Stage 5: Blocking in, beginning with the darks

While what we perceive may appear to be black or white, I rarely use true black or true white in a pastel painting. In sunlight, black or white may take on a warm cast. And in shadow, black or white may take on a cool cast. Therefore, I will begin with darks that have an element of color.

In areas that need to appear to recede, for example, in the shadow between the wing and the body of the bird, I will tend to use a very dark blue. The cool quality of the dark blue will “tuck in” and create a sense of depth and dimension.