Pastel portrait by a Portraits, Inc. artist
Pastel is an art medium consisting of pure powdered pigment rolled into a stick and held together with a binder. First used during the Renaissance, pastels gained widespread popularity only in the early 18th century, when a number of noted artists made pastel their primary medium. The emergence of pastel-makers throughout Europe, in addition to the ready availability of cast plate glass to protect the powdery surfaces, contributed to the medium's growing acclaim.
In contrast to the more onerous practice of portrait painting in oil, pastel portraits offered several advantages for both the artist and sitter: the costs were lower, the materials were easily portable, and they required fewer sittings as there was no need for drying time. The weathy European aristocracy quickly turned to pastel for their portrait commissions. Soon, many pastelists were accepted into their country's academies or appointed as pastelists to royalty, a testament to the high regard in which the medium was held.
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A pastel portrait by a Portraits, Inc. artist
Today, pastel still holds widespread appeal as an artistic medium. Pastel portraits are distinguished for the lifelike quality, or "bloom," it confers upon its subjects. This distinctive appearance results from the physical characteristics of the medium and the way in which it reflects light, producing a velvety, matte quality. Pastel is also an incredibly versatile medium, allowing for an astonishing range of expression and level of detail. Unlike oil paintings, pastels do not require varnish, which inevitably alters in color over time. The absence of varnish accounts for the characteristic brilliance and purity of tone found in pastel paintings.
A pastel portrait by a Portraits, Inc. artist
It is important to take special steps to preserve a delicate pastel portrait. Because they are not coated with a varnish, pastels are more vulnerable to fading than works in oil. All pastels must be protected from UV exposure or prolonged periods of illumination. They must always be framed and glazed to best preserve them. Taking these precautions will allow one to enjoy these vibrant portraits for many generations to come.
Portraits, Inc. was founded in 1942 in New York on Park Avenue. Over its 70-year history, Portraits, Inc. has carefully assembled a select group of the world’s foremost portrait artists offering a range of styles and prices. Recognized as the industry leader, Portraits, Inc. provides expert guidance for discerning clients interested in commissioning fine art portraits.