Have you ever seen a painting with colors that seem to glow? Those vibrant hues might come from soft pastel pencils! They’re a fun and exciting art tool. But, choosing the right ones can feel like wandering through a rainbow maze. There are so many brands, colors, and hardness levels! It can be tricky to know where to start. Many artists get frustrated with scratchy pencils or colors that don’t blend well. They waste money on pencils that don’t work for them.
This blog post is here to help! We’ll explore the world of soft pastel pencils. You’ll learn what makes them different from other art supplies. We’ll also talk about the best brands and how to use them. By the end, you’ll feel confident in picking your own set. You will also know how to use them to create amazing artwork.
Ready to unlock the secrets of soft pastel pencils? Let’s dive in and discover how to bring your artistic visions to life!
Our Top 5 Soft Pastel Pencils Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Soft Pastel Pencils Detailed Reviews
1. Koh-I-Noor Artist’s Soft Pastel Pencils (Set of 24)
Rating: 9.3/10
Unleash your inner artist with the Koh-I-Noor Artist’s Soft Pastel Pencils (Set of 24)! These pencils are part of the famous Gioconda range. Koh-I-Noor Hardtmuth a.s., a world leader, makes them. They are perfect for artists of all skill levels. The pencils come in a great presentation pack. This makes them a wonderful gift for anyone who loves to draw or paint. The pencils are made using 100% FSC wood, which is good for the environment. The model number is 8828024001PL.
What We Like:
- The presentation pack looks great.
- The pencils are from the well-known Koh-I-Noor Gioconda range.
- Koh-I-Noor makes high-quality art supplies.
- The pencils are made with sustainable wood.
What Could Be Improved:
- The set only contains 24 pencils.
These soft pastel pencils are a fantastic choice for any artist. They are a great addition to any art supply collection.
2. STABILO Chalk-Pastel Artist Colored Pencil CarbOthello – ARTY+ – Tin Set of 24 Colors- Watercolor Effects
Rating: 8.5/10
Unleash your inner artist with the STABILO Chalk-Pastel Artist Colored Pencil CarbOthello set! This ARTY+ tin contains 24 vibrant colors, perfect for drawing, sketching, and coloring. These pencils offer amazing watercolor effects. You can blend the colors to create unique shades. The lead feels dry and dusty, just like charcoal. The wood barrel protects the lead from breaking.
What We Like:
- The colors are easy to mix and blend.
- These pencils are partially water-soluble. You can make watercolor effects!
- The lead is 4.4mm thick. It makes a great stroke.
- The wood barrel keeps the lead safe.
- You can find these pencils in up to 60 shades.
- The packaging might change, but the product stays the same.
What Could Be Improved:
- The tin set only has 24 colors. You might want more.
These STABILO CarbOthello pencils are a great choice for artists of all levels. They are fun and easy to use!
3. Faber-Castel Faber-Castell Pitt Pastell Colouring Pencil Set of 60
Rating: 8.8/10
The Faber-Castell Pitt Pastell Colouring Pencil Set of 60 is a fantastic choice for artists! This set includes 60 assorted pastel pencils. They are perfect for creating beautiful artwork. The pencils have a high level of pigment. They are also wax and oil-free. You can use them for fine details and blending. The set comes in a sturdy metal tin, so you can store them safely.
What We Like:
- The pencils have a lot of color.
- They work well for detailed drawings.
- You can blend the colors easily.
- The set comes in a metal tin.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some artists might need more colors.
- The pencils can be a little delicate.
In conclusion, the Faber-Castell Pitt Pastell Colouring Pencil Set is a great buy. It’s a great set for artists of all levels.
4. KALOUR Pro Pastel Chalk Colored Pencils
Rating: 9.4/10
The KALOUR Pro Pastel Chalk Colored Pencils offer a vibrant world of color for artists of all levels. This set includes 72 professional-grade pastel pencils, a metal tin box for storage, and a DIY color chart. These pencils are designed for drawing, sketching, coloring, and shading. They are perfect for creating realistic portrait art and other detailed artwork. The high-quality pigments provide excellent light-fastness. They are wax and oil-free, and great for fine details. These pencils blend and mix easily, making them fun to use.
What We Like:
- High-quality pastel pencils are great for detail work.
- The colors are highly pigmented and don’t fade easily.
- They blend well for creating new colors and effects.
- Safe, non-toxic materials make them safe to use.
- The set comes with a metal tin and color chart.
- Suitable for beginners to advanced artists.
What Could Be Improved:
- Sharpening with a utility knife is recommended instead of a sharpener.
- Not suitable for children under 3 years old.
Overall, the KALOUR Pro Pastel Chalk Colored Pencils are a fantastic choice for artists. They offer a wide range of colors and excellent quality for all skill levels. If you want to create beautiful pastel art, this set is a great option.
