Pastel Landscape Mastery: Dry Wash

Lesson Description

In this unique lesson from the Pastel Landscape Mastery course, Matt introduces students to the expressive and painterly technique known as “dry wash.” This approach to working with soft pastels focuses on applying generous amounts of pigment quickly and confidently to create a surface that resembles a traditional painting. In this lesson, students develop a simple yet compelling landscape featuring a small tree in the foreground, while learning how to use layering techniques to build depth, color, and atmosphere.

Understanding the Dry Wash Approach

The lesson begins with an introduction to the dry wash technique and how it differs from more traditional pastel applications. Instead of slowly building up layers with controlled strokes, this method encourages artists to apply pigment more freely and in larger quantities. The goal is to establish broad areas of color quickly, creating a painterly foundation that can be refined as the drawing develops.

This approach helps students loosen up their technique and focus on the overall composition rather than getting caught up in small details too early. By embracing a more expressive application of pastel, artists can achieve a sense of energy and movement within their work.

Blocking in the Landscape

Students begin by establishing the major shapes of the landscape, including the placement of the horizon, background elements, and the small tree in the foreground. Using soft pastels, Matt demonstrates how to block in large areas of color, paying close attention to value relationships and composition.

This stage is all about simplicity—thinking in terms of shapes and color masses rather than lines and details. By working broadly, students create a strong foundation that supports the rest of the drawing.

Layering Pastels Like Paint

A key focus of this lesson is learning how to layer pastels in a way that mimics the look of paint. Instead of blending excessively, students apply successive layers of pigment, allowing colors to interact visually on the surface. This technique creates a rich, textured appearance that enhances the overall depth of the landscape.

Matt demonstrates how to vary pressure and application to achieve different effects, from soft transitions to more pronounced, textured passages. This layered approach allows students to build complexity while maintaining a fresh, vibrant surface.

Developing the Foreground Tree

The small tree in the foreground serves as the focal point of the composition. Students learn how to develop this element using a combination of bold shapes and selective detail. Rather than drawing every branch or leaf, the emphasis is placed on suggesting form through value and color.

By increasing contrast and refining edges in this area, the tree is brought forward in space, creating a strong sense of depth. This contrast between the foreground and background helps guide the viewer’s eye through the composition.

Balancing Control and Expression

One of the most important lessons in this module is finding the balance between control and spontaneity. While the dry wash technique encourages loose application, it still requires thoughtful decision-making. Students learn when to leave areas soft and expressive and when to refine edges and values for clarity.

This balance allows the drawing to feel both structured and dynamic—combining the best qualities of drawing and painting into a single approach.

Expanding Your Pastel Techniques

This lesson is an important addition to the broader course, introducing a technique that expands the possibilities of working with pastels. By approaching the medium in a more painterly way, students gain greater flexibility and creative freedom in their landscapes.

By the end of the lesson, students will have created a simple yet expressive landscape featuring a foreground tree, while developing a deeper understanding of how to use the dry wash technique to achieve rich color, texture, and atmosphere. These skills can be applied to a wide range of subjects, making this lesson a valuable step toward mastering pastel landscapes.

Lesson Materials

Toned pastel paper, soft pastels.

Lesson Resources

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Course Curriculum