• Home
  • Articles
    • Art guides for beginners
    • Coloured Pencils
    • Graphite Pencils
    • Soft Pastels
    • Acrylic Paints
    • Water based Products
    • Oil-based products
    • Papers & Canvases
    • Art Accessories
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • News
  • Kofi-blog
  • About
  • Mail Us
  • Site Map
STEP BY STEP ART
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Art guides for beginners
    • Coloured Pencils
    • Graphite Pencils
    • Soft Pastels
    • Acrylic Paints
    • Water based Products
    • Oil-based products
    • Papers & Canvases
    • Art Accessories
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • News
  • Kofi-blog
  • About
  • Mail Us
  • Site Map

Soft pastels | A helpful guide for soft pastel artists and beginners



​Are you new to soft pastels ​and looking for some guidance?

If you're considering trying soft pastels for the first time but are uncertain about which products to purchase or where to start, this article offers an all-inclusive guide to assist you.

Soft pastels comprise a dry pigment held together with a combination of binder and filler. They are vibrant and offer quick results, no drying time needed like other mediums. Mistakes can be easily concealed, and achieving flawless tonal transitions require little practice. It is this succinct nature of pastels, coupled with the vibrancy of the pigments, that can provide considerable enjoyment whilst learning and adds to their appeal.

1. Pastels

When it comes to 'dry' pastels, there are four types: Soft, Hard, Compact, and Pencil. They come in various forms: half-stick, full-stick, slim, thick, soft, and hard. With so many options, it can be confusing to choose your first set. Soft pastels (also known as dry pastels) are created by mixing dry pigment, binder, and filler to form a paste. This paste is then rolled or shaped and left to dry. The ratio of pigment and binder differs in each range, with soft pastels like Unison containing less binder. Though they crumble easily, they provide intense colours. On the other hand, hard pastels have more binder, making them the better choice for fine detail. However, more binder means less vibrancy, and they do not blend or smudge as well. Artists typically use a combination of pastels in their work.
unison soft pastels and Prismacolor Nupastels hard pastels
Pastel Sticks Soft pastels have less binder, making them messy, but they blend and cover easier and quicker. Hard pastels have more binder, making them firmer and the cleanest option. Although they don't blend as well as soft pastels, hard pastels allow you to achieve fine details that might be difficult with soft pastels.
Pan pastel monotone colours
Pan Pastels are created with high-quality pigments to produce rich and concentrated colours. The unique manufacturing process involves minimal binders and fillers, creating super-blendable colours. Additionally, the pigments are highly lightfast and can be entirely erased if needed.
Faber Castell PITT pastel pencils
Pastel Pencils are great option for adding detail. Popular brands like Faber Castell, Derwent, and Stabilo are made from a combination of pigment, binder, and filler. The vibrancy, blend-ability, and ease of use may vary between brands, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when selecting which to use.

2. PAPER/SUPPORT

When it comes to using pastels, many surfaces are available, which can make choosing the right one overwhelming, especially for those new to pastels. Choosing a paper with a textured surface is important, as pastels need a good grip to adhere well. Smooth papers won't hold the pastel, and most will slip off. We will provide an explanation of the most popular pastel papers, as well as highlight the differences between them. Finally, we will recommend a paper to start your pastel journey with. If you're an artist, the Clairfontaine Pastelmat is an excellent surface. However, we suggest buying a trial pack (such as this one) to experiment with different surfaces and choose the one(s) that work best for you. Every artist and type of art is unique, and your paper can make a difference. For instance, if you're creating pastel sketches, you may only need fine-grit paper. Additionally, if you're creating modern art, paper with texture and tooth is more effective.
Pastel paper - Canson Mi-tientes
Pastel papers
These papers offer both tooth and texture and come in a variety of colours. They are also quite affordable and can be purchased individually or in a pad. The Canson Mi-tientes paper, for instance, has a honeycomb texture on one side and a fine grain on the other, making it a great choice for beginners. Other options include Fabriano Ingres and Tiziano.
Abrasive pastel papers Colourfix, pastelmat, fisher 400, Canson Mi-tientes Touch
Abrasive papers
When it comes to pastel art, many artists prefer paper that can hold more pastel. Some brands use a primer screen printed onto watercolour paper, providing a solid base for your artwork. Others, like UArt, use a computer processing system to create their paper. They offer seven different grade surfaces from 800 (Very fine) to 240 (rough)
Hahnmehule velour papers in black and grey
Hahnmehule velour paper
​​This type of paper has a unique texture compared to others. It comprises an acid-free backing sheet coated with inert synthetic fibres. This grabs the pastel well and produces a soft, painterly finish particularly favoured by animal artists. However, velour paper is less forgiving, and beginners of pastel art may find it challenging to work with. Soft pastels may also come off the paper more quickly than harder pastels.

