Pastels - out of business?

[Lara Cannon]

Hi Lacey,

Your comment on the materials in pastels caught me by surprise. I did some quick searches on-line. I use Sennelier Soft Pastels which according to their label & website are non-toxic. I also use Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils & Generals charcoal pencils. I checked them both and I couldn't find any health label warnings on them.

There are several other quality brands I found on-line that are advertised as non-toxic. The Schmincke Soft Pastels contain ingredients that are toxic or hazardous, but the label says they can be used safely with appropriate caution.

My general understanding of the archival quality of pastels is that the colors are sensitive to light and should never be in direct sunlight. The paper itself is the deteriorating factor. Of course, I have seen drawings by Leonardo da Vinci (behind glass & dimly lit) that are still here to be admired. Perhaps I should have said that pastel portraits require more special handeling to maintain their original beauty.