Pastel Portraits
About Pastels...
Pastels are often thought of by many as "Chalk"... which is very far from the truth! Chalk is generally a gypsum or limestone product, with no artistic permanence at all. Pastels are almost pure, artist grade pigments, mixed with an aqueous gum binder which allows the soft pigment powders to be pressed into sticks and pencil leads, there is no liquid binder used. Depending on the binder used, pastels can be extremely soft, or almost as hard as graphite pencil leads. As pure pigments, pastels have an extremely high level of permanence. A pastel painting consists of 3 or more layers resulting in a luminous lifelike painting. Yes, they do smudge easily, but once properly framed, under glass, that single vulnerability is gone. I do not use a spray fixative with pastels because these tend to darken the painting, making the portrait appear hard and grainy.
Pastels from the 16th century exist today, as fresh as the day they were painted. Edgar Degas was the most prolific user of pastel and it's champion. His protege, Mary Cassat, introduced pastel to her friends in Philadelphia and Washington, and thus to the United States of America.
How do I care for my painting...
Pastel work must be framed under glass as soon as possible. Because pastel paintings aren't sprayed with fixative this means the painting can smear easily. It is best to get your beautiful portrait professionally framed.
Pastels are often thought of by many as "Chalk"... which is very far from the truth! Chalk is generally a gypsum or limestone product, with no artistic permanence at all. Pastels are almost pure, artist grade pigments, mixed with an aqueous gum binder which allows the soft pigment powders to be pressed into sticks and pencil leads, there is no liquid binder used. Depending on the binder used, pastels can be extremely soft, or almost as hard as graphite pencil leads. As pure pigments, pastels have an extremely high level of permanence. A pastel painting consists of 3 or more layers resulting in a luminous lifelike painting. Yes, they do smudge easily, but once properly framed, under glass, that single vulnerability is gone. I do not use a spray fixative with pastels because these tend to darken the painting, making the portrait appear hard and grainy.
Pastels from the 16th century exist today, as fresh as the day they were painted. Edgar Degas was the most prolific user of pastel and it's champion. His protege, Mary Cassat, introduced pastel to her friends in Philadelphia and Washington, and thus to the United States of America.
How do I care for my painting...
Pastel work must be framed under glass as soon as possible. Because pastel paintings aren't sprayed with fixative this means the painting can smear easily. It is best to get your beautiful portrait professionally framed.
Terry Middleton retains full copyright to all artwork produced by the artist. Printing or reproducing the artwork in any way is prohibited without the expressed authorization of the artist. Purchase of original artworks or prints does not transfer copyright to the buyer, and the artist may use the artwork for cards, prints, displays etc.
All rights reserved
Terry Middleton Artist
All rights reserved
Terry Middleton Artist
