The
Pastel Portrait
Pastel
is nearly pure pigment held together with just enough binder
to form a stick. It is NOT chalk. As it is a dry medium, pastel
paintings must be framed under glass with spacers or matting
to prevent smudging. When properly framed and with reasonable
care, a pastel is every bit as long-lived as an oil painting.
A
variety of pastel brands are used including: Rembrandt, Sennelier,
Schmincke, Unison, Artworks and some "home-mades." The
painting surface is a 100% rag, acid-free, 4-ply board prepared
with a granular mixture of gesso and pumice. This granular "tooth" holds
the pastel well. SPRAY FIXATIVE IS NEVER USED on the final
painting as it alters the inherent glow of pastel.
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