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Events

PSEC MEMBERS ARE GUESTS OF HONOUR AT GIVERNY!

Every year, l'Art du Pastel en France presents Le Salon International du Pastel de Giverny, taking place this year from the1st to the 9th of June.

Pastel Toujours 2013

Our 17th Annual Members’ Choice Exhibition was held at the Centre d’exposition de Repentigny from May 3rd to May 5th, 2013.

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News

Jacques Clément has two paintings at the exhibition Croquis 45 – Les 45 ans de l’Atelier de croquis de Radio-Canada, sponsored by Écomusée du fier monde, from May 23rd to August 25th, 2013. More details...

Jacques Clément currently presents a solo exhibition in Shawinigan, you can virtually visit by clicking on this link: http://youtu.be/QsJBInoDF6k

(In french only)
Salon de Pastel à Balaruc les Bains du 3 au 19 mai - Pour information, il reste encore quelques places disponibles pour les stages.    -> Voici notre affiche

A beautiful exhibition in PARIS, for those who would be there...

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013 IS THE LAST DAY TO SIGN UP FOR IAPS TENTH BIENNIAL EXHIBITIONS!

 

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Pastel characterists

Pastel sticks or crayons consist of pure powdered pigment combined with a binder. The exact composition and characteristics of an individual pastel stick depends on the type of pastel and the type and amount of binder used. It also varies by individual manufacturer.

Dry pastels have historically used binders such as arabic and tragacanth gum. Methyl cellulose was introduced as a binder in the twentieth century. Often a chalk or gypsum component is present. They are available in varying degrees of hardness, the softer varieties being wrapped in paper.

Dry pastel as a medium can be subdivided as follows:

  • Soft pastels: This is the most widely used form of pastel. The sticks have a higher portion of pigment and less binder, resulting in brighter colors. The drawing can be readily smudged and blended, but it results in a higher proportion of dust. Finished drawings made with soft pastels require protecting, either framing under glass or spraying with a fixative to prevent smudging.
  • Hard pastels: These have a higher portion of binder and less pigment, producing a sharp drawing material that is useful for fine details. These can be used with other pastels for drawing outlines and adding accents. However the colors are less brilliant than with soft pastels.
  • Pastel pencils: These are pencils with a pastel lead. They are useful for adding fine details.

 

In addition, new types of pastels have been produced:

  • Oil pastels: These have a soft, buttery consistency and intense colors. They are slightly more difficult to blend than soft pastels, but do not require a fixative.
  • Water-soluble pastels: These are similar to soft pastels, but contain a water-soluble component, such as glycol. This allows the colors to be thinned out using a water wash. There has been some debate within art societies as to what exactly counts as a pastel. The Pastel Society within the UK (the oldest pastel society) states the following are acceptable mediums for its exhibitions: "Pastels, including Oil pastel, Charcoal, Pencil, Conté, Sanguine, or any dry media". The emphasis appears to be on "dry media" but the debate continues.

 

Adapted from Wikipedia