Carol Corliss Fine Art

Pastel is a powdered pigment, formed into round or square sticks and held together with a binder.

Pastels are created from the same pigments used in oil and watercolor paints but use a different binder.

Soft pastels and oil pastels are different mediums.

Pastels can be traced back to the Sixteenth Century. Well preserved pastel paintings from over 200 years

ago are still as vibrant today as the day they were painted. By using a conservation ground (the paper

or board that it is painted on) and when properly framed under glass, pastel is the most permanent of all

media, as it never cracks, fades, darkens or yellows . There should always be a space between the pastel

painting and glass to prevent contact and the possibility of condensation staining the work. Acrylic sheeting

should be avoided because it's static charge can pull pastel particles away from the painting surface on to the acrylic.

Pastel paintings should not be hung in areas of high humidity or extreme heat. If at all possible, do not hang

pastels on an uninsulated exterior wall as humidity and temperature changes can cause problems. Do not

hang pastel paintings in direct sunlight or under fluorescent lighting (strong ultraviolet light) as any large

exposed areas of non-light-fast paper are vulnerable to fading over time. Direct sunlight on the painting

may also cause condensation to form.

The papers and board I use are light-fast and, at minimum, acid free, but often 100% rag. I also use acid free

foam board and acid free mat or rag mat.

When cleaning the glass, use a damp cloth with a light touch. Do not spray the glass because moisture can

run below the frame edge and damage the painting.

With a little care, your painting will be enjoyed for generations to come.

A WORD ON PASTEL DUST

One reason pastel paintings are so beautiful is because of the way the pastel particles refract light.

Many artists do not use a fixative as it usually changes the colors as well as the refractive quality.

In the process of moving or transporting pastel paintings

small amounts of pastel particles, or dust, may become dislodged.

This in no way affects the quality of the painting.