pastelpaintings

Definition

This term refers to paintings created using pastels, a medium known for its vibrant colors and soft, powdery texture. Pastel paintings often feature rich, luminous effects, with the ability to blend and layer colors to create depth and subtle gradations of tone, making it a popular medium for both portraiture and landscapes.

History

Pastel painting became particularly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, where it was used by artists like Edgar Degas and Odilon Redon to create works that emphasize color, light, and texture. The medium allows for a direct, tactile approach to color, with the ability to achieve both fine detail and broad, expressive strokes.

Notable Examples

NALA term preview

Edgar Degas

The Blue Dancers, 1899

NALA term preview

Odilon Redon

The Cyclops, 1914

Key Artists & Movements

Key figures include Edgar Degas, whose pastel paintings capture the movement and atmosphere of ballet dancers with a focus on light and color, and Odilon Redon, known for his dreamlike, symbolic works that use pastel to create ethereal, luminous effects.

Techniques & Materials

Techniques involve the application of pastel sticks directly to paper or another support, often using blending, hatching, and layering to create depth and richness. Artists may use fixatives to stabilize the pigment, but pastel works are often delicate and require careful handling. Pastel painting allows for both detailed, controlled drawing and bold, expressive color, making it a versatile and expressive medium.

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