Have you ever stared at a breathtaking sunset and wished you could capture its vibrant colors? Pastel pencils offer a fantastic way to do just that! They let you create soft, dreamy artwork with a wide range of colors. But, if you’ve ever wandered down the art supply aisle, you know there are tons of pastel pencils to choose from. It can be overwhelming! Different brands, different grades, and different sets—where do you even begin?
Choosing the right pastel pencils is important. If you pick the wrong ones, your artwork might smudge easily, or the colors might not be bright. Nobody wants that! This guide is here to help. We’ll explore what makes these pencils special, and we’ll make the selection process easy. We’ll tackle common problems and show you how to avoid them.
By the end of this post, you’ll understand the key features of pastel pencils. You’ll learn how to pick the perfect set for your needs. You’ll also discover tips and tricks to help you create stunning pastel art! So, let’s dive into the colorful world of pastel pencils and unlock your artistic potential!
Our Top 5 Pastel Pencils Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Pastel Pencils Detailed Reviews
1. Ticonderoga® Pastel Pencils
Rating: 8.5/10
Unleash your inner artist with Ticonderoga® Pastel Pencils! This pack includes 10 assorted color pencils, perfect for drawing and sketching. The #2 soft lead creates beautiful artwork. Each pencil comes with a latex-free eraser. You can quickly correct any mistakes. These pencils are made from durable wood. They are pre-sharpened, ready to use right away. Get creative and enjoy the vibrant colors!
What We Like:
- The pencils create beautiful artwork with their soft lead.
- Each pencil has a built-in latex-free eraser for easy corrections.
- The pencils are made from durable wood.
- They are pre-sharpened, so you can start drawing immediately.
- The assorted colors offer many options for your art.
What Could Be Improved:
- More colors in the pack would be a nice addition.
- The pencils might be better if the lead was a bit more resistant to breaking.
The Ticonderoga® Pastel Pencils are a great choice for artists of all levels. These pencils are a fun and easy way to create colorful drawings and sketches.
2. STABILO Chalk-Pastel Artist Colored Pencil CarbOthello – ARTY+ – Tin Set of 24 Colors- Watercolor Effects
Rating: 9.0/10
Unleash your inner artist with the STABILO Chalk-Pastel Artist Colored Pencil CarbOthello ARTY+ set! This set of 24 vibrant chalk-pastel pencils lets you create stunning artwork. These pencils give watercolor effects, perfect for sketching, drawing, and coloring. The packaging might look different, but the quality remains the same. You will get the same amazing pencils in a new look!
What We Like:
- These artist-quality pencils come in up to 60 shades.
- You can mix and blend the colors easily.
- The pencils are partially water-soluble. This means you can create watercolor effects! The outlines of your drawings will still show.
- The 4.4mm lead gives a dry, dusty stroke like charcoal.
- A wood barrel protects the lead from breaking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The set only comes with 24 colors. More colors would be great!
- It could be confusing if you have a different packaging than the picture.
This STABILO CarbOthello set is an excellent choice for artists of all levels. The pencils are fun and easy to use.
3. KALOUR Pro Pastel Chalk Colored Pencils
Rating: 9.2/10
Unleash your inner artist with the KALOUR Pro Pastel Chalk Colored Pencils! This set of 50 vibrant pastel pencils is designed for artists of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, these pencils are perfect for drawing, sketching, and creating stunning artwork. The set comes in a handy metal tin box, making it easy to store and transport your art supplies. You also get a DIY color chart to help you organize your colors.
What We Like:
- High-quality pigments offer excellent light-fastness.
- The pencils blend and mix easily, letting you create many colors.
- They are great for adding fine details to your pastel artwork.
- Suitable for both beginners and advanced artists.
- Made with safe, non-toxic materials.
- Works well on dark or toned paper for great results.
- The metal tin box helps with organization and storage.
What Could Be Improved:
- Use a utility knife to sharpen the pencils; sharpeners may break them.
- Not suitable for children under 3 years old.
The KALOUR Pro Pastel Chalk Colored Pencils are a fantastic choice for anyone who loves drawing with pastels. These pencils provide a great way to explore your creativity and create beautiful artwork.
4. PANDAFLY Professional Colored Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set
Rating: 8.9/10
Unleash your inner artist with the PANDAFLY Professional Colored Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set! This set includes 24 vibrant charcoal pencils, perfect for sketching, shading, and coloring. The pencils feature a variety of skin and hair tone colors, making them ideal for portraits and figure drawings. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, these pencils will help you create stunning artwork. The soft, thick cores lay down color smoothly and evenly. This set is a great choice for anyone looking to expand their art supplies.
What We Like:
- 24 unique and richly pigmented colors.
- Soft, thick 4mm cores that are ultra-smooth.
- Great for portraits, comic art, and school projects.
- Made with high-quality, non-toxic materials.
- Versatile for drawing, illustrating, and coloring.
- Perfect gift for any artist.
What Could Be Improved:
- None found.
