Pastels are pure pigment. When used on a lightly sanded or heavily sanded surface, pastels can create the most incredible paintings. Creativity is endless. Unlike oils whereby an artist can mix an endless array of colors from a minimal palette of colors, pastel paintings are created by individual sticks of pigment, so the more pastels you have to use in your studio, the better your chances of capturing the exact mood for your painting. I love working in pastels! I feel like a little girl again having my box of 64 Crayola Crayons at hand, and a clean piece of white paper to color something for Mom's refrigerator.

Pastels require care. Unlike oils that dry, albeit slowly, pastels do not dry. They are not "chalk" although they are applied like chalk to a surface. Pastels need to be professionally framed and matted under glass to protect them from UV rays that may discolor the pigment over time. This is also why Museum Glass is preferred. My fine art Pastels are professionally framed and matted under museum glass unless otherwise noted. There is occasion that I will sell a pastel painting before framing. In this case, I will mount the pastel on a cardboard or foamboard surface, and cover the painting with glassine paper - similar to wax paper, glassine protects the pastel from smearing.

Pastels are shipped with instructions for their care, as you will want to protect your painting for generations, for your business or as a family treasure.

If you have any questions about a pastel painting you see here, or if you would like to commission a pastel painting, you may do so by filling out the contact form on this site. I will respond promptly.

Susan