A great lesson submitted by Leon Ruder - Artist and Teacher, St. Ignace Area Schools, St. Ignace, Michigan, USA

Colors stay brighter than normal when dry. Also, the paste eliminates the need for fixative because the art paste acts as a fixative when it dries. This method does not affect the pastels for re-use

What You Need:

• Paper 12" x 18"
• Pastels
• Art Paste (cellulose) 2oz makes 2 gallons (paper mache paste)

What You Do:

1. Use a still life as subject matter. Mine was flowers and a vine (which allows the kids to draw all across the paper).

2. With a large (6") brush, wipe mixed paste on the paper in front of each student.

3. Cover the whole sheet.

4. While the paper is wet, (working time of about 20 min.) have children draw into the wet paste with the pastels.

5. Put aside to dry for 2hrs.

Recommended Products:

Premium Quality Pastels Assorted (ct/12) Square pastels that lay down smooth, richly pigmented color for all your fine work. Blends easilt for outstanding effects. Available in boxed sets of assorted colors. Non-toxic. 2-1/2"L x 3/8" sq. sticks. Pk/12

Elmers School Paste (Pk/12) Use this safe and non-toxic school glue for all your arts and crafts projects. It's washable, so accidental messes clean up easy! Package of 12, 5 oz.