plate no. 5315
Blue Dancers
Edgar Degas, 1899
advanced study
Students would develop advanced pastel blending techniques and learn to capture movement and gesture in figurative work. This piece teaches complex color relationships and the challenges of rendering fabric and human anatomy.
technical profile
palette complexity
5
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with light charcoal sketch to establish dancer positions and basic proportions
- step 02
Block in dominant blue tones of the tutus using broad pastel strokes
- step 03
Add flesh tones for skin areas, keeping colors muted and atmospheric
- step 04
Layer complementary oranges and warm tones for contrast and vibrancy
- step 05
Work on fabric texture of tutus using directional strokes to show pleating
- step 06
Refine facial features and hands with careful attention to gesture
- step 07
Add final details like hair ornaments and strengthen darkest shadow areas
- step 08
Blend selectively to maintain texture while unifying color relationships
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · cerulean blue · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium orange · burnt sienna · violet · yellow ochre
Achieve the blue tutus by layering cool blues over warm undertones, use complementary oranges sparingly for vibrancy
techniques
- ·pastel layering
- ·scumbling
- ·cross-hatching
- ·finger blending
- ·gestural mark-making
common pitfalls
- →over-blending and losing texture
- →making colors too saturated
- →losing the gesture in pursuit of detail
- →not establishing proper proportions early
materials
surface · toned pastel paper 300gsm or sanded pastel board
required
- ·soft pastels - full set
- ·pastel paper or sanded board
- ·blending stumps
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·fixative spray
- ·vine charcoal
- ·paper towels
- ·masking tape
optional
- ·hard pastels for details
- ·pastel pencils
- ·workable fixative
- ·drafting brush
Work in well-ventilated area due to pastel dust, consider using easel to minimize smudging
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