3. BLENDING TOOLS

The items listed below are essential for any pastel art kit. To avoid making a mess, it's best to use sponges, shapers, and tortillions for blending instead of your hands. This helps prevent pastels from transferring between layers. The Pan Pastels come with their own blending tool kit, which includes tools designed for specific areas.
Make-up Sponges for blending soft pastels
Blending sponges
​Sponges come in various shapes and sizes. They are useful for blending pastels instead of using your fingers and pointed edges make it easier to blend the smaller detail. Found in many art and craft stores, you can buy them in packs or as a low-cost alternative, use make-up sponges instead. Wash them regularly with soap and water to minimise colour transfer.
Tortillions and color shapers
Colour shapers and tortillions
​Both are designed to tease and blend small areas of your work. Colour shapers can be cleaned using soap and water but as tortillions are made of rolled paper, you can peel away each layer to expose clean paper underneath. A more economical blending tool but not suited to abrasive papers as they will wear down the tip. Suited to smooth papers.
Pan pastel blending tools
Pan pastel
​The company have designed their own 'Sofft' blending tools. They are specially formulated micropore sponges that makes application easy. Each tool boasts a unique shape and size. They are versatile, reusable, and simple to clean. Additionally, sponges are available for blending larger areas and applicators for more minor details.

4. SHARPENERS

Various methods exist for shaping your pastels to achieve the desired precision in your pastel artwork. For pastel pencils, you can use a pencil sharpener or a craft knife, then manipulation over fine sandpaper. For hand-held pastels, sandpaper works well. However, soft pastels are not ideal for shaping or sharpening since they tend to crumble and produce wasteful dust. For hard pastels, you can mould them over fine sandpaper.
Derwent pastel sharpener
Pencil sharpener
A basic pencil sharpener typically comes in one or two holes and can be made of either plastic or metal. The metal version is more durable than the plastic one and is easier to replace the blades on. It also puts less pressure on the pencil wood due to its strength. Remember to replace the blade when it becomes dull to avoid damaging the pencil wood.​
Craft knife and Stabilo CarbOthello pastel pencil
Craft knife for pastel pencils
Some artists prefer to use a craft knife to sharpen their pencils because it gives them more control over the shape and length of the core. To get a fine point on a pencil, using a blade is preferred over a sharpener. But be careful when sharpening soft pencils with a knife, as it can damage the core and barrel. To avoid accidents, shave away from your body.
Fine sandpaper and derwent pastel pencils, Stabilo CarbOthello and Faber Castell Polychromos pastel
Sandpaper
One way to shape the tip of your pastel pencil is by using fine-grit sandpaper. You can purchase sandpaper from most DIY stores or a block from certain art stores online. If you prefer to use a craft knife, lightly rub it against the sandpaper until you achieve the desired shape. It's essential to store the sandpaper in a box or tin when not in use, as it will collect pastel dust.​

5. ACCESSORIES

Here's a list of additional products that may come in handy. When it comes to pastels, both firm and soft putty rubbers can be useful for erasing. Before applying any pastel to your paper, it's important to apply an outline using one of several different products, which we'll discuss below. We recommend having a wet cloth and dry hand towel on hand, and we'll explain why below.
Daler Rowney putty erasers Firm & soft
A putty eraser is a type of rubber that is especially useful for pastels. The soft variation can be easily moulded, making it perfect for lifting colour off the paper. The firm version can't be manipulated in the same way as the soft one. Instead, it behaves like a typical eraser, and can either soften the colour or remove it completely. Both types are highly recommended for any pastel kit.

Ghiant transfer spray, Faber Castell Pitt pastel pencil, Derwent graphite pencil and Tracedown white sheet
The Outline
​
​Choosing the right materials for outlining a pastel drawing can be tricky and depends on the paper type. Experimentation is key. Options include using a graphite pencil, Tracing paper or Tracedown, or Ghiant transfer spray, but a pastel pencil may be best for smooth blending. Test before starting.
Glassine paper by Jacksons Art
Glassine paper is a great tool for artists. It has a smooth, glossy surface and is resistant to air, water, and grease. It's acid-free, which is helpful for preserving artwork. When working with pastels, use glassine paper under your hand to avoid smudging. It's also great for protecting artwork during storage or transport. You can buy it in individual sheets or packs.

6. RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

Homedics HEPA filter system
Air filter
If you frequently work with pastels, consider investing in a HEPA air filter system. Even if you clean up after yourself at the end of each day, dust particles will still be in your environment. Make sure your workspace is well-ventilated by opening a window. Also, clean off pastel dust and cover your pastels every night.
Picture
Easel
As a pastel artist, it's best to use an upright easel or an illustration desk similar to the one in the image provided. This allows the pastel dust to fall onto a tray or shelf naturally, which you can wipe down regularly. Additionally, having a supportive chair is essential, especially if you plan on working at the easel for long periods.
Face cloth and hand towel
Old towels
Working with pastels, significantly softer brands, can be messy. It's easier to avoid getting the pigments on your fingers if you wear gloves. To keep your hands clean, wipe them with a damp face cloth between colour changes, and then dry them with a clean towel. Despite the mess, pastels are an excellent medium to work with.

Fixatives

Having a fixative in your collection can be helpful, but it's not mandatory. It's used to 'fix' the pastel and prevent pastel drop and accidental smudging on the finished work. However, some pastel artists have observed that the fixative can darken the colours and leave behind uneven specks due to the wet spray. This may be more noticeable on dark paper and require you to redo your work. Despite this, fixative can be helpful if you've saturated your paper and need to apply more layers. It creates a new tooth that allows for additional layers to be added.

​Take a look at the images below to see the effects of fixative on artwork before and after application. This is not meant to discourage you from using fixative but rather to suggest that you practice your technique before applying it to an important drawing. Be careful not to spray too close, as this can cause issues. It may be helpful to experiment with different distances to find the most effective and safe distance for your own use.
Soft pastel Violet flower drawing on Art Spectrum colourfix smooth
Before fixative
Soft pastel Violet flower drawing on Art Spectrum colourfix smooth after fixative
After fixative

DID YOU KNOW?
When creating a pastel artwork, if sections of the paper are left untouched, it can be considered a drawing. However, if the paper is fully covered, it may be called a 'painting'. It's important to note that these classifications are subjective, and you can use either term interchangeably. Some people believe that all pastel portraits should be classified as drawings. Ultimately, there are no set rules in art; you can use whichever term you prefer.

Our soft pastel articles
​

soft pastels
View all our Soft Pastels articles and tutorials
Unison colour soft pastels reds
Find out more about Unison, one of the most popular soft pastels.
Soft pastels nupastels and autumn leaf drawing
Why not try one of our soft pastels tutorials
Picture
View our article which cover 10 blending products for soft pastel artists

What are the differences between pastel brands?

There are two categories of pastels: student quality and artist quality. However, it can take time to determine which type a brand falls into. One way to gauge this is by looking at the price, which is used as a reference for the recommendations below. Please note that this method is not exact, and we have not confirmed these recommendations with the companies.
So, what are the differences between student and artist quality?
Regarding pastels, the materials' quality can make a significant difference. Artist-quality pastels are created using high-quality, natural pigments, making them highly resistant to fading. They also contain a small amount of binder, which helps to hold the pastel together and results in a more opaque and intense colour. In contrast, student-quality pastels are made with lower-quality pigment mixed with chalk and binder, which tends to produce a more translucent application and less lightfast results. It's important to avoid cheap, non-branded pastels as they tend to be chalky, dull in colour, and less pliable – making them unsuitable for the pastel novice.
Prismacolor premier NuPastels set of 48
Prismacolor NuPastel - STUDENT
Unison colour light and shade 36 colours
Unison soft pastels - ARTIST GRADE
Prismacolor NuPastels, which are a type of hard pastels, are considered to be of student grade and have not undergone any lightfastness testing. Therefore, their lasting power cannot be guaranteed. Hard pastels contain more binder to ensure their solidity, which can result in less pigment. However, this is not always the case with all types of hard pastels. The price of hard pastels is influenced by the type of pigment used.
Suggested student brands:
  • Inscribe/Myungo/Hashi (Soft)
  • Prismacolor NuPastels (Hard)
  • Faber Castell Creative studio (Soft-Med)
  • Daler Rowney Simply soft (Soft)
  • Jaxell (Soft)
  • Koh-I-Noor Toison D'or (Soft)
  • Derwent Academy (Soft-Med)
  • Royal & Langnickel (Soft-Med)
Unison soft pastels are artist-grade and certified for their quality. These pastels are crafted from the best traditional pigments, and each is painstakingly rolled by hand. Though expensive, their exceptional quality, application, lightfastness, and pigmentation make them worth the investment. It's important to note that not all soft pastels are created equal, and opting for low-priced brands may result in inferior quality.
Suggested artist brands:
  • Unison (Soft)
  • Sennelier (Soft)
  • Royal Talens Rembrandt (Soft)
  • Art Spectrum (Extra soft)
  • Conte a Paris (Hard)
  • Pan Pastels (Compact form)
  • Schmincke​ (Extra soft)
  • Faber Castell Polychromos (Hard)

