About Pastels

Pastels are made of pure, vibrant pigment and a small amount of binder for shape.

These are the same pigments used in oil paints.

I use a combination of Pan Pastels (smoother pastel in cake form), pastel sticks, and pastel pencils (for the finer details). I also use a variety of special pastel tools to layer and create soft color blends, especially for animal fur.

When an artist uses blended and layered color all the way to the edges of the pastel paper, the piece is referred to as a painting. A pastel drawing or sketch focuses on lines and allows the paper to show through. Pastels are different from chalkboard or sidewalk chalk which has calcium sulfate or calcium carbonate and a very small amount of pigment.

Caring for Your Pastel Painting

Pastels can last for centuries if properly cared for, as they do not discolor, fade, or crack like liquid paints. Avoid framing pastel paintings directly against the glass to prevent pigment transfer. Professional framers use reverse beveled mats or spacers and 100% acid-free products to protect your artwork.

If shipping is required, I will ship your painting covered with a protective sheet of glassine paper.  I suggest keeping the painting covered until it is to be framed for extra protection.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have.