Jackie is a very good teacher whose enthusiasm for both pastels and art is infectious.

The book is full of beautiful illustrations both of Jackie’s own art work and that other pastel artists.

The book starts by explaining pastels in their different forms. Then the other materials are discussed. A techniques section follows. You are encouraged at each stage not to be a passive viewer, but to get involved.

A number of books I have aimed at beginners leave you there; you understand what the materials are and how to get them on the paper, but not much else.

This book builds gradually on that basic knowledge by exploring tone and local colour and how these are effected by light. You learn how to make objects appear to be 3D on you 2D paper again with exercises and some self-assessment questions.

Then colour is introduced with sections on temperature, complementary colours, colour harmony, colour relationships and the psychology of colour. Again you are encouraged to get involved, but it is all explained in a simple non-scientific which makes it easy for a new comer to understand.

Then we learn how to make your picture look as though it has depth and is 3D by the use of aerial perspective and linear perspective.

Chapter 7 covers composition and is full of all sorts of information on how to make a better picture.

This is followed by sketching and how to use your sketch to produce paintings. Then we have information to help you choose a subject.

There are 6 chapters related to particular subject matter: still life, gardens, landscapes, seascapes, people and abstract.

The whole book is designed to act as though you are at a pastel workshop and if you use it that way and get involved throughout, you cannot fail to make progress.

Ruth Grinstead © 2002-2008 All rights reserved