Pastel is a medium composed of powdered pigment, a binder, and a small amount of gum arabic or methyl cellulose for cohesion. known for its vibrant colors and soft, velvety texture, pastels are favored by artists for their blendability and ease of use. Available in various forms including soft, hard, and oil pastels, they are applied directly onto paper or other textured surfaces, allowing for expressive drawing and rich color blending.