Materials Lab Workshop: The Origin and Evolution of Fabricated Colored Chalks (Pastels)

This event requires registration; see further details below.

Since the 15th century, artists have used fabricated sticks of colored pigments, known as pastels. Painters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Rosalba Carriera, and Edgar Degas chose this luscious yet fragile drawing medium because it could be quickly applied, it expanded the chromatic range of existing natural chalks, and it allowed for the most sensuous textures. How, why, and by whom were these pastels developed? How and why did the components evolve over time? In what ways did the working properties of these materials enable the medium to evolve from merely drawing to a more painterly medium?

Join Timothy David Mayhew, scholar of traditional drawing materials and techniques, to explore these and other questions about the evolution of colored chalk fabrication through the 19th century. Workshop participants will first take a close look at a selection of pastel works. We’ll then move on to the Materials Lab, where Mayhew will guide us in making our own pastel sticks. Supplies will be provided. Beginners are warmly welcome.

The hands-on session will take place in the Materials Lab on the Lower Level.

$15 workshop fee. Registration is required and space is limited; registration will open on this form, beginning on Monday, October 14, at 10am. Workshop fee must be paid to confirm registration. Minimum age of 14; no previous experience required.

The Harvard Art Museums offer free admission every day, Tuesday through Sunday. Please see the museum visit page to learn about our general policies for visiting the museums.

The Harvard Art Museums are committed to accessibility for all visitors. For anyone requiring accessibility accommodations for our programs, please contact us at am_register@harvard.edu at least 48 hours in advance.