Pastel

Flowers in a Green Vase by Leon Dabo

Commercial pastels

Scenery painter Schlosspark Charlottenburg berlin 20080423

Frottage 02

Brooklyn Museum - On the Cliff - Theodore Robinson

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William Merritt Chase, Study of Flesh Color and Gold, 1888, NGA 103252

Pastel refers to a medium in the form of a stick, consisting of pure powdered pigment and a binder. The pigments used in pastels are the same as those used to produce all colored art media, including oil paints; the binder is of a neutral hue and low saturation. The color effect of pastels is closer to the natural dry pigments than that of any other process. Pastels have been used by artists since the Renaissance, and they have gained considerable popularity in the 18th century, when a number of notable artists made pastel their primary medium.

History

The history of pastels is a fascinating journey that dates back to the 15th century. Initially, pastels were used for sketching and preliminary studies. By the 18th century, they had become highly fashionable for portrait painting, especially in France, where artists like Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin and Maurice Quentin de La Tour perfected the technique. The use of pastels declined in the 19th century but saw a resurgence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the Impressionist and Expressionist movements. Artists such as Edgar Degas and James McNeill Whistler contributed significantly to the medium's development.

Composition and Types

Pastels are made by mixing a pigment with a binder to form a paste that is then rolled into sticks and allowed to dry. The binder is typically a simple mixture of water and a gum, and its proportion determines the hardness or softness of the pastel. There are several types of pastels, including:

• Soft pastels: These have a higher portion of pigment and less binder, which results in intense colors. They are ideal for blending and covering large areas.
• Hard pastels: These contain more binder and less pigment, making them firmer and suitable for detailed work.
• Oil pastels: Unlike traditional pastels, oil pastels contain a non-drying oil and wax binder, giving them a creamy texture and a resistance to smudging.
• Pastel pencils: These are pastels encased in a wood pencil and are used for fine, detailed work.

Techniques

Pastel artists employ various techniques to create different textures and effects. Some common techniques include:

• Layering: Applying multiple layers of color to build up depth and richness.
• Blending: Smoothing or blending colors together with a finger, blending stump, or a cloth.
• Scumbling: Lightly layering a lighter color over a darker one to create a textured effect.
• Feathering: Using a light touch to create soft, fine lines for details and textures.

Preservation

Pastel artwork is delicate and requires careful preservation. The pigment can easily smudge or lose its vibrancy if exposed to light, humidity, or physical contact. Framing pastel works under glass with a mat or spacer to prevent the artwork from touching the glass is crucial for preservation. Additionally, using fixatives can help to protect the surface, although it may alter the colors or texture of the pastel.

Notable Pastel Artists

Several artists have been renowned for their work with pastels, including:

• Edgar Degas: Known for his ballet dancers and racehorse scenes.
• Rosalba Carriera: An early advocate of pastels, known for her Rococo style portraits.
• Jean-François Millet: Used pastels for landscapes and rural scenes.
• Mary Cassatt: An American artist who used pastels to depict the lives of women and children.

Conclusion

Pastels offer artists a unique medium that bridges the gap between painting and drawing. Its rich history, versatility, and the beauty of the works produced using pastels continue to captivate both artists and art enthusiasts alike.