lynton allan > Medium > pastel art

Welcome to the Renaissance of Pastels.

Pastels have been misnamed chalks -- limestone treated with coloured dye -- and crayons -- those waxy coloured sticks our children play with. Real pastels, however, are pure pigment; obtained from the stones in the earth and ground into powered form. The difference between pastels, oil paints, water colour paints and gouache, is the binder. Methyl cellulose is used, instead of the oil, gum arabic or egg binders used in the others. This liquid is mixed with the powder, to form a paste; thus, the word pastel is related to the French word pastiche. The paste is rolled into short sticks and allowed to dry. The pastels are then applied to any surface with a ' tooth' -- paper, board, canvas or cloth.

Contrary to popular belief, pastel is the most durable of all Medium if kept from direct sunlight and extreme humidity; it will not dull, fade, crack, or discolour.

I trust that you enjoy the soft but vibrant colours of pastel art.

© 2003 Lynton Allan