Buying your first set of Pastels

If you're new to pastel art, don't worry about breaking the bank for a high-quality set. You can easily find affordable options at any art shop, online or in-store, with prices ranging from £3.00 to £300.00 or more. It's wise to start with a starter kit to avoid wasting money on products you might not use. While we have some recommendations, availability may differ depending on your location.
Derwent Academy soft pastels
Faber Castell soft pastels
Royal Talens Rembrandt soft pastels
Sennelier soft pastels - portrait colour set
When buying pastels, having the most extensive set with every colour available is not crucial. Instead, you can mix colours to expand your palette. If you specialise in a particular subject, you may only need a small collection of pastels. For example, as a landscape artist, you can find a set that provides all the necessary colours for this subject. Before purchasing, make sure you can purchase individual pastels (open stock) locally or online. This way, you can buy only the desired colours and avoid wasting money on a complete set with pastels you may never use. Check for the ACMI label (AP or LP) when buying pastels. These products have undergone extensive toxicological testing before they are granted the ACMI certification seal. You may need to contact a company directly if you cannot find this information on the packaging or search the internet.
Inscribe soft pastels24 set full sticks
Inscribe - Full length pastels (European packaging)
Mungyo soft pastels box of 64 half sticks
Mungyo soft pastels - Half size pastels (NZ/USA packaging)
Jaguar from Chester Zoo created in Inscribe soft pastels
Chatsworth House garden and Pink Rose created using Inscribe pastels
We highly recommend the Inscribe brand of art supplies, particularly for those just starting out. These art supplies can be found under the brand names Mungyo or Hashi, but they are essentially the same product. Inscribe offers an affordable option, with half or full sticks in sets of 12, 24, 32, 48 and 64, each offering a wide range of colours. The most extensive set, which includes 64 colours, costs, on average, around £13.00. We have used these art supplies and found them to be of great quality. While their pigments may not be as vibrant as those found in artist-grade brands, the 48 and 64-piece sets still offer an excellent opportunity to practice your techniques and create beautiful works of art. These sets also come with a black and white hard pastel that can be used for sketching or detailing. Additionally, you can mix these pastels with other brands. Using a less expensive brand to apply base layers can also help extend the life of more expensive pastels, making this a cost-effective option.

Papers

No one pastel paper is suitable for every artist, as they vary in texture and weight. To find the best paper for your artistic style and preferences, purchasing a few trial packs and trying out a selection of papers is recommended. It is also important to note that new papers are constantly being introduced to the market, so what may seem like the perfect paper now may be surpassed by a new option in the future. In this article, we will cover three commonly used pastel papers.
pastel papers Clairfontaine pastelmat, art spectrum colourfix, Hahnemuhle velour
The Art Spectrum Colourfix has a noticeable texture, the Clairfontaine Pastelmat has a very fine surface, and the Hahnmehule Velour is soft and fibrous. Each one produces a unique effect, so it's worth experimenting with all of them to see which one(s) you like best. Each has pros and cons, ultimately depending on the subjects you're creating and your preferences. Artists often prefer to use Pastelmat paper, but its effectiveness depends on the type of pastels used and the number of layers applied. If you prefer applying multiple layers, a heavy-tooth paper like Colourfix may be more suitable, although it may wear down soft pastels faster than hard pastels. Velour paper can also hold many layers, but it may be challenging for beginners due to pastel drop. Nevertheless, we encourage you to give it a try.

Visit the websites of pastel artists who work on specific surfaces by clicking on the corresponding links below. These artists have been carefully chosen for their highly detailed work and can help you choose the best paper for your expressive drawings, deeply intricate paintings, or anything in between.
Ivan jones - pastels on colourfix
Eric wilson - pastels on pastelmat
emma colbert - pastels on velour

Hints & Tips

When working with soft pastels, keeping a few recommendations in mind is helpful. As you continue on your artistic journey, you may come across additional suggestions to add to your personal list. Feel free to share your own recommendations with us.
​
DO:
√ For best effect, work dark to light and from background to foreground.
​√ Minimise pastel drop spoiling your art by working from top to bottom 
√ Layer by applying one colour over another before blending together. It is not necessary to blend each colour before applying the next unless you are adapting the colour to create a specific look.
​​√  Full sized sticks are best when covering large areas, smaller, half size sticks can be used for creating the fine detail - break a full sized stick in half keeping one side sharp for fine lines and using the other half for base tones.
​DON'T:                                                              
X Don't saturate your paper too quickly. Coarse papers will hold more layers than fine papers.
X  Never blow excess dust from your paper. Work upright so the dust falls away naturally or use a soft (clean) brush.
X  Do not eat or drink whilst working with pastels. Wash hands thoroughly and take your break away from your workstation.
X The heavier the paper (a larger gsm number), the coarser the paper. Do not use your fingers to blend pastel on coarse papers, use blending tools.
X Keep pets out of the room when working with pastels, especially birds.

