast with this medium.
Children with accommodations for sensory processing issues may prefer to blend chalk pastels using a glove or soft paper towel.
A Few Pastel Options
Schmincke soft chalk pastels:
This set of 30 pastels retails for $99. These would definitely be considered premium grade materials, both in cost and quality. The pigment is dense, and blends and layers easily.
Rembrandt soft chalk pastels:
Another premium brand, equal to Schmincke in quality. Its vibrant colors are easy to layer and blend. These pastels sticks retail individually for approximately $3.50/stick, or in sets.
Sakura Nouvelle Carre hard chalk pastels:
These sticks are noticeably harder and smoother than soft pastels, allowing for a bit more control, but less ease of blending. This set of 24 colors retails for around $30.
Derwent chalk pastel pencils: These pencils have a similar advantage to the harder pastels, as the allow for finer detail. The pigment is not as dense as a soft pastel, and more layering is necessary to achieve a vibrant color. A set of 12 retails for $21.
Experimenting with Chalk Pastel
Drawing and blending with hard and soft pastels
Drawing and blending with hard and soft pastels
Potential Applications for Chalk Pastel
Setting the Pastel
When it's time for students to take their work home, the dusty, ephemeral nature of chalk pastels will require some kind of fixative to preserve the work and reduce smudging. Here are two options that I experimented with. Both sprays used on soft pastel drawings layered with multiple colors.
Workable Fixative
Smudging was minimal, although the color slightly darkened upon application. As the name suggests, this spray allows for the area to be reworked, if desired. This can of Krylon Workable Fixatif retails for about $7.
Hairspray
Surprisingly, drugstore hairspray worked just as well if not better than the fixative! It may have darkened the pastel slightly, but it's barely noticeable. Not only would hairspray be a cheaper option for the classroom, the odor is not nearly as noxious. I would recommend either spray be used outdoors.
This website has some extensive research testing several different brands of fixative, and rated them on their ability to resist smudging and color change.
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