Pastel Drawing
Definition
This term refers to drawings created using pastels, which are sticks made from powdered pigment and a binder. Pastel drawings are valued for their vibrant colors, soft texture, and the ability to create both detailed line work and broad, expressive strokes, making them a popular medium for portraiture, landscapes, and abstract compositions.
History
Pastel drawing has been a popular medium since the Renaissance, with a particular resurgence in the 18th and 19th centuries. Artists like Jean-François Millet and Édouard Manet used pastels to create expressive, light-filled compositions that capture the texture and atmosphere of their subjects.
Notable Examples
Jean-François Millet
The Gleaners, 1857
Édouard Manet
Berthe Morisot with a Bouquet of Violets, 1872
Jean-François Millet
The Sower,
Odilon Redon
The Cyclops, 1914
Key Artists & Movements
Key figures include Jean-François Millet, known for his pastel drawings that depict rural life with a focus on light and texture, and Édouard Manet, whose pastel portraits capture the delicate nuances of skin tones and fabric with a soft, velvety finish.
Techniques & Materials
Techniques involve the use of pastel sticks to draw directly on paper or other supports, often blending colors and tones to create depth and richness. Artists may use fixatives to stabilize the pigment, but pastel drawings are often delicate and require careful handling. The medium allows for both fine detail and broad, expressive marks, making it a versatile tool for artists.
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