Pastel painting is a method of painting where the primary media is pastels. For the purpose of this writing I will only discuss the medium of soft pastels, as opposed to oil pastels.

     Soft Pastels are pure powdered pigment made with a binder.  Pastel painting has the appearance of a dry painting with no glazed effect. It does not crack nor turn yellow as with traditional oil paintings.

     The pigment remains pure and bright and though it can be a sensitive medium to mishandling, paper developed today make the adherence of the medium much stronger.  As many as, 25 layers of pastel are now possible, due to the quality paper used. Pastel layering gives the appearance rich colors that are mixed by application. Pastel paintings have a fresh, luminous appearance to them and are beautiful treasures.

      Unlike traditional oil paintings, pastel painting must be protected by glass for display. Museum quality and non- glare glass are the choice of many pastel artists. If you are traveling and you want to transport your pastel art without the glass and frame, place glassine (or tracing paper) over the top of the painting and sandwich it safely between two pieces of foam core board and then secure the edges with tape. Foam core board is easily purchased at any local art and crafts store and they will cut it to the size you need, some charge, most don’t. Once you have the painting safely protected it can be put in a suitcase. I have had one punctured before so be sure to put in between layers of clothes. Airlines can be rough!!