Making Soft Pastels by Hand (2/10)
Author: Phyllis Franklin, Contributing Editor
Yes, you are right...this is llis wearing gloves, mask extra layers of clothes, and protective skin cream. Here are a few precautions for your consideration that are particular to pastel making. As always, all safety measures should be followed using any materials, art related or not. Common sense will guide you with this.
You will notice as you go through this article that none of us have on eye protection, or aprons. When working for an extended period of time, it is advisable to protect yourself to the upper most degree. Better to be over protected and uncomfortable now than under protected and be sorry later. We did use extreme care to not touch the pigments with our bare hands, or create dust as we mixed our pigments. We also worked a very short time.
Yes, your are right, this is Carly wearing gloves, mask, studio jacket and protective skin cream. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the studio. Although these pictures look like a kitchen scene, this is, in-fact a studio equipped with a large sink for clean up and a large table covered with a new white plastic shower curtain. The shower curtain can be taken outside to remove any dust, and then washed to be used again.
When working with dry pigments, wear a dust mask and protect all exposed skin from dust particles as best as you can. Use protective skin cream before you begin work. Check with your art supply dealers for different types.
Yes, you are right, this is Deb wearing gloves, mask, and protective skin cream. She took her studio jacket off for this picture because it was white and we need to show the white paste. Safety First in Everything! If you have further questions about health concerns, I suggest you check with your local health department as well as books especially written for artists about health issues.
