Weekly Art Tip – 5 Tips for Working in Sections vs. All Over the Page

5 TIPS FOR WORKING IN SECTIONS VS. ALL OVER THE PAGE

When starting a pastel portrait, you’ll often wonder: should I finish one area before moving on, or work across the whole page at once? Both approaches have their benefits—and their challenges.
The method you choose can affect the flow of your work, the balance of your colors, and even your confidence as you build layers.
Some artists love the satisfaction of completing a section, like an eye or a patch of fur, before moving on. Others prefer sketching and layering broadly across the page to keep proportions and color harmony in check. Neither way is “right” or “wrong”—it depends on your goals, style, and what makes you feel comfortable while drawing. 🥰
Here are 5 tips to help you decide which approach works best for you 🤩

1. Working in Sections Creates Focus

Finishing one area at a time helps you concentrate on details, like eyes or fur texture. This can be motivating, since you see progress quickly.

2. But Watch for Color Shifts

The downside of sections is that you might over-detail one area and struggle to match it when you move on. Always compare colors with the rest of your portrait.

3. Working All Over Helps with Balance

Layering across the page ensures harmony in color and values. You’ll see how shadows and highlights connect throughout the composition.

4. But It Can Feel Slow

Since nothing is fully “finished” until later, this method requires patience and trust in the layering process.

5. Mix Approaches for Flexibility

Try blocking in your whole subject lightly, then switch to sections for fine details. This gives you both balance and precision.

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