Working with soft pastels is a medium that I thoroughly enjoy due to its direct nature. This medium requires you to hold the pigment with your fingers, which allows for a unique tactile experience. Unlike traditional painting techniques that utilize small brushes, with soft pastels, you are forced to simplify your approach and create an illusion of detail.
What's truly remarkable is how incredibly detailed a pastel artwork can appear from a distance, despite being roughly drawn. This experience has undoubtedly influenced my approach to painting with acrylics and oils, allowing me to simplify and create the illusion of depth in my pieces.