Affix a sheet of pastel paper to a tabletop or other flat surface with masking tape. The tape should form an even frame around the entire edge of the paper.
Sketch a picture on the paper with the drawing pencil. Do not apply much pressure because the drawing should not be visible to viewers after the pastel painting is complete. It is important to draw as softly as you possibly can.
Blend soft pastel flakes directly onto the background areas of your drawing. Do this by shaving flakes directly off pastel sticks onto the drawing and gently rubbing them into the paper. Artists often work the colors into the paper with a tissue, a clean cloth or their fingers. Blend more than one color together for added depth. You can also create many different colors by mixing color flakes.
Cover your pencil sketch with the foreground colors. Apply the soft pastels directly to the paper, using the drawing as a guide. To keep your colors true, apply the darkest color first and keep working from dark to light. You can layer many colors over one another in this way. Each color will maintain its vibrancy and hue.
Outline any parts of your picture that you wish to accentuate, using a charcoal stick or a dark pencil. This will provide a finished look to your work.