pastels

Pastels are a drawing medium composed of pure pigment mixed with a binder and formed into sticks, pencils, or other shapes. When applied to a surface, pastels lay down pigment with little binding, resulting in vibrant, luminous color and a chalky texture that can be blended or layered.

There are several main types of pastels. Soft pastels have a high pigment content and a light binder, making them highly blendable but fragile and prone to smudging. Hard pastels contain more binder and sometimes clay, producing a firmer stick that holds detail better and is less prone to smearing. Oil pastels use a waxy, oil-based binder; they feel more like a crayon and leave a different, often less powdery, finish. Pastel pencils combine pastel pigment with a binder and are used like traditional pencils for precision work or mixed-media techniques.

Pastels are typically used on textured surfaces such as acid-free paper, colored paper, or sanded papers, which help grip the pigment. Artists often work in layers, building color and depth through blending, stippling, and scumbling. Fixatives are sometimes applied to protect finished works, though they can alter color or texture if overused.

History and usage have evolved over centuries. Pastels were used for drawings in Renaissance Europe and became especially popular in 18th-century France for portraiture. In the 19th and 20th centuries, artists such as Degas, Renoir, and Cassatt expanded the medium’s expressive possibilities, emphasizing line, gesture, and light.

Conservation considerations include protection from humidity, touching, and direct handling. Modern pastel sets offer a range of pigments, including non-toxic options, while traditional techniques emphasize careful layering and subtle color transitions.