WHAT IS PASTEL?

Pastel medium is pure powdered color pigment compressed into sticks that the artist applies to the surface of the painting. Use of pastels for paintings was stimulated by Degas’ innovative use of pastel 130 years ago. Today Degas’ brilliant impressions of ballerinas are examples of the beauty, permanence, and stability of the pastel medium.

Pastel uses no liquid binder that may cause other media to darken, fade, yellow, crack, or blister over time. Small particles of pastel may, however, be dislodged by rough handling or by touching the surface of the painting. That is why pastels are usually mounted under glass, but separated from the glass by a mat which also enhances the painting’s appearance.

© Bill Gutzwiller