Pastel Painting Problem Solver

Q: What Do You Recommend for a Someone Switching from Oils to Pastels?
If you're wanting to switch mediums to pastels, what materials do you need to buy and what essential techniques do you need to know?

Q: Do I Paint the Clouds in the Background First or Last?
In a landscape pastel painting, do you first paint the clouds and then the trees on top, or the trees first and then fill in the background sky and clouds?

Q: Is It Okay to Use Hairspray to Fix Pastels or Not?
Is it okay to use hairspray to fix pastels or should you use only artist's pastel fixative? Here's a scientific answer to the debate.

Q: What Should I Do with the Paper Wrapped Around a Pastel?
What should you do with the paper wrapper that's wrapped around a pastel? Is it okay to tear it off?

Q: My Pastels Have Become All Dirty. How Do I Clean Them?
Cleaning pastels doesn't take very long -- provided you've some uncooked rice. Find out how here.

Q: How Do I Stop Smudging the Pastel I've Put Down?
Smudging pastel with your fingers accidentally can make a mess of what you've been doing very quickly!

Q: Do I Paint or Draw with Pastels?
Is an artist who's using pastels drawing or painting? Does it matter? Find out in this Pastel Painting Problem Solver.

Q: What Varnish Should I Use On Oil Pastels?
An answer to a question about the type of varnish to use on oil pastel that's been applied over acrylic paint.