How to Paint Snowflakes...Making Pastel Snow

'Snow Painter'   Snow Person pastel 2013         6x8         ©Karen Margulis
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Let it Snow!  There is something special about a White Christmas. Not a stormy icy snow but a gentle snowfall that makes us grateful to be inside with family and friends.  We don't often get a White Christmas in the South and we aren't expecting one this year so I decided to make my own pastel snow for my annual Snow Person painting.

A Recipe for Pastel Snow

After I painted my Snowman I wanted to add some snow. After all he is an intrepid plein air painter. He is not afraid of a little cold and snow. As long as he has his Gogh box he can set up and paint in just about any condition.

How can we paint snowfall or snowflakes without painting a bunch of white dots?  

• One way is to create a paste of shaved white or pale value pastel shavings and a bit of water. You then take a stiff brush such as a stencil brush or old toothbrush and dip it into the paste. Decide where you want the snow and run your finger over the brush creating a splatter of the white paste. When the splatters dry they will be stuck to the paper. If you get specks of wet on the paper don't worry. They will dry with no change to the pastel.

• Another method for creating a snowfall effect is to use the dusting technique. Simple shave a white pastel over the area of the painting where you want snow. I use a palette know to make my shavings. Bigger pieces make bigger flake.  Then press the pastel dust into the paper with the palette knife or a rolling pin. I like to put down some glassine paper before using a rolling pin.

I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season!