In conclusion, the PANDAFLY Professional Colored Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set is a fantastic product. It is a great value for the price and provides everything an artist needs.
5. BIC Xtra-Smooth Pastel Mechanical Pencils with Erasers
Rating: 9.5/10
Get ready to write smoothly with the BIC Xtra-Smooth Pastel Mechanical Pencils! This 40-count pack is perfect for students and anyone who loves to write. These pencils have a medium 0.7mm point, which is great for many different tasks. The pastel barrels add a fun touch. You can use these pencils at school or in the office. They are a reliable choice for all your writing needs. The pencils don’t need sharpening and erase cleanly.
What We Like:
- The 0.7mm medium point works well for writing and drawing.
- The lead doesn’t smudge easily. Your work stays neat.
- The built-in eraser is convenient. It erases cleanly.
- You don’t need to sharpen these pencils. Just click to advance the lead.
- These pencils are perfect for school. The No. 2 lead is compatible with tests.
- The pack of 40 is a great value. You get a lot of pencils!
- The pastel colors are fun and make the pencils look nice.
What Could Be Improved:
- The eraser could be a bit larger.
The BIC Xtra-Smooth Pastel Mechanical Pencils are a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable writing tool. They are easy to use and offer a good writing experience. We think you will like them!
Pastel Pencils: Your Guide to Colorful Creations
Are you ready to add soft, powdery magic to your artwork? Pastel pencils are a great choice! This guide will help you pick the best ones for you.
Key Features to Look For
Choosing the right pastel pencils is important. Here’s what to consider:
- Color Range: Do you need a few colors or a whole rainbow? Some sets have a wide variety of colors. Others have a smaller selection. Think about what you like to draw.
- Softness: Pastel pencils come in different levels of softness. Softer pencils blend easily. Harder pencils are good for details.
- Pigment: Look for pencils with lots of pigment. This means the color will be bright and rich. You want the color to pop!
- Durability: The pencil should be strong. It should not break easily when you sharpen it.
- Ergonomics: How does the pencil feel in your hand? A comfortable grip helps you draw for longer.
Important Materials
Pastel pencils have a few key materials:
- The Pastel Core: This is the color part of the pencil. It is made from pigment, a binder, and sometimes filler. The pigment gives the color. The binder holds it together.
- The Wood Casing: This protects the pastel core. The casing is usually made of wood. It helps you hold the pencil.
- Binders: Binders keep the pastel together. They help the color stick to the paper.
- Pigments: Pigments are what gives the pencils their color. They come from different sources. This includes minerals and synthetic materials.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality matters when you buy pastel pencils. Here’s what to consider:
- High-Quality Pigments: Pencils with better pigments give richer colors. They also last longer on the paper.
- Fine Grinding: The pigment should be ground finely. This makes the color smoother and easier to blend.
- Good Binding: A good binder keeps the pastel core strong. It also helps the color stick to the paper.
- Lightfastness: Lightfastness means the color won’t fade over time. Look for pencils with good lightfastness ratings.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for quality. Do your research. Read reviews before you buy.
- Price: Pastel pencils can vary in price. Remember that the price often matches the quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
Pastel pencils are fun to use! They are great for:
- Blending: Pastel pencils blend very well. You can create smooth transitions between colors.
- Detail Work: The pencils allow you to create fine lines and details.
- Layering: You can layer different colors on top of each other. This gives your artwork depth.
- Portraits: Pastel pencils are great for drawing faces. You can capture skin tones easily.
- Landscapes: Use them to create beautiful skies and scenery.
- Mixed Media: Combine pastel pencils with other art supplies. Try them with watercolor or colored pencils.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between pastel pencils and soft pastels?
A: Pastel pencils are encased in wood. Soft pastels are sticks of pure pigment. Pastel pencils are great for details. Soft pastels are good for covering large areas.
Q: What kind of paper should I use with pastel pencils?
A: Use paper made for pastels. It should have some texture. This allows the pastel to stick to the paper.
Q: How do I sharpen pastel pencils?
A: Use a sharpener made for art pencils. You can also use a craft knife. Be careful not to break the pastel core.
Q: How do I blend pastel pencils?
A: You can use your fingers, a blending stump, or a paper towel. Experiment to find what you like best.
Q: How do I fix my pastel drawings?
A: Use a fixative spray. This protects the drawing from smudging. Spray it in a well-ventilated area.
Q: Are pastel pencils messy?
A: Yes, pastel pencils create dust. Protect your work surface. Be prepared to clean up.
Q: Can I use pastel pencils on canvas?
A: Yes, but you should prime the canvas. This gives it a good surface for the pastel to stick to.
Q: How do I store pastel pencils?
A: Store them flat in a box or case. This protects the pastel cores from breaking.
Q: What is the best brand of pastel pencils?
A: There are many good brands. Some popular brands include Faber-Castell, Caran d’Ache, and Derwent. Read reviews to find the best one for you.
Q: Can I use pastel pencils for beginners?
A: Absolutely! Pastel pencils are easy to learn to use. They are a great starting point for artists of all levels.
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.