Pastels used to be messy sticks that left dust on every surface of your studio. Modern sticks are much more sophisticated, offering intense pigments and textures that behave almost like oil paint.
Identifying the Best Pastels requires knowing the difference between oil-based sticks and soft, chalky varieties. Read on to see which sets match your current art goals.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize high pigment density so your colors stay rich even after you blend them.
- Choose oil pastels if you prefer working on non-porous surfaces like plastic or treated paper.
- Select soft chalk pastels for layering and delicate dusting techniques on textured paper.
- Check the total color count because having more shades saves time on mixing custom tones.
- Look for consistent texture across the entire set to avoid grit that scratches your work.
| The Reliable All-Rounder |  |
Pentel Oil Pastels 50 Color Set | Consistent color payoff | Easy to manage | Great value set | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Smooth Student Choice |  |
Artecho 50 Color Oil Pastels | Creamy texture | Easy color saturation | Large stick size | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Professional Blending Standard |  |
Mungyo Gallery Artists Soft Oil Pastels | Highly pigmented | Professional-grade quality | Superior blending | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Square Precision Tool |  |
Mungyo Soft Pastel 64 Colors | Excellent color range | Versatile square shape | Smooth, chalky texture | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Guided Learning Resource |  |
Pastels for the Absolute Beginner | Beginner-focused language | Practical exercises | Clear setup advice | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Masterclass Reference Manual |  |
Pastel Painting Comprehensive Guide | In-depth technique coverage | Professional advice | Well-structured lessons | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Pentel Oil Pastels 50 Color Set
If you want a dependable set that covers the basics without any fuss, reach for these. They act like the trusty workhorse of your studio, offering enough pigment to create bold layers and thick textures. You will find that these pastels handle well for students and hobbyists alike.
The wax-based formula is slightly firmer than high-end professional sticks, which keeps your hands from getting too messy. But be aware that they do not offer the same ultra-buttery blending capabilities as professional oil-based alternatives. Stick to these for everyday sketching or learning the fundamentals of color layering.
- Brand Name:Pentel
- Product Type:Oil Pastels
- Total Count:50 Colors
- Application Style:Wax-based sticks
- Additional Feature:Non-toxic ingredients
- Additional Feature:Familiar stick shape
- Additional Feature:Wide variety of hues
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Artecho 50 Color Oil Pastels
Working with a larger diameter pastel makes it easier to cover broad areas of your canvas quickly. These sticks are designed to be soft and creamy, allowing you to move color across the page with very little pressure. They are an excellent pick if you are focusing on large-scale compositions.
You might notice that the softer texture leads to faster consumption of the sticks. Because of this, they are best suited for expressive, fast-paced work where detail is secondary to impact. Keep a few blending tools nearby to get the most out of their smooth, malleable nature.
- Brand Name:Artecho
- Product Type:Oil Pastels
- Total Count:50 Colors
- Shape Style:Round
- Dimensions:8 x 60 mm
- Additional Feature:Vibrant pigment density
- Additional Feature:Good blending consistency
- Additional Feature:Easy to grip
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Mungyo Gallery Artists Soft Oil Pastels
When you step up to professional-grade materials, you expect high pigment load and exceptional lightfastness. These pastels feel like painting with buttery, concentrated color because they are packed with high-quality binders. They are the standard for artists who want to achieve deep, rich gradients.
Since these are quite soft, they can be difficult to use for fine, sharp lines. You should pair them with sturdy paper that can support heavy layering without tearing. Think of these as your go-to sticks for creating luminous, high-end finished art.
- Brand Name:Mungyo
- Product Type:Oil Pastels
- Total Count:48 Assorted Colors
- Additional Feature:Vibrant professional colors
- Additional Feature:Extremely smooth application
- Additional Feature:High lightfastness
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Mungyo Soft Pastel 64 Colors
Soft pastels are a different beast than oil-based ones, as they rely on a dry, chalky texture to cling to the tooth of your paper. This set provides a generous range of 64 colors that are perfect for building subtle tonal shifts. They provide a matte finish that looks beautiful under glass.
The square shape is your best friend when you need to switch between broad strokes and sharp, defined edges. Remember that these are quite fragile, so handle them gently to avoid snapping. They are essential for those who want to master the art of blending with dry media.
- Brand Name:Mungyo
- Product Type:Soft Pastels
- Total Count:64 Colors
- Shape Style:Square
- Additional Feature:Dust-free handling
- Additional Feature:Highly blendable pigment
- Additional Feature:Professional vibrant palette
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Pastels for the Absolute Beginner
Starting with a new medium can feel like staring at a blank wall, but this guide provides a clear roadmap for the journey. It breaks down the technical aspects of layering and mixing in a way that avoids overwhelming you with jargon. You will find it particularly helpful for understanding how to set up your workspace.
The book focuses on practical exercises rather than deep theory. It is the perfect companion if you prefer step-by-step instructions over abstract demonstrations. You will eventually want to supplement this with more advanced color theory as you grow more comfortable.
- Product Type:Instructional Book
- Additional Feature:Covers core techniques
- Additional Feature:Essential supply list
- Additional Feature:Project-based approach
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Pastel Painting Comprehensive Guide
Once you have the basics down, you need a resource that goes deeper into the nuanced world of soft pastel application. This guide acts like a veteran mentor, detailing how to manage edges, light, and composition. It is ideal for artists who have outgrown introductory materials.
The depth of information is impressive, though it may be dense for a total novice. Use this if you are ready to refine your technique and understand how to handle complex subjects like portraits or landscapes. It is a solid reference to keep on your shelf for years.
- Product Type:Instructional Book
- Additional Feature:Advanced composition tips
- Additional Feature:Detailed blending methods
- Additional Feature:Comprehensive subject analysis