Pastel is an art medium in the form of a stick, consisting of pure powdered pigment and a binder. The pigments used in pastels are the same as those used to produce all colored art media, including oil paints; the binder is of a neutral hue and low saturation.
The color effect of pastels is closer to the natural dry pigments than that of any other process.
The noun "pastel" gives rise to:
- another noun, for an artwork whose medium is pastels
- a verb, meaning to produce an artwork with pastels
- an adjective, meaning pale in color
Read more about Pastel: Pastel Media, Manufacture, Pastel Supports, Protection of Pastel Artworks, Techniques, Health and Safety Hazards, Pastel Art in Art History, Pastel Artists