Fine Arts Pastels

Fine Arts pastels offer great freedom of expression thanks to their intense colors and numerous layering possibilities. Whether you are creating sketches, portraits, landscapes, or illustrations, there is a pastel suited to your technique. Our selection includes dry pastels, soft pastels, oil pastels, water-soluble pastels, pastel pencils, as well as dedicated papers and accessories. Beginners, art students, and experienced artists will find the right materials for their practice, always at low prices throughout the year.

Dry, soft, hard, or oil pastel: what are the differences?

Each type of pastel has its own characteristics.

• Soft pastels are very rich in pigments and allow for intense colors as well as delicate blends.
• Hard dry pastels offer a more precise line and are perfect for sketches, details, and initial layouts.
• Oil pastels contain a fatty binder that gives them a creamier texture. Unlike dry pastels, they do not produce dust and allow for a different approach to working with the medium.
• Water-soluble pastels can be used dry or blended with water to create effects similar to watercolor.

What accessories to use with pastels?

The choice of support is essential. A quality pastel paper or textured paper retains pigments better and facilitates color layering. Pastel pencils are particularly appreciated for details and finishing touches. A kneaded eraser allows for lightening certain areas without damaging the paper, while a blending stump helps create subtle gradients. For works created with dry pastels, applying a fixative limits the risk of smudging and improves their preservation.

Can different types of pastels be mixed?

Dry, soft, and hard pastels can be used together, as they belong to the same family of dry techniques. However, oil pastels work differently due to their fatty binder. It is generally not recommended to mix them with dry pastels in the same artwork, as the layers do not adhere well to each other. Oil pastels do not dry like paint. Their surface remains flexible longer, allowing for color reworking, but also requires careful handling of the artwork.

FAQ

What is the difference between dry pastels and oil pastels?

Dry pastels are primarily composed of pigments and produce a matte finish that is easy to blend. Oil pastels contain a fatty binder that gives them a creamier texture and allows for different material effects.

Can dry pastels be used with oil pastels?

It is preferable to avoid mixing them in the same artwork. Dry pastels and oil pastels do not have the same properties, which can complicate the adherence of different layers.

Do oil pastels dry?

Oil pastels do not dry in the same way as paint. Their texture remains flexible and can be reworked for a long time. It is therefore recommended to protect finished works during handling or storage.

Complete your drawing materials

To make the most of your pastels, also discover our papers & sketchbooks, charcoal, sanguine & chalk for dry techniques, our graphite pencils & leads for preparatory sketches as well as our drawing accessories for Fine Arts, where you will find fixatives to protect your creations. If you want to vary your techniques, also explore our Graphic Arts universe and all our Fine Arts supports, always at low prices throughout the year. Also prepare your Back to School by choosing supplies suited to your projects and your level.