Artists’ Pastels

Artists’ Pastels

Artists' pastels are a type of drawing medium that is made by mixing powdered pigments with a binder, usually gum tragacanth or methyl cellulose, and shaping the mixture into sticks or pencils. They are used by artists to create drawings and paintings, and are particularly popular for their ability to produce soft, velvety textures and vibrant colors. One of the advantages of artists' pastels is their versatility. They can be used on a variety of surfaces, including paper, canvas, and board, and can be blended and layered to create a wide range of effects. They are also relatively easy to work with, allowing artists to quickly build up layers of color and create subtle gradations. However, artists' pastels do have some limitations. They are not as durable as other drawing media, such as graphite or ink, and can be prone to smudging and fading over time. They also require careful handling, as they can break or crumble if dropped or mishandled. Despite these limitations, artists' pastels remain a popular choice for many artists. They offer a unique combination of color, texture, and ease of use that is difficult to replicate with other media.

drawing, painting, texture, color, versatility

— Mark Hall

CITATION : "Mark Hall. 'Artists’ Pastels.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=367096 (Accessed on April 19, 2024)"