Ziggy The Zebra Pastels

A portrait of a zebra, drawn in pastels.

This is an original drawing, signed by myself. The size is 18x24cm.

I have used pan pastels, pastel tools and sponges to create the colour in the background. It does take a lot of coverings to ensure the pastel coats the pastel card.

The zebra was first sketched onto paper using a pencil, just the outline and a few features. I then on the back of the pencil drawing covered the sketch with a pastel colour, then placed the paper face down that the pastel shading is, onto the card and used the pencil to draw round the pencil sketch. This then transfers the zebra image onto the card ready to colour in.

I used a combination of pan pastels with tools, pastel pencils, soft pastels and sometimes a charcoal pencil where necessary to colour in the zebra in detail. A lot of layering is required to get a good solid colour.

The card is called Clairefontaine pastelmat card, I find using this card particularly good for pastels as it clings to the card far better.

I have left a border around this piece, it helps when holding the art, particularly when having to frame it. I recommend framing with a mount, that way the art won’t be touching the glass.

Postage: Royal Mail Second class, I will put a sheet of paper on top of the art so that it protects the pastel from smudging and will then put it in a crystal clear sleeve and post it in a hard back envelope for extra protection.