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Arthur |
Bailey |
Beebs |
Bonnie |
Brooke |
Brophy |
Buddy |
Callie |
Captain |
Casper |
Cooper |
Cooper |
Tom W |
Emma |
Friedman |
Gumbo |
Josie |
Kelsey |
Koko |
Lucy |
Mookie |
Paige |
Scooter |
Serafina |
Silver |
Squeaky |
Swifty |
Timba |
Sparky and Copper |
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About Pastel Pet Portraits
Why Pastel?
Pastel differs from other mediums in that it is nearly all powdery pigment. Only a small amount of binder such as gum or resin holds the pastel together in stick form. The result is a brilliant, powdery-soft surface. It’s different from other mediums in that the color that is applied is the color that stays. No drying time. Immediately I know what color is on the page. In addition, pastels are made in a huge range of colors the number of which increases infinitely when mixed together. This allows me the distinct ability to create realistic portraits whose hues, tones and softness make you feel as though you may reach out and touch to feel the softness of fur or the warmth of your pet.
Pastels are used less often than the more traditional oil, acrylic or watercolor. But they are not to be discriminated against. They originated in Italy during the 16th century and became most popular in the 19th century with the French Impressionists. Among the many artists who have used pastel are Cassatt, Degas, Redon, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec and Whistler. Many of these pastel masterpieces are displayed around the world in art museums. While fragile, pastel is permanent and should last a lifetime.
Directions for Framing Your Pastel Artwork
There are several guidelines for framing pastels because of the fragile nature of the medium:
- Always store them in the presentation folder in the glassine paper until ready to frame, and frame them as soon as possible.
- Use regular glass. Plexiglas or frosted glass will NOT work. Plexiglas has the tendency to pull the pastel off the paper, and frosted glass mutes the soft lines and blending of pastel.
- Your pastel will be sprayed with a small amount of fixative so as to keep the pastel adhered but not to change its appearance.
- Have your framer build in a small space at the bottom between the mat and back of your work so that if any pastel dust should fall off it won’t dirty your mat.
- Do not hang your framed portrait in direct sunlight or in a damp area as this will alter its appearance.
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