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Pastel pencils are a favorite among artists for their versatility and ability to deliver vibrant, soft textures. They combine the intense pigmentation of pastels with the precision and control of colored pencils, making them a valuable tool for everything from fine detail work to larger, expressive strokes. Professionals often rely on pastel pencils for creating realistic portraits, vivid landscapes, or intricate designs, thanks to their rich colors and ease of layering.
When selecting pastel pencils, a few critical factors should be considered. The quality of pigmentation is crucial for achieving bold, true colors. Another key consideration is the softness of the core; softer cores allow for smooth application and blending, while harder ones provide better control for detail work. Durability is also important, as softer pencils are more prone to breaking. Finally, pay attention to lightfastness, especially if you’re creating work meant to last — this ensures the colors won’t fade over time when exposed to light.
Finding the right set of pastel pencils can make a significant difference in your work. We tested and analyzed a range of options to help you choose the best tools for achieving professional results.
Best Pastel Pencils for Professionals
We’ve put together a selection of the best pastel pencils to help professionals achieve vibrant and precise results.
1. Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencil Set
This set is an excellent choice for professionals who want precise pastel work and seamless blending.
Pros
- Vibrant colors with high pigment levels
- Great for adding fine details to artwork
- Smudges beautifully for smooth transitions
Cons
- Tin packaging can sometimes arrive dented
- Blending may require practice for beginners
- May feel harder than other brands for soft pastel users
We were impressed by the rich range of shades in this set. Each pencil feels smooth in hand, making it easy to control layers and gradients. The pigmentation really pops, giving artwork an intense and professional finish.
Their smudging ability stands out—it’s effortless to achieve soft blends between colors. Whether building layers or enhancing fine details, the pencils offer reliable precision.
While they excel in many areas, the harder texture might take some getting used to if you’re accustomed to softer pastels. The packaging could also be sturdier, but the overall quality of the pencils outweighs minor issues.
These pastel pencils represent a solid investment for serious creatives looking to elevate their work.
2. STABILO CarbOthello Chalk-Pastel Pencils
This set is perfect for professionals who want versatile pastel pencils with great blendability and vibrant colors.
Pros
- Soft, smooth application ideal for detailed work.
- Vibrant pigments that stay bold even after blending.
- Works well on various surfaces, including dark papers.
Cons
- Pencils can feel fragile if handled roughly.
- Storage tray design makes it tricky to access bottom layer.
- Price may seem high compared to other brands.
The first thing we noticed is how smoothly these pencils glide across the paper. They’ve got just the right balance—not too hard but not so soft that you lose control. Blending with either fingertips or blending tools creates dynamic tones, giving our artwork great depth and variety.
Another stand-out feature is how bold these colors remain, even when layered or blended with water. This made it easy for us to experiment with different techniques, like highlights and shadows, without worrying about colors washing out.
That said, while the pencils themselves excel, the packaging can be a minor annoyance. The tightly packed lower layer required extra care, and we felt this could have been designed better for ease of use. Nevertheless, the overall quality outweighs these small drawbacks, making them an excellent choice for pastel pencil enthusiasts.
3. COLOUR BLOCK 100 Soft Pastels
This pastel set is an excellent choice for professionals and hobbyists seeking vibrant colors, reliable quality, and a sleek presentation.
Pros
- Wide color variety delivers vibrant, rich pigments.
- Sturdy wooden box provides excellent portability and storage.
- Non-toxic formula makes it safe for all age groups.
Cons
- Pastels are softer, which might lead to more breakage for heavy-handed users.
- Colors may be harder to blend smoothly for detailed work.
- The wooden box latch feels a bit flimsy over time.
The range of colors in this set impressed us from the start. Each stick is saturated with bold pigment, making it easy to achieve professional effects whether you’re creating large artworks or working on smaller, detailed sketches. The vibrant variety ensures we always have the right shade for our artistic needs.
Its sleek wooden box is as practical as it is stylish, keeping the pastels organized and protected during storage or transport. However, while the included latch adds convenience, we did find it could be sturdier for consistent use. Still, it’s an aesthetic and functional storage solution that makes a great impression.
