These are tests in Prismacolor pencil on black to simulate chalk on asphalt. I am using recycled book covers which are often black, made to simulate old fabric covers. They are sturdy and easy to display and the black texture is a bit like asphalt. I found you can correct your errors with solvent to re-work areas. In the drawing above, I got a nice gauzy effect in one spot. It seems to work best with a bold treatment. This year at the Streetpainting Festival, I plan to leave the black areas black and not overwork things. If you work from light to dark there is less danger of things getting muddy.
The other good surface to simulate asphalt is roofing paper. I have a big, old roll out on the patio. And there are a couple of lovely
chiaroscuro drawings I want to copy as practice. And nothing can equal
Michael Newberry's tutorials for getting insight into pastel on dark.
