Table of Contents
Exploring the Best Pastels for Beginners
Why Is Surface Choice So Important When Working With Pastels?
How Do Artists Approach Colour Selection When Working With Pastels?
How Do Artists Approach Colour Selection When Working With Pastels?
Exploring the Best Pastels for Beginners
Entering the world of art can be both exciting and overwhelming, given the plethora of tools and materials available. When it comes to choosing pastels for beginners, it's crucial to select products that offer an optimal balance between quality, ease of use, and cost. At The Sydney Art Store, we have a carefully curated collection of pastels that are ideal for budding artists. We carry renowned brands known for their vibrant pigments, smooth texture, and excellent blending capacities. Our offering includes soft pastels, oil pastels, and pastel pencils, allowing beginners to experiment with different styles and techniques. In addition to the pastels themselves, we also provide high-quality sketchbooks and other drawing materials to complement your pastel art journey. With our carefully selected range of pastels, beginners can enjoy a seamless and inspiring artistic process, laying a strong foundation for their creative pursuits.
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.
How Do Artists Approach Colour Selection When Working With Pastels?
Sennelier Oil Pastel Set 24 Assorted Portrait
$118.80
Sennelier Oil Pastels
$5.31
Sennelier Oil Pastel Set 24 Still Life
$118.76
Colour selection plays a crucial role in pastel art, especially given the medium’s high pigment concentration. Because blending can be less forgiving than with wet media, artists often build a palette before starting, selecting complementary tones, neutrals, and accents. Brands vary in colour range and lightfastness, so many artists experiment across lines to find their ideal set. Tinted surfaces also influence colour perception; for instance, using a grey or sand-toned paper can mute high-saturation tones for a more balanced result. Pastel layering—starting with muted base layers and building toward highlights—requires thoughtful colour progression. Artists also factor in how warm or cool tones interact, especially when developing depth and contrast. Mastering colour harmony with pastels enhances realism, mood, and visual cohesion across any subject.
How Does The Sydney Art Store Support Pastel Artists at Every Stage?
The Sydney Art Store goes beyond offering products by providing a creative ecosystem for pastel artists of all levels. From curated starter sets for beginners to specialised tools for professionals, we ensure each artist has access to the right materials at the right stage. Our educational support, including guidance on fixatives, surfaces, and accessory use, helps simplify technical decisions and allows you to focus on your creative process. You can confidently explore new techniques, experiment with brands, or refine your signature style knowing that our inventory meets high standards. We also maintain up-to-date stock of limited-edition colours, seasonal releases, and bundle offers, ensuring you always have access to the latest and best. With a reputation for quality and community support, The Sydney Art Store remains a reliable destination for all your pastel needs—whether for studio work, gallery preparation, or creative exploration.