5. KALOUR Pro Pastel Chalk Colored Pencils
Rating: 9.0/10
The KALOUR Pro Pastel Chalk Colored Pencils, 24 Colors portrait set, are art supplies for artists of all levels. These pencils are designed for drawing, sketching, coloring, and shading. This set includes 24 professional-quality pastel pencils, a metal tin box for storage, and a DIY color chart. They are perfect for creating realistic portrait art.
What We Like:
- High-quality pastel pencils with rich pigmentation.
- Colors blend and mix easily.
- Suitable for both beginners and advanced artists.
- Non-toxic materials make them safe to use.
- Works well on various paper types, including dark or toned surfaces.
- Comes with a handy metal tin box for storage.
- Excellent color adhesion, creating a three-dimensional effect.
What Could Be Improved:
- Needs a utility knife for sharpening; a standard sharpener may break the pastel.
- Not suitable for children under 3 years old.
Overall, the KALOUR Pro Pastel Chalk Colored Pencils are a great option for artists who want to create beautiful pastel art. The pencils offer excellent color and blending abilities, making them a valuable addition to any artist’s toolkit.
Soft Pastel Pencils: Your Guide to Colorful Creations
Are you ready to add beautiful colors to your art? Soft pastel pencils are a great choice! They are easy to use and offer many artistic possibilities. This guide will help you choose the right set for you.
Key Features to Look For
When buying soft pastel pencils, look at these key features:
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Softness:
This is super important! The softer the pencil, the easier it is to blend and layer colors. Soft pencils create smooth, velvety textures.
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Pigment Load:
This means how much color is in the pencil. High pigment load means rich, vibrant colors. Your drawings will pop!
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Lightfastness:
This tells you how well the colors resist fading over time. Good lightfastness is key if you want your art to last. Check the pencil packaging for lightfastness ratings.
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Color Range:
Think about the colors you want to use. Do you need a basic set or a wider range of colors? Some sets offer a great variety.
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Durability:
The pencil should be strong. A pencil that breaks easily is no fun. Look for pencils with a sturdy core.
Important Materials
Soft pastel pencils are made with a few key materials:
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Pigment:
This is what gives the pencils their color. The quality of the pigment affects the color’s vibrancy and lightfastness.
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Binder:
This holds the pigment together. It’s usually a small amount of clay or gum.
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Wood Casing:
The wood protects the pastel core. It should be easy to sharpen without breaking the core.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several factors affect the quality of soft pastel pencils:
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High-Quality Pigments:
These make the colors more vibrant and lightfast.
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Fine Particle Size:
Smaller particles create smoother blending.
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Proper Binding:
This prevents crumbling and allows for smooth application.
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Manufacturing Process:
The way the pencils are made affects their overall quality.
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Cost:
You get what you pay for. Higher-quality pencils often cost more.
User Experience and Use Cases
Soft pastel pencils are fun to use! Here’s what you can expect:
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Blending:
They blend beautifully. You can create smooth transitions between colors.
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Layering:
Layering colors allows you to build up depth and create interesting effects.
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Details:
The pencils are great for adding fine details. They are easier to control than soft pastel sticks.
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Use Cases:
They are perfect for portraits, landscapes, and illustrations. You can use them on various papers, like pastel paper and drawing paper.
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User-Friendliness:
Soft pastel pencils are easy to use. You can start drawing quickly.
Soft Pastel Pencil FAQs
Q: What kind of paper should I use?
A: Pastel paper is best. It has a textured surface that holds the pastel pigment well. You can also use drawing paper.
Q: How do I sharpen my soft pastel pencils?
A: Use a sharpener designed for soft pencils. Be gentle to avoid breaking the core.
Q: How do I fix my pastel drawing?
A: Use a fixative spray. This helps to protect the drawing from smudging.
Q: Can I use soft pastel pencils with other mediums?
A: Yes! You can combine them with watercolor pencils, colored pencils, or even soft pastel sticks.
Q: Are soft pastel pencils messy?
A: Yes, a little! The pigment can create some dust. Work on a surface you can easily clean.
Q: How do I store my soft pastel pencils?
A: Store them in a cool, dry place. Keep them away from direct sunlight.
Q: What’s the difference between soft pastel pencils and hard pastel pencils?
A: Soft pastel pencils are softer and blend better. Hard pastel pencils are firmer and good for detail.
Q: What is lightfastness?
A: Lightfastness is how well the colors resist fading when exposed to light.
Q: How do I choose the right color set?
A: Consider the colors you like to use. Start with a basic set and expand your collection as needed.
Q: Are soft pastel pencils good for beginners?
A: Yes! They are easy to learn to use and are great for beginners of all ages.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.