pastel

Imagine the soft hues of a sunrise or the gentle coloring in an old-fashioned painting. This word often refers to soft, pale colors. But it is not just about color. It can also name an art medium: sticks of pigment held together with a binder, used a bit like crayons but able to make softer, more blended marks. You might describe a spring garden as having "pastel shades" or admire an artist who works primarily "in pastel."

The word "pastel" has a lovely duality. Primarily, it refers to a family of soft, pale colors—think baby blue, lavender, mint green, peach, and rose pink. These aren't the bold, vibrant shades you find in a rainbow; instead, they're muted, delicate, and often evoke feelings of calmness and nostalgia. You might describe clothing as "pastel-colored," or a room decorated with "pastel accents." A wedding theme could even be described as having a pastel palette.

But "pastel" also refers to an art medium itself! Pastel sticks are essentially colored pigment held together with a binder, such as gum arabic. Artists use these sticks directly on paper or other surfaces, creating soft, velvety textures and blended colors without the need for water or oil. This technique allows for a unique level of control and subtlety.

The word comes from the Italian "pastello," meaning a small roll of paste, which points to the way the art medium was made. Over time, the term also became closely linked with the gentle shades often associated with that medium. Think of artists like Edgar Degas, who famously worked in pastel, capturing fleeting moments with delicate color and light.

So, whether you're describing a soothing color scheme or admiring an artist's technique, "pastel" speaks to softness, delicacy, and a gentle beauty that whispers rather than shouts.