Pastel Portraits - The Passion of Famous Artists

Pastel portraits started gaining popularity in the 16^th century perpetrated by the famous painter, Edgar Degas. Many artworks for sale, like drawings and paintings, were also made from other mediums such as pencils, watercolors, oils, and acrylics.

Other famous artists like Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt (Degas's protegée), Renoir, Delacroix, Toulouse-Latrex, Vuillard, Bonnard, Glackens, Millet and others, also showed a passion for pastel portrait drawings and paintings.

Pastel Portraits - History Basics

A pastel portrait is made from a pure pigment like the one used in creating fine art paints. Unlike oil and watercolor paints, there are no substances in it that will darken, crack, or may cause any blistering or fading in your final artwork. The medium was invented by a German painter named Johaim Thiele and was first used consistently by Rosalba Carriera, a Venetian artist.

Pastels are applied and used by many modern artists on their art works. It can be applied by making visible strokes on a paper, board, or canvass. You can also blend or blur it with your finger or by using an ordinary paintbrush. Some ground it and powder it for smoother and finer applications. Some also mix it with other mediums like oil and watercolor paints to add more effect. A pastel portrait artist usually uses the medium with a spontaneous approach.

Pastel paintings have a whimsical appeal to them. I guess this is due to the light and airy colors used in creating the portrait. However, there is no limitation as regards the subject pastel portraits may have. It can be of yourself, of your pet, and others.