The word "pastelists" is spelled with three syllables, pronounced as pa-stuh-lists (pæstəlɪsts). The first syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound, while the second syllable is pronounced with a "schwa" sound. The final syllable is pronounced with a long "i" sound, followed by a "st" consonant cluster. "Pastelists" refers to artists who work with pastels, a medium of pigments that are held together with a binder and shaped into sticks. These sticks can then be used to create colorful, textured artwork.
Pastelists refer to artists who specialize in or primarily use pastels as their chosen medium to create artworks. Pastels are a type of dry pigment that are mixed with a binder, often kaolin clay or gum arabic, to form sticks or crayons. These sticks, with their soft and powdery texture, are applied directly onto a surface, such as paper or canvas, to produce vibrant and richly pigmented artworks.
Pastels have been used as an art medium for centuries, and pastelists harness their unique qualities to create a range of artistic effects. The versatility of pastels lends itself to various techniques, including layering, blending, and smudging, allowing artists to achieve a broad spectrum of colors and textures. Pastelists utilize a wide palette of hues, from delicate and ethereal shades to bold and intense colors, enabling them to capture the subtle nuances of light, shadow, and form in their works.
Pastelists employ different subjects and genres, including landscapes, portraits, still life, and abstract art. They may employ a gestural or more controlled approach, depending on their personal style and artistic intent. With their ability to create delicate details as well as bold strokes, pastelists produce artworks with a unique sense of texture and atmosphere, often characterized by a softness and luminosity that is distinct to this medium.
The term "pastelists" encompasses a diverse community of artists who share a deep appreciation for the luminous and expressive qualities of pastels, pushing the boundaries of their creativity while captivated by the medium's unique characteristics.
The word "pastelist" is derived from "pastel" - a type of art medium and technique. The term "pastel" itself comes from the Latin word "pastellum", which means "bread dough" or "paste". This reflects the early method of making pastels by grinding pigments into a paste and forming them into sticks. Over time, the word "pastel" came to refer not only to the medium but also to artists who specialize in using pastels. Consequently, "pastelists" refers to those who practice or are skilled in the art of pastel.