Drawing & Pastels

The Art of Drawings and Pastels

Drawings and pastels are two forms of art that share a common characteristic: they are both created by applying a medium directly onto a surface, usually paper, without the use of a brush or a palette. Drawings are made with dry media, such as pencils, charcoal, crayons, or ink, while pastels are made with soft sticks of powdered pigments bound with gum or resin. Both forms of art allow the artist to express their ideas and emotions with immediacy and spontaneity, using line, shape, color, texture and tone.

Drawings and pastels have been used by artists since the Renaissance, both as independent works of art and as preparatory studies for paintings or sculptures. They offer a glimpse into the artist’s creative process, revealing their sketches, studies and experiments. They also showcase the artist’s skill and mastery of their medium, demonstrating their ability to capture the essence of their subject with economy and elegance.

The Masters of Drawings and Pastels

At M.S. Rau, we are proud to offer you an outstanding collection of drawings and pastels, featuring some of the most celebrated and influential artists from various periods and styles. Among them are:

Rembrandt van Rijn: The greatest master of Dutch art in the 17th century, Rembrandt was a prolific and versatile draughtsman who used various media and techniques to create his drawings. He drew portraits, landscapes, biblical scenes and genre scenes, using pen and ink, chalk, charcoal, or washes to create rich contrasts of light and shadow. His drawings are characterized by their expressive lines, lively strokes and dramatic effects.

Edgar Degas: One of the most prominent figures of Impressionism in the 19th century, Degas was an avid user of pastels who experimented with different ways of applying them to paper. He painted ballet dancers, horse races, café concerts and laundresses, using pastels to create vibrant colors, fluid movements and atmospheric moods. His paintings are distinguished by their delicate textures, graceful forms and impressionistic style.

Pablo Picasso: The most famous and prolific artist of the 20th century, Picasso was a co-founder and leader of Cubism, one of the most revolutionary movements in art history. He drew portraits, still lifes, landscapes and scenes from his life, using pencils, charcoal, crayons, or ink to create geometric shapes, multiple perspectives and collage elements. His drawings are characterized by their dynamic colors, complex forms and expressive power.

Why Buy Drawings and Pastels at M.S. Rau?

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to offering you the finest quality and service in the art market. Our promise extends to the authenticity and condition of every drawing and pastel we sell. Whether you are looking for a specific artist, a particular genre, or simply want to browse our extensive collection of drawings and pastels, M.S. Rau is your ultimate destination.