Blending is among the important techniques in pastel art that allow smooth transitions, bright gradients, and photo-realistic textures. Whether one is an amateur or a professional check here artist, learning how to blend will add new dimensions. Following are some of the basic blending techniques that one needs to know.

1. Finger Blending
Probably the most intuitive and easy of them all is blending with your fingers. Therein lies the most incredible control, whereby one can maintain the feel of the texture from the pastels while controlling the pressure when needed. Light, circular motions work great for subtle transitions, while firm strokes are good for dramatic blending. Have a cloth handy to wipe your fingers clean to prevent smudging unintentionally.

2. Using a Tortillon or Blending Stick
Tortillons are rolled paper sticks, while blending sticks are flat and level. These are handy in creating fine details or in working within small areas. They are more precise than finger blending, hence would be just perfect for softening edges or blending in tight spaces. Works great with both soft and hard pastels.

3. Sponge or Foam Blending
Use sponges and foam pads on larger areas for smooth, even blends. This is particularly effective for backgrounds or big gradients. You can softly dab or drag the sponge across the surface to achieve the pigment distribution without losing the texture.

4. Blending and Layering With Pastels
Instead of using any tool for blending, you can achieve a blend of colors by layering your pastel sticks against your surface. Set one color atop another and gently drag or hatch with the pastel to enable the merging of the pigment. Very effective in dynamic textures and vivid colors.

5. Brush Blending
Pastel blending can also be done subtly using soft brushes on textured paper, giving an even more painterly look. It is best used for softer transitions. Get yourself a natural or synthetic brush with soft, flexible bristles which will not scratch your surface.