What are Pastels?

   Pastels are pure powdered pigment which is ground into a paste with a small amount of gum binder and then rolled into round or square sticks.  Pastels are not chalk.  The infinite range of colors in the Pastel palette vary from soft and subtle to bold and brilliant.  It has no liquid binder , therefore the media will never darken, fade, yellow, crack or blister.  Pastels from the 16th century exist today as fresh as the day they were painted.
   An artwork is created by stroking the sticks of dry pastel across an abrasive ground, embedding the color in the tooth of the paper, sandboard or canvas.  Pastel is favored by many artists because there is no drying time, and no allowances to be made for a change in color due to drying.  Techniques vary with individual artists.  Kerri Fleming's paintings are created by adding layer upon layer of Pastel to give a saturated, bold appearance.  This is known as a "Pastel Painting" because the ground of the work is completely covered with Pastel.   Leaving much of the ground exposed produces a "Pastel Sketch".
   As with all works of art, Pastel paintings require a few simple steps for their preservation.  Paintings should be framed, but spaced away from the glass.  Hang away from direct or brightly sunlit areas.  Provide an environment with low humidity and consistent temperature control.