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Artist-recommended Pastel Supplies

Table of Contents

Unleashing Creativity with Artist-Recommended Pastel Supplies
Pastels: A Tool for Vibrant Artistic Expression
Selecting Pastels for Different Surfaces
Selecting Pastels for Different Surfaces

Unleashing Creativity with Artist-Recommended Pastel Supplies

Artists often find their inspiration in the vibrant hues and unique textures of pastel supplies. When it comes to the world of pastels, it's all about quality and diversity. Our carefully curated collection of pastels brings together some of the finest brands in the industry, each known for their exceptional quality, high pigmentation, and long-lasting performance. Whether you are an amateur artist or a professional, we have a wide range of pastel supplies to suit every need. From soft pastels for smooth blending to hard pastels for detailed work, our selection meets the requirements of diverse artistic styles. Besides, we also offer pastel pencils for precision work and oil pastels for rich, intense colours. Our collection ensures you have the right tools to translate your creative visions into stunning pastel artwork.

Pastels: A Tool for Vibrant Artistic Expression

Pastels are a unique and expressive medium, known for their rich, vibrant pigmentation and ease of application. Whether you’re creating detailed landscapes or bold abstract pieces, pastels allow you to achieve stunning effects with minimal effort. They are ideal for blending and layering, enabling artists to create seamless transitions between colours or build depth and texture. Techniques such as smudging or stippling bring added dimension, making pastels suitable for capturing light, shadows, intricate details, and even subtle gradients. Pastels work beautifully on a variety of surfaces, from smooth papers to textured boards, allowing for versatility and creativity in your artistic process.

Selecting Pastels for Different Surfaces

Sennelier Oil Pastel Set 24 Assorted Portrait
Sennelier Oil Pastel Set 24 Assorted Portrait

$118.80

Sennelier Oil Pastels
Sennelier Oil Pastels

$5.31

Sennelier Oil Pastel Set 24 Still Life
Sennelier Oil Pastel Set 24 Still Life

$118.76

The type of surface you work on can influence your choice of pastels. Soft pastels perform beautifully on textured paper or sanded boards, where they adhere easily and blend smoothly. Hard pastels work well on smooth paper for detailed linework or sketching. Oil pastels are versatile, working on a variety of surfaces, including canvas, wood, and even glass. Pan pastels excel on surfaces that allow for blending, such as velvety or sanded papers. Choosing the right pastels for your preferred surface ensures that your artwork achieves the desired effect, whether it’s a soft, blended look or bold, precise details. Matching your tools to your surface is essential for professional-quality results.

The Sydney Art Store: Perfect Pastels for Every Technique

The Sydney Art Store is proud to offer a curated range of pastels tailored for a variety of techniques and styles. Our soft pastels are ideal for blending and layering, while our oil pastels deliver bold, vibrant coverage with a creamy texture. For intricate work, we provide hard pastels that allow for fine detailing and precision. Our pan pastels, applied with tools or sponges, create smooth gradients and painterly effects. Each pastel is carefully selected for its superior pigmentation and lightfastness, ensuring professional-quality results. Whether you’re experimenting with textures or perfecting your technique, The Sydney Art Store’s pastels help you achieve stunning outcomes every time.

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  • ARCHES PADS ARCHES A5 (148x210mm) 300gsm - Smooth (HP) Arches Watercolour Pads
    ARCHES PADS ARCHES A5 (148x210mm) 300gsm - Medium (CP) Arches Watercolour Pads
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    Arches Watercolour Pads 300gsm

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    Discover unparalleled durability and exceptional absorption with Arches Watercolour Pads. Crafted from pure cotton fibres, these pads are perfect f...

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  • CANVARS CANVAR Canvars Italian CYAN 18mm Depth Cotton
    CANVARS CANVAR Canvars Italian CYAN 18mm Depth Cotton
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    Canvars Italian CYAN 18mm Depth Cotton

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      Working with an international company Ars founded in Serbia who specialise in stretchers ( As this part of the world has the best quality pine) t...

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  • ART SPECTRUM OILS ART SPECTRUM Art Spectrum Titanium White
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    Art Spectrum Titanium White

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    Art Spectrum Professional Quality Artists’ Oil Colour is a prestigious Australian brand. It has been locally made for 50 years with lightfast pigme...

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    Canvars Italian GRANDE 38mm Depth Cotton

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      Working with an international company Ars founded in Serbia who specialise in stretchers ( As this part of the world has the best quality pine) t...

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  • ARCHES SHEETS ARCHES Arches Watercolour Paper Sheets ( Natural White )
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    Arches Watercolour Paper Sheets ( Natural White )

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    Indulge in creativity with Arches Watercolour Paper Sheets. Crafted from 100% cotton, these sheets provide the perfect balance of strength and stab...

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Different Types of Pastels?

Pastels come in various types, each suited for different techniques and effects. Soft pastels are the most popular, offering vibrant colors and easy blending, but they can be messy. Hard pastels are firmer, ideal for detailed work and layering. Oil pastels provide creamy textures and vibrant colors, while pan pastels, in a powdered form, allow for smooth application using sponges. Each type offers unique versatility for creative expression.

How to Blend Colors with Pastels?

Blending colors with pastels involves using tools like blending stumps, soft tissues, or even your fingers. For soft pastels, lightly layer colors over each other and smudge gently to create smooth transitions. Oil pastels blend best when softened with a blending medium or light pressure. Experimenting with circular strokes and light layers allows for natural gradients, while specialized tools help refine details and avoid excessive smudging.

What Are the Best Pastels for Beginners?

Beginners should start with affordable yet quality pastels that are easy to work with. Soft pastels, like Rembrandt or Mungyo, are ideal for learning blending techniques, while hard pastels, such as Faber-Castell, are great for precise details. Oil pastels like Pentel are suitable for exploring bold, vibrant strokes. These beginner-friendly options provide a balance between affordability, durability, and versatility, making them perfect for building foundational pastel skills.

What Paper Is Best for Pastel Art?

Pastel art requires textured paper to hold the pigment effectively. Sanded paper, like UART or Pastelmat, provides excellent grip for layering and blending soft pastels. Canson Mi-Teintes paper is another popular choice, offering a range of colors and textures for versatility. Heavier, acid-free papers are ideal for preserving artwork over time. The paper's texture enhances pastel adherence while allowing artists to experiment with a variety of techniques.

What Are the Most Popular Pastel Brands?

Some of the most popular pastel brands include Sennelier, known for its luxurious soft pastels and creamy texture, and Rembrandt, valued for its affordability and rich pigmentation. Unison and Schmincke offer high-end options with vibrant colors and smooth application. For oil pastels, Holbein and Sakura are highly regarded. Each brand offers unique features, ensuring options for beginners and professionals alike to create stunning pastel artwork.

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