About Pastels

Pastel is a popular painting medium with artists because of its rich color and versatility. The basic components of any painting medium are a colored powder, or pigment, and various kinds of binders (e.g., oil in oil paints). In pastel sticks only the smallest amount of binder is necessary to keep them from falling apart. As a result, a pastel chalk is virtually pure pigment and provides a radiance and brilliance unequaled in other media.

The pure pigments also ensure that completed pastel works are durable and will last indefinitely when properly handled. Museums throughout the world are exhibiting pastels that are hundreds of years old, with the Degas dancers and bathers as the most popular example.

The pastel artist typically uses a pastel paper with a slight texture, or tooth, to ensure that the powdery pigment holds in place. The papers are available in a wide range of tones, from neutral beiges through bright colors, and these tones can be used to enhance the finished work. The pastels are applied, layer over layer, color over color, until a luminous and softly glowing finish is achieved.

The powdery finish and use of paper require that the painting be correctly framed under glass to prevent accidental smearing or damage from damp and dust. A thick mat, double mat, or spacer will prevent the glass from touching the pastel surface. Properly protected your pastel work will endure and bring you everlasting pleasure.