We also appreciate the non-toxic design, making it a versatile option across age groups. While the pastels are wonderfully soft for blending, their softness makes them prone to chipping if handled roughly. For professional or experienced artists, this set truly bridges quality and value.
4. KALOUR Pro Pastel Pencils, 72-Color Set
This pastel pencil set offers great value and versatility for both beginners and seasoned artists.
Pros
- Wide variety of rich, blendable colors
- Excellent for fine details in pastel art
- Comes in a sturdy metal case for easy storage
Cons
- Pencils can break if sharpened carelessly
- Harder cores limit layer build-up
- Not comparable to high-end professional brands
The first thing we noticed about this set is the vibrant pigmentation. The colors stand out beautifully and mix well, allowing for smooth layering and blending. They’re great for detailed work, especially portraits or fine-line illustrations.
We also appreciated the sleek tin box, which keeps the pencils organized and portable. It’s convenient for both at-home use and traveling. The DIY color chart included is a thoughtful touch that helps track shades quickly.
That said, sharpening these pencils needs a bit of care since they’re prone to breaking. We recommend using a utility knife instead of a sharpener. While they’re a solid choice for most projects, professionals seeking ultra-soft pastels with more layering potential might find them slightly limited.
For anyone just starting out or seeking a budget-friendly, reliable set, this is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When selecting pastel pencils, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure they meet our professional needs. Quality over quantity is key for achieving precise results.
Key Features to Evaluate:
- Pigment Quality: Look for pencils with rich and consistent pigmentation. The vibrancy of color directly affects the final artwork.
- Blending Ability: Professional tools should offer smooth blending capabilities. This allows us to create soft transitions between colors with ease.
- Durability of Core: A strong but soft core is essential. It minimizes breakage while providing a smooth drawing experience.
Practical Considerations:
- Lightfastness: If longevity matters, prioritize pencils with high lightfast ratings. They are resistant to fading over time.
- Ergonomics: Pencils with a comfortable grip allow longer use without straining our hands.
- Sharpening Ease: Soft cores can be tricky. Test whether they sharpen well without breaking frequently.
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Pigment Quality | Vibrancy and even application |
| Blending Ability | Smooth transitions, minimal smudging |
| Core Durability | Breakage-resistant but soft for artwork |
| Lightfastness | High ratings preserve colors over time |
| Ergonomics | Comfortable grip for extended use |
A variety of colors is also helpful, but selecting pencils with quality cores and reliable performance should come first. Ultimately, understanding our art style and preferences will guide us to the right choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Professional artists rely on pastel pencils for their unique ability to combine precision and vibrant color. Let’s address common questions to help us better understand which options stand out for quality and performance.
What are the top-rated pastel pencils preferred by professional artists?
Brands such as Faber-Castell, Caran d’Ache, and Stabilo are frequently praised by professionals. These pencils are celebrated for their smooth application, consistency in pigment, and durability during extensive use.
Which pastel pencils offer the best precision for fine details?
Professional-grade pastel pencils with harder cores allow for sharp points, making them ideal for delicate work. Caran d’Ache’s pastel pencils are known for their ability to produce crisp lines and controlled shading.
How do professional-grade pastel pencils differ from standard soft pastels?
Pastel pencils provide greater control and detail compared to soft pastels, which are better suited for broader strokes. They also have firmer cores, allowing us to achieve precise textures without excessive crumbling.
Can you compare the performance of Pitt pastels versus Polychromos for professional work?
Pitt pastel pencils excel in rich, powdery application and blending capabilities, while Polychromos pastel pencils tend to offer smoother handling and less dust generation. Both are superb for professional needs, each excelling in different techniques.
What are the benefits of using high-quality pastel pencils for professional artworks?
Using premium pastel pencils ensures vibrant color payoff, lasting durability, and ease of blending, which are crucial for detailed and refined artwork. Their quality can elevate the overall finish and longevity of our creations.
How to choose the best pastel pencil brand for creating professional art?
Consider factors like pigment intensity, blending performance, and your preferred drawing techniques. Testing a few brands, such as Faber-Castell or Derwent, can help narrow down options suited to our personal artistic style.