History of Pastels
Kerri Dixon 
Dive into the vibrant history of pastels, from ancient cave paintings to modern masterpieces. Discover the allure of this timeless medium!
History of Pastels
In this blog, we will embark on a fascinating journey through the history of pastels, a versatile and vibrant medium that has captivated artists for centuries. From the ancient cave painters to the modern masters, pastels have stood the test of time, offering a unique and expressive way to create art. Join us as we explore the origins, techniques, and enduring appeal of pastels.
The Ancient Origins:
Our journey begins in southern France, where cave painters used crushed pigments mixed with water or spit to create their artwork. These cave paintings have endured over the centuries, protected from sunlight, showcasing the longevity of painting with pigments. We discover that painting with pigments is one of the oldest professions, and as long as the pigments are shielded from sunlight, they can last a lifetime.
The Birth of Pastels:
Moving forward, we delve into the world of pastels as we know them today. Pastels are a versatile and popular medium known for their vibrant colors and ease of blending. They consist of pure pigment, a binder, and sometimes a filler, rolled or formed into sticks. Some manufacturers still hand roll their sticks, while others use machines.
We learn that the absence of yellowing resin and the reflection of light from the finely ground powder contribute to the brightness of pastels.
However, excessive blending can diminish their vibrancy, so minimal blending is recommended for the most vibrant results.
The Technique of Masters:
As we continue our journey, we encounter the works of renowned artists who have embraced pastels as their medium of choice. Edgar Degas, known for his use of pastels in finished portraits, employed strokes of complementary and contrasting hues side by side without blending. This technique created vibrant and detailed artwork, requiring a wide range of pastel colors. We also explore the use of fixatives and blending in pastel artwork, understanding that fixatives can darken colors and excessive blending can reduce vibrancy. The brightest and most vibrant pastels are achieved by applying marks with the sticks and avoiding excessive blending.
Pastels Through the Ages:
Our journey takes us back in time to the ancient Egyptians, who used pigment mixed with a binder to create forms of pastel. During the Renaissance, artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Jean-Baptiste Chardin applied powder pigment to paper or other surfaces with their fingers or brushes. Soft pastels as we know them today began to take shape in the 18th century, with RBA Carrera becoming the first internationally renowned pastel artist. Carrera elevated pastel paintings to the same status as oil paintings, contributing to the recognition of pastels as a legitimate medium.
The Popularity Surge:
In the 19th century, pastels experienced a surge in popularity. Artists like Mary Cassatt and Edgar Degas embraced the medium for its immediacy and expressive potential. Pastels were also used for plein air sketching by artists like Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot, Jean-François Millet, and Claude Monet. Specialized papers were developed to accommodate the unique qualities of pastels, further enhancing their appeal.
The 20th Century Revival:
As we enter the 20th century, we witness a revival of soft pastels. Artists
like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse experimented with the medium, pushing its boundaries and exploring new possibilities. Pastel societies and associations emerged, fostering a sense of community among pastel artists and promoting the medium through exhibitions and competitions. Technological advancements led to the development of new pigments, expanding the range of colors available in pastels.
Conclusion: Our journey through the history of pastels has revealed a long and rich tradition that spans centuries and continents. From the ancient cave painters to the modern masters, pastels have captivated artists with their versatility and vibrant colors. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, pastels offer a unique and expressive way to create art. We encourage you to explore the world of pastels, experiment with different techniques, and discover your own artistic voice. Visit the International Association of Pastel Societies website to find local societies and exhibitions that you can join.
If you'd like to hear me talk more about the history of pastels, then head over to my Youtube Channel to join the conversation CLICK HERE
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Categories: : beginner, educational
