Pastel Paintings
Pastel Painting
Pastel is a powdered pigment rolled into round or square sticks and held together with a non-greasy binder. This pure pigment can be applied to toned paper, sanded or textured paper, boards or canvas. If the ground is covered completely with pastel, the work is considered a pastel painting. A pastel sketch shows much of the underlying paper.
A particle of pastel pigment seen under a microscope resembles a diamond with many facets. This causes the pastel painting to reflect light like a prism. No other medium has the same power of color or stability.
A form of pastel, or powdered pigments have been used for thousands of years. Prehistoric cave paintings show the use of red, white and ochre earth pigments. Italian renaissance masters used red chalk to do architectural and engineering drawings. The Impressionists embraced the media. Degas was the most prolific user and champion of pastel.
When protected with glass, pastel is the most permanent of all media because it never cracks, darkens, or yellows. Care should be used in handling pastel paintings. Avoid smudging, abrasions or accidental brushing of the surface. Protection against humidity is also important.