Floral Pastel Artworks Are On Display in Washington

Pastels are an often overlooked art medium. The National Gallery of Art in Washington is showing 70 works from their collection, from September 29 through January 26, 2020, that trace the history of pastel. The luminous quality of pastel was most prized for its ability to render the soft textures of human skin and luxurious fabric, but could also depict the gentle gradations of flower petals and porcelain vases. “The Touch of Color” shows mostly portraits but there are occasional nature scenes and still life drawings, like Odilon Redon’s “Wildflowers,” c 1905, below, and Paul Huet’s 1845 “Meadow at Sunset.” Admission is always free. – Linda Lee