Welcome to Pastel painting with Margaret Ferraro.

Pastels are sticks of pure pigment, held together by a trace of binder. Because they are pure pigment you are as unlimited in colour, value, intensity as any paint medium.

Some of my work is done on pastel paper specially made for the medium or specially prepared surfaces, involving gesso, pumice and / or acrylic paint. These surfaces are prepared to create specific textures and special effects. Pieces done on watercolour paper are done so in order to use the effects of underpainting. Pieces involving more than one art medium are considered mixed media.

Pastels are a vibrant and spontaneous medium. My pastel paintings are about colour play, pattern, texture and light.

~ Margaret Ferraro