An age-old medium dating back to the 15th century, pastels have been favored by artists worldwide.

In this guide, we'll cover all the essentials you need to know about pastels. We'll explore the different types of pastels, their composition, safety considerations, and much more.

No guide about pastels would be complete without vibrant pictures and videos showcasing this medium. Let's explore why artists have been using pastels for centuries:

What Are Pastels?

Pastels are molded sticks of pigment, chalk, and a binder.

Similar to quality acrylic paint, which contains pigment and an acrylic polymer, pastels use a different type of binder mixed with pigment. The type of binder can vary greatly depending on the desired effect.

Pastels are considered a dry medium, making them ideal for both studio and plein air work. They're incredibly portable, allowing you to work in places like coffee shops (just remember to clean up afterward).

Pastels typically come in round or rectangular shapes. There's no superior shape—choose one that feels comfortable to you.

One of the most favored attributes of pastels is their brilliance. Without the need for a full studio setup, pastels can generate extremely bright colors that rival fine wet mediums.

Here's a look at how different pastels compare:

Types of Pastels Available

Let's explore the different types of pastels:

Soft Pastels

Soft pastels are the most popular and traditional type. Made from pigment, chalk (or clay), and a binder (typically gum arabic), they crumble when used, making blending colors easy with your fingers. However, they can create dust while in use.

Pan Pastels

Pan pastels are a newer hybrid between watercolors and soft pastels. Each color is molded into a pan and must be used with brushes or specialized tools. They're perfect for artists coming from a painting background or those working on small-scale pieces.

Hard Pastels

Hard pastels are great for outlines and detailed work. They share the same core ingredients as soft pastels but have a higher ratio of binder, resulting in a stiffer body. They're relatively clean compared to soft pastels, making them ideal for outdoor work.

Pastel Pencils

Pastel pencils are single sticks of pastel encased in wood, perfect for fine detail work. They're highly portable and allow for blending if necessary.

Oil Pastels

Oil pastels are completely different from other pastels. Made from pigment, wax, and oil, they provide painterly strokes and don't blend easily. They're best suited for expressive or large-scale pieces. You can use turpentine or odorless mineral spirits to manipulate this medium.

Water Soluble Pastels

Water soluble pastels are similar to watercolor pencils. They're sticks of pigment bound with polyethylene glycol that dissolves in water. You can add water to create washes or effects.

Working With Pastels

Understanding how to work with pastels is key to getting the most out of them. Here are a few tips:

First, paper. Pastels need paper with the right amount of tooth to latch onto. Use true pastel paper to see how pastels are intended to work.

Second, blending. With non-oil pastels, blending is done directly on the surface. There's no separate palette, so color selection is crucial. Pastels can't be blended out like paint, so expect a level of permanence.

Next, fixatives. Fixatives help keep pastels in place and can be used to build up layers in your artwork. Spray a fixative, let it dry, and continue working.

Transporting Pastel Pieces

Glassine paper is ideal for protecting and preserving pastel works. Some pastel paper pads include glassine sheets for easy portability, making it perfect for field or classroom work.

Archival Qualities of Pastels

Pastels are unique because of the exposure of pigment in the finished piece. This raw pigment makes pastels look vibrant but requires special care when displayed, including proper mounting and a UV barrier.

Are Pastels Dangerous?

Pastels aren't particularly dangerous, but soft pastels can kick up dust while you work. Wear a respirator or work in a well-ventilated room. If working indoors, protect nearby surfaces from staining.

Samples of Pastel Artwork

Here are a few pieces that showcase the beauty of pastels:

Oil Pastels

Oil Pastel Artwork — Source: Malenabozzini

Soft Pastels

Soft Pastel Artwork — Source: alinafineart

Is That Everything About Pastels?

Pastels are a complex medium, and this guide only scratches the surface. From techniques to the nuances between types, there's much to explore. Remember, learning doesn't equal doing—so if you're curious about pastels, give them a try!