Pastels
Definition
Pastels are a type of art medium that consists of powdered pigments mixed with a binder, usually gum arabic. They are known for their vibrant colors and soft, chalk-like texture.
Analogy
Using pastels is like painting with colored chalk on paper. The colors blend easily and can create a smooth, velvety effect.
Related terms
Impressionism: An art movement in the late 19th century that focused on capturing fleeting moments and impressions of light and color.
Soft pastels: A type of pastel that has a higher pigment concentration and less binder, resulting in more intense colors.
Fixative: A spray or liquid used to protect finished pastel artworks by preventing smudging or smearing.
"Pastels" appears in:
Are you a college student?
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.