Pastel (art medium and pale color)
Pastel is a dry art medium formed into sticks of powdered pigment with a binder, and by extension a family of soft, pale colors. This article covers materials, types, history, techniques, conservation, and the color sense.
Overview
Pastel refers both to a stick of concentrated dry pigment used for drawing and painting and to the pale, soft color family associated with that medium. A traditional pastel stick is chiefly powdered pigment held together with a small amount of binder; manufacturers vary the binder and inert fillers to change hardness, texture and coverage. Because the pigment in pastel remains largely intact on the surface of the support, pastel works often reproduce the appearance of pure pigment with a velvety, immediate quality.
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Materials and types
Pastels are made in several formulations suited to different effects:
- Soft pastels – high pigment content, crumbly and blendable, favored for rich color and painterly application.
- Hard pastels – firmer sticks for precise lines, preliminary drawing and fine detail.
- Pastel pencils – pigment encased in a wood or paper barrel for controlled marks and drawing-like techniques.
- Oil pastels – use non-drying oils and waxes; they behave more like a greasy paint and do not produce the same dry, powdery surface as soft pastels.
Supports with a pronounced "tooth"—textured or sanded papers and boards—are chosen to hold many layers of pigment. For more on materials, see pigment and binder basics.
History and development
Artists experimented with colored sticks during and after the Renaissance, but pastel reached particular prominence in the 18th century for portraits and delicate studies, valued for its speed and color purity. In the 19th century many artists, including figures associated with Impressionism, explored pastel for both finished works and studies. Over time makers refined binder recipes and stick formats, expanding the range of available colors and working properties.
Techniques and handling
Working with pastels emphasizes layering, blending and preserving a fragile surface. Common techniques include building color by overlaying strokes, softening and merging marks with fingers, paper stumps or cloth, and using harder sticks or pencils for sharp edges. Artists may fix a drawing lightly with a spray fixative to reduce smudging, though fixatives can alter surface appearance and must be used cautiously. Practical guidance for working methods can be found at working with pastels.
Conservation and display
Because pastel pigment rests on the support, works are vulnerable to smudging, abrasion and loss if improperly handled. Conservation focuses on using lightfast pigments, stable mounting, archival framing and glazing to protect the surface from dust and touch. Controlled light exposure and environmental stability help prevent fading; for detailed care recommendations see care and framing.
Color term and uses
As an adjective, "pastel" describes pale, desaturated colors—soft blues, pinks, greens and yellows—often used in fashion, interior design and graphic palettes to convey subtlety, calm or a delicate aesthetic. For color references and examples in design contexts, consult pastel color references.
Questions and answers
Q: What is a pastel?
A: A pastel is an art colour in the form of a stick, made of pure powdered pigment and a 'binder' which holds it together.
Q: How long have pastels been used by artists?
A: Pastels have been used by artists since the Renaissance.
Q: What are the pigments used in pastels?
A: The pigments used in pastels are the same as those used to produce all kinds of coloured art.
Q: What is the effect of using pastels in artwork?
A: The effect of pastels is closer to the natural dry pigments than that of any other process.
Q: What can be added to pastels to tone down the more vivid colors?
A: Chalk may be added to the pastel to tone down the more vivid colors.
Q: What is an artwork made using pastels called?
A: An artwork made using pastels is called a pastel, pastel drawing or pastel painting.
Q: What does the adjective 'pastel' mean?
A: As an adjective the word 'pastel' means pale in color.
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AlegsaOnline.com Pastel (art medium and pale color) Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/74961