Table of Contents
Choosing the Ideal Paper for Pastel Art
Why Is Surface Choice So Important When Working With Pastels?
What Are the Advantages of Using Soft Pastels for Expressive Work?
What Are the Advantages of Using Soft Pastels for Expressive Work?
Choosing the Ideal Paper for Pastel Art
When it comes to pastel art, the choice of paper is as vital as the pastels themselves. The ideal paper for pastel should have a grainy texture to hold the pastel particles efficiently. It should also be heavy enough to withstand several layers of pastel without tearing. At The Sydney Art Store, you will find a selection of premium-quality papers designed specifically for pastel art. These papers come in a variety of colours, allowing artists to choose a hue that complements their artwork. They also feature a fine tooth surface which ensures the pastels adhere properly and the colours pop. The durability of these papers ensures they can handle multiple layers of pastel, allowing artists to build depth and volume in their work. Whether you're a professional artist or an amateur, the right pastel paper can significantly enhance your artwork, turning your creative visions into stunning reality.
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 Are the Advantages of Using Soft Pastels for Expressive Work?
Sennelier Oil Pastel Set 24 Assorted Portrait
$118.80
Sennelier Oil Pastels
$5.31
Sennelier Oil Pastel Set 24 Still Life
$118.76
Soft pastels are favoured for their rich pigmentation and ability to create expressive, atmospheric effects. They blend effortlessly, allowing artists to transition smoothly between colours or build contrast through layering. Because they contain minimal binder, soft pastels offer brilliant saturation and a tactile, velvety finish that’s difficult to achieve with other mediums. They’re especially suited for landscapes, portraits, and abstract work, where movement and emotion are central. Artists can smudge, blend, or layer strokes to create anything from dreamy gradients to bold textural marks. While soft pastels are delicate and can smudge easily, proper technique and surface selection make them highly versatile. Their responsiveness to pressure and layering makes them ideal for developing style and spontaneity—key elements in expressive art.
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.
