Pastels are a combination of powdered pigment, minerals and binders. They are quite fragile when dehydrated. Its softness and tendency to crumble depends on the quantity of the binder (natural gum) used.

They are available either as sticks or as crayons

Manufacturers offer ranges of over 500 shades to give artists the complete palette of colours and shades so that they can use the exact one required. (Pastels can not be blended but layered and juxtaposed).

The grain of the paper is important in a work of art: lines will be more or less precise and defined depending on the size of the grain. Markings are just a deposit of a fine layer of powdered colour and require an abrasive surface to hold it.

Sometimes a velour paper is required and other times real sand paper. One of the most common papers is the strong Ingres paper. If like Degas’ work the background is not entirely filled in, it is imperative to use a lightfast paper.

It is recommended to lightly fix the pastel using a spray fixative with the very first layers and to continue until completion of the work.