What is “pastel”?
“Pastel” comes from the French word “pastische”, which means, “paste”. Powdered pure pigments are suspended together with a small amount of binder, creating a paste that is then formed into sticks or pressed into pans to create this dry medium. And while it may resemble chalk in form, it is not chalk. It is the same “pure pigment” that in powder form is added, along with oil and extenders, to give color to oil paint.
Under a microscope, the pure and costly pigments of “soft pastel” reflect like faceted gemstones to produce beautiful, rich colors. No other medium can duplicate the extraordinary effects that can be created by “soft pastels”.
Pastels, by manufacturer, vary in hardness and texture, and are used to create “marks” that can range from hard as a pencil to the consistency of butter. These marks are then layered together, on a textured papers or panels finished with an abrasive ground, that will accept several layers of pigment.
Many of the most beloved and iconic Impressionist paintings by Degas, Renoir, Monet, Lautrec, Cassatt, Munch, Whistler, Gauguin and Da Vinci were actually done with "soft pastel". Think of Monet’s sparking water lilies, Degas’ luminous and evocative dancers and Renoir’s extravagant colors.
Because pastels contain only a small amount of binder, they maintain their color and will not fade, yellow or crack over time like other mediums. Pastel paintings hundreds of years old, retain the same vibrant color originally applied by the artists’ hand. And in fact, the earliest paintings of man done on cave walls, and estimated to be up to 20,000 years old, were done with pigments that we would now call “pastel”.
Pastel paintings are then framed under glass like any fine watercolor or print for protection. And framed under glass with “spacers” separating the artwork from the glass; a pastel painting is as durable as any other fine art. Museum glass can be used to eliminate glare and further enhance the work for a beautiful presentation.
CARING FOR YOUR PASTEL PAINTING
Professional framing by someone experienced with framing pastel is recommended. DO NOT SPRAY WITH FIXATIVE.
The pastel medium is held within the recesses of the sanded paper and does not need to be “fixed”. In fact, your beautiful painting could be damaged by the inappropriate use of fixative.
Artwork has been framed under glass in for protection in one of two ways; either with spacers creating an airspace between the artwork and the glass, or using the Passe Partout method of sealing the artwork to the glass. so no air gets between the artwork and the glass (often used when there is a mat).
PASSE PARTOUT METHOD
Loosen tabs holding artwork in the frame with a screwdriver to preserve the integrity of the tabs.
With Passe Partout method of framing, the artwork is already protected from dust. so it should not be necessary to open the sealed package; however, if need be or for reframing; you can remove the artwork from the back of the glass by carefully slicing the taped sealed sides and gently removing the tape. I usually place a couple of binder clips on the glass to keep glass from sliding over artwork . Then when sides are free, carefully lift straight up on the glass to separate from the artwork. Clean glass and retape using black artist’s tape leaving a strip of no more than 1/8 of the tape on the front edge of the glass. Trim ends and place the sealed art back into the the new or existing frame.
SPACER METHOD - (OFTEN USED WHEN ARTWORK IS MATTED)
To move or transport, it is ideal, though not necessary, to keep the piece horizontal with the artwork facing up. This will help keep minute particles from working lose from vibration.
However, if you should see a slight residue on the interior glass, don’t panic. It’s just like the residue lyou might see on the interior oof your grandmother’s china cabinet. and your pastel painting is not damaged in the slightest.
Loosen tabs holding artwork in the frame with a screwdriver to preserve the integrity of the tabs.
Remove artwork from the frame being careful not to touch the surface of the painting.
Then remove the mat board if it is not already attached to the artwork.
Again, being careful not to touch the surface of the painting; gently tap on the back of the painting and blow onto the surface of the artwork a few times to remove any loose particles of dust.
Clean the interior of glass by spraying a cloth with glass cleaner, then wiping the glass until it is clean and streak free. (An excellent alternative method is to use prepackaged eyeglass lens cleaner, as most brands are lint free… (I like the ones from Walmart’s optical department).
Then, making sure that spacers still separate the artwork from the glass; carefully replace the matboard, then artwork back into the frame and again using a screwdriver, secure back of frame.
·You can now clean the exterior glass, spraying a soft cloth with glass cleaner, then wiping the glass. (Never spray cleaner directly on the glass of framed artwork.)
With minimal and proper care, your pastel painting will be treasured for generations.
Enjoy!
Cheri Ginsburg
