Table of Contents
The Versatility of Pastels in Abstract Art
Why Is Surface Choice So Important When Working With Pastels?
What Tools and Accessories Help Improve Pastel Technique?
What Tools and Accessories Help Improve Pastel Technique?
The Versatility of Pastels in Abstract Art
The abstract art genre is known for its freedom of expression and open-ended creativity, and pastels can indeed be a great medium for this style of art. Pastels, with their wide array of vibrant colours and ease of blending, offer artists the flexibility to create unique textures and visual effects. These qualities make them a popular choice for artists wanting to push the boundaries of traditional art and explore the unconventional terrain of abstract art. At The Sydney Art Store, we offer a curated selection of premium pastels, perfect for both professional artists and beginners. Our pastels are characterised by their high-quality pigments, ensuring lasting performance and vibrant results. Whether you're creating bold, intense strokes or soft, subtle blends, our pastels can help you bring your creative vision to life.
Why Is Surface Choice So Important When Working With Pastels?
The surface you choose for pastel work plays a critical role in how the pigment behaves and adheres. Pastels rely on friction and tooth to grip the surface—unlike wet mediums, which soak into the substrate. Textured papers like sanded or velour options offer varying degrees of tooth, which can hold multiple layers of pigment and facilitate blending. Smooth papers may be better suited for fine detail but may not retain pigment as well over time. Many artists favour pastel-specific boards or heavyweight paper with a visible grain to maximise colour payoff. Some surfaces are even pre-toned, offering a harmonious base that interacts with pastel hues. Matching the right pastel with the appropriate surface enhances depth, richness, and control, elevating both the technique and final result of any pastel artwork.
What Tools and Accessories Help Improve Pastel Technique?
Sennelier Oil Pastel Set 24 Assorted Portrait
$118.80
Sennelier Oil Pastels
$5.31
Sennelier Oil Pastel Set 24 Still Life
$118.76
While pastels can be applied directly by hand, a range of tools and accessories enhance precision, blending, and cleanliness. Blending stumps, tortillons, and soft brushes allow for controlled gradients and fine detail work, especially useful when working in tight areas or with pastel pencils. Erasers, such as kneadable or vinyl types, help lift pigment without damaging the surface—ideal for correcting errors or creating highlights. Fixatives provide essential protection between layers or upon completion, helping to secure pigment without compromising colour integrity. Storage tools like pastel boxes, trays, or foam-lined cases protect sticks from breakage and make organising hues easier. Choosing the right accessories empowers artists to execute advanced techniques with greater finesse, ultimately making pastel work cleaner, more professional, and more enjoyable.
What Soft Pastel Ranges Are Available at The Sydney Art Store?
The Sydney Art Store carries an extensive collection of soft pastels from globally respected manufacturers known for consistency and brilliance. Brands like Sennelier, Unison Colour, and Rembrandt offer creamy textures and strong pigmentation ideal for detailed portraits, landscapes, and atmospheric work. Each pastel set or individual stick is curated to help you achieve smooth blending, strong colour transitions, and layering flexibility. We also stock pastel pencils for fine detail, making it easy to expand your range while staying within the same tonal family. Whether you're building your own palette or selecting from themed sets, The Sydney Art Store provides a spectrum of professional-quality options to meet your artistic needs. For those focused on lightfastness, vibrancy, and application ease, these soft pastel collections offer a premium creative experience.
