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What is Pastel? |
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Pastel is the
purest of all the mediums in that it comprises mostly pure pigment, a little
chalk extender and just the minimum of binder to produce a workable stick. The
pigments used are identical to those used in oil paint and watercolour, but are
applied dry to ‘toothed’, specially produced papers and boards. Techniques used by primitive man some 30,000 years ago, using lumps of raw earth colours to achieve works of art as durable as cave paintings, are a testament to the enduring qualities of pastel. Pastel painting, as we understand it today,
emerged in the 18th century with artists such as Reynolds, Perronot
and Quentin de la Tour, producing portraits of great strength and subtlety. The
impressionists also became exponents of this exciting medium, characterised by
the works of Degas. Whilst oil paintings over the centuries have become
discoloured and cracked with age, pastel paintings of the period retain their
original freshness. From the artist’s point of view a number of
advantages are afforded by pastel. There is a directness and vitality in its
use. Colour is applied straight from the fingers, with no brush to impede
progress. Pigment can be mixed on the board by overlaying strokes, retaining the
integrity of the colours beneath. This gives a unique vibrancy to pastel work.
There are hundreds of shades to choose from throughout the many manufacturers. A
foray through an art supplier’s pastel section is like walking into a shop
full of candies – irresistible!
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