Pastel safety

Many pastels are considered to be non-toxic or have low toxicity levels. However, some pigments such as Cadmium and Cobalt, which are commonly used in many art mediums, can be highly toxic when in dust form. It's important to note that ingestion of large quantities would be necessary to have any negative health effects, but we bring attention to this for awareness purposes. If you frequently work with pastels, we offer helpful tips to reduce dust and prioritize safety during your work. When purchasing pastel supplies, be sure to look for the ACMI label (AP or LP), indicating that the product has undergone thorough toxicological testing and earned ACMI certification.
pastels covered with bubble wrap
  • If you work with pastels regularly, it's essential to minimise the amount of dust that gets into the air. To do this, cover all surfaces with either bubble wrap or newspaper. Additionally, it's best to keep your pastels stored in their original boxes or tins to keep them clean and safe.
  • Don't blow excess pastel dust from your paper. This escapes into the air and may get into your lungs.
  • Work on an upright easel so dust falls naturally
  • It is recommended to wear a mask while working with pastels to reduce inhalation, especially if you have asthma or other health conditions.
  • HEPA filters help to keep the air clean and remove dust in the atmosphere. This can be beneficial in reducing any allergies you may suffer from too.
  • Keeping your pets, especially birds, out of the room while working with pastels is advisable.

Pastel brand articles

Click on any of the images below to find out more about each product in our online articles.
Stabilo CarbOthello pastel pencils
Stabilo CarbOthello pastel pencils
Prismacolor premier NuPastels sticks box of 48
Prismacolor Premier pastel sticks
Derwent pastel pencils in tin of 24
Derwent pastel pencils
Unison pastel sets
Unison soft pastels
Faber Castell Pitt pastel pencils
Faber Castell Pitt pastel pencils

SOFT PASTELS TUTORIALS

We have a selection of tutorials for pastel artists. If you are new to pastels, the 'pastel skies' tutorial shows you how to blend pastels and achieve smooth,  transition-free backgrounds. If you are looking for something a little more challenging, try the autumn leaf tutorial. This covers blending on Pastelmat paper and shows you how to build up the finer detail. The next step in your journey is the 'Violet flower' which is a little more challenging, the ultimate challenge is the Swallow tutorial. This one is broken down into two sections which shows you how to create the bird applying loose applications before adding the finer detail using pastel pencils. All are provided with step by step guidance and include a colour chart so you can work with your own pastel brand. 
Unison pastel on pastelmat
Learning how to blend - Pastel skies
Autumn leaf drawing and prismacolor nupastels
Autumn leaf on Pastelmat
Violet flower pastel drawing
Violet flower on Colourfix smooth
Swallow in soft pastels on pastelbord
Swallow on Ampersand Pastelbord

MORE PASTEL TUTORIALS WILL FOLLOW
​Why not request a subject? 
​Use our Contact form to get in touch

QUICK LINKS

​Articles
Art Tutorials

Art Workshops  

Workshop Gift Vouchers

Art Blog

About ko-fi
​Our social media page
​

About the Tutor  
Contact  

Site Map
Vertical Divider
Picture
Instagram logo
You Tube logo
Green Animal friendly logo

HOW TO SUPPORT US

Colourful coffee cup digital image

Thank you for visiting our website, which offers valuable global resources for artists. We strive to provide a pleasant browsing experience by keeping our site advertisements-free. We do not earn money from this website, but you can show appreciation by buying us a coffee on ko-fi.com. You will find the donation buttons below and can follow us on ko-fi to stay informed of the latest news. We appreciate your visit!​
​
​
What is Ko-fi?
No part of this website should be copied or re-used anywhere without written permission from Karen M Berisford - 2011 - 2023
All images on this website are copyright of Karen M Berisford unless otherwise stated - Website design by Karen M Berisford. All rights Reserved.
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Art guides for beginners
    • Coloured Pencils
    • Graphite Pencils
    • Soft Pastels
    • Acrylic Paints
    • Water based Products
    • Oil-based products
    • Papers & Canvases
    • Art Accessories
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • News
  • Kofi-blog
  • About
  • Mail Us
  • Site Map