Pastel is often a misunderstood medium. 

Some people mistake pastel for chalk, which is limestone and dye.  Pastel is dry powdered pigment--almost pure pigment, mixed with a liquid binding solution to form a paste and then molded into a crayon-shape and then dried.  Pastel allows the artist to paint with pure color. 

Some people mistakenly believe pastels are not long-lasting.  But, because pastel is nearly pure pigment it has lasting brilliance.  There is no cracking or discoloration with age, as can the case with oil.   In fact, when properly cared for, a pastel painting is the most permanent of all 2D media.  For example, at the Academy of Fine Arts, in Venice, Italy, one will find many pastel paintings dating back to 1703; pastel paintings that are as vibrant and fresh looking as they were when first painted.  These paintings have remained in nearly perfect condition without need for restoration, despite Venice's notoriously hot, humid weather.

Impressionists such as Degas, Manet, Monet, Morisot and Renoir all showed pastels in their exhibits.  Many famous works by Mary Cassatt, William Merritt Chase, Childe Hassim and James McNeil Whistler were done in pastel.