architecture – ART.CHILL.TECT Stephanos Philippou

A soft pastel painting of the sea and a big wave crashing on the shore

It’s been years since I last touched any kind of pastels, but for my birthday, I received a 36-mini set from Faber-Castell. So, I figured it was the perfect time to try again.

Exploring the Colors – First Studies:

Three Soft Pastel drawings of similar landscapes during different times of the day. Morning, late afternoon and evening lighting study

To get a feel for the set, I started with three small nature studies, each under different lighting conditions.
I wanted to understand the range of colors and how they interact with each other.
It was mesmerizing to watch the pigments blend, shifting and merging effortlessly under my fingertips. One of the things I really enjoyed was how light colors could cover darker ones—and vice versa—something you don’t get as easily with other mediums.

Bringing It All Together – A Sunset by the Lake

A soft pastel painting of a lake with the reflection of a warm sunset in the water and a forest in the background

After those initial studies, I moved on to a larger piece: a lake at sunset.
This painting was an attempt to combine the different palettes I had tested before, layering warm and cool tones to create depth.
I have to say, I love how vibrant the colors are—soft pastels really pop in a way that watercolor doesn’t.

Testing Detail – A Close-up Sea Scene

For the final painting, I wanted to push things further and see how much detail I could achieve.
I chose a close-up sea scene, playing with a mix of blurry and sharp elements.
This was a great test of control, figuring out where I could refine edges and where to let the colors softly transition.

Final Thoughts

Painting with soft pastels is incredibly satisfying—the rich, velvety colors, the tactile blending—but it’s also very messy. If you’re thinking of trying them, just be prepared for dust-covered hands (and probably a desk that looks like a crime scene of color). But in the end, it’s absolutely worth it.

Have you tried soft pastels before? What’s your favorite way to use them? Let me know in the comments!

Watercolor painting of the grid structure in front of the Science Museum of Parc de la Villette in Paris, showcasing a white grid against a dark, colored facade.

highly detailed drawing of a grid facade, showcasing intricate architectural elements with precise lines and shadows. The composition emphasizes the rhythm and geometry of the structure, capturing the interplay of light and dark

This piece is the result of countless hours of focus and meticulous detail. Inspired by the geometry and rhythm of modern architecture, the grid facade allowed me to explore the interplay of light, shadow, and structure.

One of the greatest challenges in creating this piece was working within the intricate triangular grid without using masking fluid. Each line and shadow had to be drawn carefully by hand, ensuring that the delicate spaces between the triangles remained crisp and clear. It was a test of patience, precision, and a steady hand.

For the shading and textures, I used watercolors to create subtle variations, emphasizing the depth and complexity of the facade. Fineliners were instrumental in defining the sharp edges and giving the grid its structural integrity. The soft, warm tones in the reflective glass panes add a touch of light to the otherwise monochromatic composition, bringing a sense of balance to the overall piece.

This painting is not just about the facade itself; it’s about the process—the challenge of creating something precise, yet artistic, and the satisfaction of seeing the final piece come together. It’s a testament to how even the smallest details, when carefully considered, can create something striking and impactful.

Tools and Materials Used:

• Watercolors for shading and soft textures

• Fineliners for precision work

• Arches Cold Press paper for its texture and durability

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Sketch the Grid:

I began by lightly sketching the grid with a mechanical pencil. Using precise measurements, I ensured that all the triangles and lines were evenly spaced to create a clean and structured base.

2. Paint the Base Layers:

I painted the first layer of colors and greys within the grid structure. Each section was carefully filled, avoiding the grid lines to maintain their crisp appearance.

First grey layer of watercolor on grid facade

3. Add Initial Shading:

I started shading the grid itself, giving it depth and dimension. At this stage, I also began enhancing the spaces in between the grid lines, carefully adding contrast and refining the overall look of the facade.

4. Refine the Details:

To further define the facade, I built up additional layers of contrast and detail, focusing on areas that needed more depth. Watercolors were layered gradually to avoid overpowering the composition.

5. Finish with Fineliner:

For the final touches, I added shading with a fineliner to enhance the sharpness and bring out the structure. This step helped emphasize the clean edges and made the intricate details pop.

A close-up view of the grid facade drawing, highlighting the meticulous details and fineliner work. The image focuses on the depth and texture created by shadows and lines, showcasing the craftsmanship behind the piece.

This piece was both a challenge and a joy to create. If you’re attempting a similar project, I recommend taking your time with each step—precision and patience really pay off! Let me know if you have questions about the process or if you’d like to share your own projects. I’d love to hear from you!

Tag: architecture

Faber Castell Soft Pastels (36 mini) – First Impressions and Review

La Villette Science Museum – Grid Facade Study in Watercolor