Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do pastel paintings last?
A. Yes. The paints are pure pigments bound with gum. They retain their colour and vibrancy without fading (unlike watercolours).

Q. Do they go yellow with age, as with oil paintings?
A. No! The colours remain constant, and there will be no foxing or cracking.

Q. What surface do you paint on?
A. I use a specially prepared sandpaper, which provides deep pores for layers of paint to be applied, one on top of another. It also allows the pigment to be mixed on the surface, or blended smoothly.

Q. How are they framed?
A. I have the frames professionally framed in a light oak, ash or beech wood. This provides a lovely neutral colour, with a beautiful grainy texture.

Q. How are they mounted?
A. Again, these are pale cream or ivory, which enhances most works, without distracting from the image. My framer also creates a recess, which gives depth to the painting.

Q. What sizes are your paintings?
A. Generally, the framed sizes range from 47 x 80 cm (18.5 x 31”) to 76 x 64 cm (30 x 25”). However, I paint many different shapes and sizes.

Q. How do I purchase a painting?
A. Please contact me at mary.fawcett@ntlworld.com or phone me on 01722 502050. I would be delighted to answer any queries, or discuss your needs.

Q. How do I look after my painting?
A. Transport it on it’s side or back, to save any tiny specks of pastel falling onto the mount. I deliberately choose not to use pastel fixative, because it spoils the bloom of the painting.

Q. Could you send my picture unframed?
A. Yes, but it would need to be protected by greaseproof paper and then handled carefully until safely under glass (otherwise loose pastel could easily be dislodged.

Q. Do you always keep the same style?
A. No, it is constantly evolving. I am always exploring fresh ideas, and often veer towards a contemporary approach, sometimes partially abstracted.

Q. Have you sold many paintings, and do people come back for more?
A. I have sold a huge number of paintings over the years, often raising money for charities, eg. Salisbury Hospice Care Trust, The Cot Death Foundation, and The Trussell Trust. I have had a lot of comments from people several years after a purchase, saying how much pleasure the painting continues to give them.