PASTELS
WHAT ARE PASTELS?
Pastels are a type of art medium consisting of pure powdered pigments mixed with a binder to form a stick or crayon-like form. They are available in two main types: soft pastels and oil pastels.
Soft Pastels: Soft pastels are made by combining powdered pigments with a minimal binder, such as gum arabic or gum tragacanth. They have a velvety texture and come in various degrees of softness, from very soft to hard. Soft pastels are known for their vibrant colours and blend-ability, allowing artists to achieve smooth transitions and layering effects on a variety of surfaces.
Oil Pastels: Oil pastels are made by mixing pigments with a non-drying oil and wax binder. They have a creamy consistency and can be easily blended and layered. Oil pastels offer a different range of possibilities compared to soft pastels, as they can be used on a wider range of surfaces, including canvas and paper.
Both soft pastels and oil pastels are versatile mediums used by artists to create a wide range of artworks, including landscapes, portraits, still life, and, of course, pet portraits. They offer unique textural qualities and vibrant colour capabilities that make them popular among artists seeking to create expressive and dynamic artworks.
WHY ARE PASTELS USED FOR PET PORTRAITS?
Pastels are commonly used for pet portraits due to their unique qualities that make them well-suited for capturing the essence and texture of fur, feathers, and other animal features. Here are some reasons why pastels are popular for pet portraits:
1.
SOFTNESS & BLENDING
​Pastels have a soft, powdery texture that allows for smooth blending and layering. This quality helps artists create the illusion of soft, fluffy fur and realistic textures found in pets.
2.
VIBRANT COLOURS
Pastels come in a wide range of vibrant colours, allowing artists to accurately capture the diverse coat colours and patterns of pets. The pigments in pastels can produce rich and intense hues, enhancing the visual impact of the artwork.
3.
EXPRESSIVE & VERSATILE
Pastels enable artists to achieve a wide range of artistic styles, from detailed realism to loose and expressive strokes. This versatility allows for capturing the unique personality and character of each pet.
4.
IMMEDIATE RESULTS
Pastels offer immediate results without the need for drying time or extensive preparation. Artists can quickly lay down layers of colour and achieve rich, tactile effects, making it an efficient medium for capturing the energy and liveliness of pets.
5.
DURABILITY
Pastel artworks, when properly fixed, can have excellent archival qualities, ensuring that the pet portrait remains vibrant and intact for a long time.
Overall, the tactile nature, ability to blend, vibrant colours, and versatility of pastels make them a favoured choice for pet portraits, enabling artists to create stunning and lifelike representations of beloved animal companions.