About Soft Pastel

What is soft pastel?

Soft pastel is a fine-art medium made from pure powdered pigment combined with a small amount of binder. Unlike paint, it is applied directly to the surface without brushes or drying time. This allows the colours to remain exceptionally rich, luminous and beautifully tactile.

Every mark is created by hand as layers of pigment are gently blended and built upon the paper. When viewed closely, you may notice delicate textures and individual strokes that reveal the artist’s process and make every painting completely unique.

Will the colours last?

Yes. High-quality soft pastels are remarkably permanent when properly displayed and cared for. Because the pigment is not mixed with a liquid medium, the colours retain their original brilliance over time.

As with any original artwork, the painting should be kept away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive humidity and significant temperature changes.

How should a pastel painting be framed?

Soft-pastel paintings should be framed behind glass to protect their delicate surface. The artwork must not touch the glass, so a mount or spacer should be used to create a small gap between the painting and the glazing.

For the best presentation and long-term protection, I recommend:

  • Acid-free, archival-quality mounting materials

  • A mount or spacer separating the artwork from the glass

  • UV-protective or museum glass where possible

  • Professional framing, particularly for original works

The painting should never be pressed directly against the glass or acrylic glazing.

Does the artwork need fixative?

Pastel paintings do not need to be heavily fixed to remain beautiful. Fixative can sometimes darken or alter the delicate colours, so each work is handled carefully to preserve the freshness and luminosity of the original pigment.

Caring for your painting

Once framed, a soft-pastel painting requires very little maintenance. Avoid touching the painted surface and display it away from direct sunlight, moisture and sources of heat. To clean the frame, gently dust the glass without opening or removing the artwork.

With thoughtful framing and care, your original pastel painting can retain its colour and beauty for generations.

A uniquely intimate medium

Soft pastel combines the immediacy of drawing with the depth and richness of painting. There is no brush between the artist’s hand and the pigment, giving each piece a wonderfully direct and personal quality.

Small traces of loose pigment are a natural characteristic of the medium—not a flaw—and are part of what makes an original pastel painting so tactile and distinctive.