1. What are pastels?
Pastel paintings & drawings are fine artwork that have been around since the 17th century. Pastels are created from the same pigments found in oil paints and, with the addition of a solution, are formed into soft pastels, hard pastels, pan pastels, oil pastels, or pastel pencils. Pastels are NOT chalk.
Artists use pastels directly on the substrate (canvas, paper, or material of choice), building and blending in layers to create intricate artwork that can rival oil paintings. Unsealed, pastel paintings can last hundreds of years if cared for properly. Famous pastel artists include Edgar Degas, Matisse, Monet, and Renoir.
When utilizing high-quality art materials, pastel paintings and drawings can last hundreds of years.
2. How do you care for Pastel Artwork?
Pastel paintings and drawings are typically not sealed with a protective finish because it can cause damage, including darkening of colors and degradation of the artwork. Touching the surface of a pastel artwork can result in smudging. Care needs to be taken when handling.
If not framing the artwork right away, keep stored in the foam core sandwich within which it was shipped to you. Do not allow anything heavy to rest on top of the artwork. ALWAYS use a professional art framer. Read below for more information regarding framing.
Keep the artwork out of direct sunlight and warm areas of the home, such as the kitchen or bathroom. This prevents the artwork from being exposed to too much heat or UV light which can result in the deterioration of colors.
3. How is pastel artwork shipped?
I ship pastel artwork using a foam core sandwich method. The artwork is covered with a sheet of glassine and secured between two pieces of foam core board. The foam core sandwich is then wrapped in bubble wrap and shipped in a cardboard container.
An art care guide includes detailing handling and framing instructions. A certificate of authenticity includes the artwork title, size, medium & materials, date completed, and artist signature.
4. What is the best method for framing pastel artwork?
It is recommended to frame using acid-free materials and UV-protective glass. Make sure to choose a framer who is experienced with pastel artwork. Do NOT allow your framer to spray any type of fixative or sealer on the artwork.
Never use acrylic or non-glare glass to frame your artwork. Pastel dust WILL stick to acrylic resulting in a "shadow" image. Non-glare glass impacts the viewing of your artwork, causing blurriness and dullness. UV-protective, non-reflective, museum-quality glass is best.