How can you tell it is pastel painting?

You can identify a pastel painting by its soft, powdery texture and vibrant colors, which result from the use of pure pigments. The artwork typically features a matte finish and may show subtle blending or layering of colors, common in pastel techniques. Additionally, the presence of visible strokes or smudges can indicate that pastels were used, as artists often manipulate the medium with their fingers or blending tools. Lastly, if the painting has a delicate, ephemeral quality, it’s likely created with pastels.