Exploring Realism with Soft Pastels

In the spring of 2023, I embarked on a new artistic venture that would profoundly shape my creative expression: soft pastel painting on Pastelmat. As a painter dedicated to realism and photorealism, this medium offered a tantalizing opportunity to breathe life into my still life compositions, particularly focusing on the vibrant hues and textures of fruits.

Soft pastels, renowned for their velvety texture and brilliant pigments, provide an unparalleled richness and depth to artworks. Combined with the unique surface of Pastelmat—a luxurious paper specially designed for pastel work—the possibilities for creating hyper-realistic renderings are limitless.

My journey with soft pastels began with a curiosity to explore the tactile nature of this medium. Unlike traditional painting techniques, where brushes and strokes dictate the flow of colors, soft pastels afford a more hands-on approach, allowing me to directly manipulate the pigments with my fingertips or blending tools.

One of the aspects that drew me to soft pastels was their versatility. Whether layering delicate strokes to capture the subtle gradations of light and shadow or blending colors seamlessly to achieve a smooth, polished finish, the medium lends itself beautifully to the meticulous detail required for photorealistic representation.

Working on Pastelmat proved to be a revelation. Its velvety surface not only grips the pastel pigments with exceptional adhesion but also allows for precise control over blending and layering. The result is a seamless integration of colors and textures, elevating my still life compositions to new heights of realism.

Each painting session is a journey of discovery—a delicate dance between observation and interpretation. As I study the intricate contours and luscious textures of fruits, I strive to capture their essence on canvas with unwavering precision. Every stroke, every nuance of color, is a testament to my dedication to achieving lifelike representation.

But beyond technical mastery, soft pastel painting on Pastelmat has become a deeply personal endeavor—an exploration of beauty, nostalgia, and the transient nature of life. In each composition, I seek to evoke emotions, stir memories, and invite viewers to pause and savor the simple joys found in everyday objects.

As I continue to hone my skills and refine my technique, I am filled with gratitude for the boundless possibilities that soft pastels offer. With each painting, I inch closer to my goal of creating immersive, evocative artworks that resonate with audiences on a visceral level.

In the realm of soft pastel painting on Pastelmat, the journey is as rewarding as the destination. With every stroke of the pastel, I am reminded of the inherent beauty that surrounds us—a beauty waiting to be captured, celebrated, and shared with the world.

So, join me on this artistic odyssey as we explore the enchanting world of soft pastel painting on Pastelmat. Together, let us discover the magic of realism and photorealism, one stroke at a time.

Warm regards,
Dietrich Moravec