Short Info & History
Pastel painting is a form of painting that involves the use of pastel sticks made from powdered pigment and a binder.
The word "pastel" originates from the Medieval Latin "pastellum," which means "woad paste," and the Late Latin "pastellus," which means "paste." The word pastel first appeared in French in 1662 and originated in northern Italy in the 16th century. Artists such as Jacopo Bassano and Federico Barocci used pastels during this time. Pastels have been used by artists since the Renaissance, but they gained significant popularity in the 18th century when well-known artists like Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt, and Odilon Redon made pastels their primary medium.
Composition
Pigments are ground into a paste with water and a minimum of non-greasy binder such as Tragacanth gum or Methyl Cellulose to make hard and soft pastels. These pastels are then rolled, pressed, or extruded into sticks. Many color pigments, such as brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds, are derived from toxic materials like cadmium. Pastels are mainly found in five different forms: hard pastels, soft pastels, pastel pencils, water-soluble pastels, and oil pastels.
Specific Properties
Pastel painting can create a luscious, velvety texture with a deep, rich, splendid glow without the use of many tools because it can be done with just the pastel itself.
Key Features
Pastels are easily blendable and can be blended with fingers, a blending stump, or a cloth. The final color effect of pastel colors is more similar to natural dry pigments than any other painting technique.
Surface or Media
The surface for pastel painting should have some degree of abrasion to allow the pastel particles to rest on the paper. The stick is dragged across a rough or toothy surface to create a pastel painting or sketch. Suitable surfaces for pastel paintings include laid paper such as Ingres and Canson Mi Teintes, abrasive surfaces such as pumice, marble dust, or rotten stone, and velour paper.
Other Specialities
Because the medium is mixed and blended directly on the working surface, unlike other painting techniques, oil pastel or pastel painting can be challenging. As a result, there is no way to check the colors on a palette before applying them to the surface. Pastel errors also cannot be covered in the same way that paint errors can be.
Since pastels are not firmly adhered to the paper's surface, they must be handled with extreme caution. Pastels adhere to the paper's surface and can become dirty unless protected by glass or fixatives consisting of glue or gum solution. Additionally, most fixatives are toxic.
Toxicity and Vegan-Friendly Considerations
Most fixatives used in pastel color paintings are poisonous. Additionally, many pigments, including vivid yellows, oranges, and reds, are made from hazardous substances like cadmium. All pastels are unsuitable for vegans since they use oil or fat as a binder, and some pastel hues also contain animal fats.
Conclusion
Pastel painting offers artists a versatile and expressive medium that can create vibrant and textured artworks. The unique properties of pastels and the rich history of their use make them an appealing choice for artists. Proper care and consideration of the materials used can enhance the longevity and safety of pastel artworks.
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