Originals in this selection, Material Pastel, 500 to 1,000 euro.
Formats from 40 x 30 to 40 x 60 cm.
Velvet and structure
Mid-range prices usually bring larger sheets and refined color handling when it comes to pastel. Mixed media works with pastel are for sale in this band for those who want velvety surfaces joined by a second layer of material.
Pastel yields color fields that look brushed, and mixed technique adds contrast: a line of ink, a stripe of acrylic, glued-on paper. Well-made sheets show that soft and hard do not have to clash.
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What to expect
Between small starter sheets and the biggest formats, this is the range where works on paper reach living-room scale. The technique is usually settled and the composition thought through. Related are the pieces in painting. Take time to think of sheet and frame together as well. With pastel a good mat opening contributes a lot to the effect, because it detaches the picture from the wall and keeps dust away.
What to watch for
A sheet with a lot of loose pigment needs a frame with room to the glass. Ask whether it was fixed. Some artists skip fixative on purpose to keep the color brilliant, and then careful handling matters even more.