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How to Use Pastels to Paint Turquoise

The term "pastel" is derived from the term "paste" and consists of colored powder pigments that are bound together by a low-saturated and neutral-hued binder such as gum or resin. Pastels are used to create various art forms and were first mentioned as an art medium by Leonardo da Vinci in 1495. Using a layering technique in which one color is layered above another color and then blended together, the artist can create many color variations. Using this method, turquoise can be created with a combination of the colors blue and green.

Things You'll Need

  • Blue pastel
  • Green pastel
  • Pastel paper or canvas board
  • Styrofoam pellets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Paint the first layer on the pastel sheet or canvas board using the blue pastel. Since turquoise is predominantly blue, start with this color as the first layer and slowly incorporate additional colors until you reach the perfect shade of turquoise.

    • 2

      Apply a soft layer of green pastel to the first layer. Depending on the shade of turquoise you desire, you can work with a lime green or a darker forest green.

    • 3

      Blend the two colors together using either your fingers or a styrofoam pellet. If you feel that you've added too much green, go back and add a touch more blue to balance the two colors.

    • 4

      Continue steps 1, 2 and 3 until you reach the ideal shade of turquoise. Depending on the desired texture of your art piece, avoid over-blending the blue and the green. The more you blend, the smoother the texture.

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