Pastel paintings hold a cherished place in the pantheon of fine art, prized for their bold, expressive strokes and delicate, atmospheric effects. Yet the very qualities that make pastels so alluring also present unique conservation challenges. The powdery, fragile surface of pastel artworks requires specialized care to double-check that their long-term preservation.
As an experienced art writer and creative consultant, I’ve had the privilege of exploring innovative techniques for safeguarding these delicate treasures. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share expert strategies for handling, storing, and displaying pastel paintings—helping you protect these ephemeral masterpieces for generations to come.
Understanding the Pastel Medium
Pastels consist of pure pigment bound with a minimal amount of binder, typically a wax or gum. This simple yet effective formula gives pastel paintings their unmistakable velvety, matte appearance and allows artists to achieve a remarkably direct and spontaneous visual expression.
However, the very characteristics that make pastels so appealing also make them vulnerable to damage. The loose, powdery pigment sits precariously atop the paper surface, easily dislodged by the slightest touch or air current. Even the oils from your fingertips can disrupt the delicate pastel film. Exposure to light, moisture, and fluctuating environmental conditions can also cause irreversible fading and deterioration over time.
Conservation expert Debra Daly Hartin emphasizes the fragility of pastel artworks, noting that “the pastel particles are held loosely to the support by a mechanical interaction with the surface of the support, which is usually rough or fibrous.” This means pastel paintings require specialized handling and storage techniques to prevent the loss of precious pigment.
Proper Handling and Storage
One of the most critical steps in preserving fragile pastel paintings is establishing safe handling protocols. Avoid touching the artwork’s surface directly, as even the slightest contact can disrupt the delicate pastel film. Instead, hold the work securely by the edges or use clean, white cotton gloves to minimize the risk of transferring oils or debris.
When transporting pastels, cushion the artwork between two sheets of sturdy, acid-free mat board or foam core to protect the surface. Avoid rolling or folding pastel paintings, as this can cause irreversible creasing and cracking. If possible, keep the artwork in a flat, horizontal position during storage and transit.
The environment in which pastel paintings are stored and displayed is also crucial. Maintain a cool, stable temperature (ideally between 65-75°F) and low relative humidity (below 50%) to prevent the pigment from lifting or the paper support from becoming overly brittle. Avoid placing pastels near windows, vents, or other sources of direct light, heat, or air movement, as these can all contribute to accelerated deterioration.
When framing pastel artworks, use a deep, shadowbox-style frame to create a protective air space between the painting’s surface and the glazing. This helps minimize abrasion and prevents the pastel from adhering to the glass or acrylic. Opt for conservation-grade, anti-reflective glazing materials that filter out harmful UV rays. Secure the artwork in place with acid-free, archival materials, taking care not to compress the delicate pastel surface.
Cleaning and Conservation Treatments
Over time, pastel paintings may accumulate surface dirt, dust, or other deposits that detract from their visual clarity and aesthetic appeal. In such cases, gentle surface cleaning can be an effective preservation strategy—but great care might want to be taken to avoid disrupting the fragile pastel film.
Begin by using a soft, natural-bristle brush to gently sweep away any loose surface debris, working from the center of the artwork outward. Avoid brushing too vigorously, as this can inadvertently dislodge pigment particles. If necessary, you can also carefully lift away any loose flakes of pastel using a clean, dry artist’s brush or a soft cosmetic sponge.
For more stubborn surface deposits, experiment with a soft kneaded eraser or a vinyl block eraser, applying only light pressure and testing first on an inconspicuous area. Avoid using abrasive erasers or cleaning solvents, as these can damage the delicate paper support and disrupt the pastel medium.
In some cases, professional conservation treatment may be required to stabilize a fragile pastel painting. A trained conservator can employ a range of specialized techniques, such as surface consolidation, lining the artwork onto a new support, or even careful in-painting to address areas of loss. These interventions require a nuanced understanding of the medium and should only be undertaken by qualified experts.
Digitization and Documentation
As an added measure of preservation, consider creating high-quality digital scans or photographs of your pastel artworks. This not only generates a visual record of the work’s current condition but also allows for safer, non-contact study and display options.
When digitizing pastels, use a high-resolution camera or scanner and diffuse the lighting to avoid glare or reflections that could obscure the delicate surface texture. Capture both overall and detail shots to document the artwork fully. Store the digital files in a secure, archival-quality format, and keep backup copies in multiple locations to safeguard against data loss.
Along with digital documentation, maintain meticulous records of the pastel painting’s provenance, materials, condition, and any conservation treatments undertaken. This information not only helps to preserve the work’s history but also informs future care and display decisions.
Embracing Fragility, Ensuring Longevity
Pastel paintings present unique preservation challenges, but with the right strategies, these delicate artworks can be enjoyed for generations to come. By prioritizing proper handling, storage, and conservation techniques, we can honor the inherent fragility of pastels while ensuring their lasting legacy.
As you embark on your own pastel preservation journey, remember that these works of art are not merely static objects but living, breathing expressions of the human creative spirit. Embracing their fragility is part of understanding their true essence—and safeguarding that essence is our responsibility as stewards of the artistic heritage.
Visit the Pencil and Paint Muse website to explore more resources on creative techniques, art conservation, and the materials science behind the media we love. Together, let’s double-check that that the pastel’s ethereal magic continues to captivate and inspire artists and art lovers alike.
Tip: Practice daily sketching to continually refine your technique