Skip to content
Trusted by Artists : ★★★★★ 4.9 Google Reviews
★★★★★ 4.9 Google Reviews

Soft Vs Oil Pastels

Exploring the Medium: Soft Pastels

Soft pastels are a unique artistic medium that many artists love for their vibrant colours and the ability to blend seamlessly. This medium is made by combining pure pigment with a small amount of binder, resulting in a chalky texture. Soft pastels are known for their bright, intense colours and their ability to cover large areas quickly. Precision is achievable with soft pastels, but they are more commonly used for creating broad strokes and layered effects. Artists who prefer more abstract or impressionistic art forms often lean towards soft pastels. They are a forgiving medium, allowing for easy correction and manipulation.

Delving into the Richness: Oil Pastels

Oil pastels, on the other hand, are a much younger medium compared to soft pastels. They are made by combining pigment with a non-drying oil and wax binder, giving them a creamy texture that's similar to oil paints. The richness and depth of colour achievable with oil pastels are remarkable, allowing artists to create works with a sense of solidity and substance. Fine details can be achieved with oil pastels, making them a fantastic choice for artists who love creating realistic pieces. They're also versatile, suitable for techniques like scraping, layering, and sgraffito.

Comparing Soft and Oil Pastels

While both soft and oil pastels offer rich, vibrant colours, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Soft pastels have a powdery texture and blend effortlessly, while oil pastels have a creamy consistency and can be built up in layers for a textured effect. Soft pastels are great for broad strokes and loose styles, while oil pastels are excellent for detailed work and heavy textures. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the artist's personal style and the effects they want to achieve in their artwork.

Unleash Your Creativity with THE SYDNEY ART STORE

Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, THE SYDNEY ART STORE is your ultimate destination for all your art supply needs. We offer a wide variety of soft and oil pastels from renowned brands, ensuring quality and durability. Whether you prefer the chalky texture of soft pastels or the creamy richness of oil pastels, you'll find what you're looking for at our store. Visit our website https://thesydneyartstore.com.au/ to explore our range of products. Unleash your creativity with THE SYDNEY ART STORE and take your art to the next level.

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.

Compare products

{"one"=>"Select 2 or 3 items to compare", "other"=>"{{ count }} of 3 items selected"}

Select first item to compare

Select second item to compare

Select third item to compare

Compare


Table of Contents

Exploring the Medium: Soft Pastels
Delving into the Richness: Oil Pastels
Comparing Soft and Oil Pastels
Unleash Your Creativity with THE SYDNEY ART STORE


Exploring the Medium: Soft Pastels

##IMAGES##

Soft pastels are a unique artistic medium that many artists love for their vibrant colours and the ability to blend seamlessly. This medium is made by combining pure pigment with a small amount of binder, resulting in a chalky texture. Soft pastels are known for their bright, intense colours and their ability to cover large areas quickly. Precision is achievable with soft pastels, but they are more commonly used for creating broad strokes and layered effects. Artists who prefer more abstract or impressionistic art forms often lean towards soft pastels. They are a forgiving medium, allowing for easy correction and manipulation.

Delving into the Richness: Oil Pastels

Oil pastels, on the other hand, are a much younger medium compared to soft pastels. They are made by combining pigment with a non-drying oil and wax binder, giving them a creamy texture that's similar to oil paints. The richness and depth of colour achievable with oil pastels are remarkable, allowing artists to create works with a sense of solidity and substance. Fine details can be achieved with oil pastels, making them a fantastic choice for artists who love creating realistic pieces. They're also versatile, suitable for techniques like scraping, layering, and sgraffito.

Comparing Soft and Oil Pastels

##IMAGES##

While both soft and oil pastels offer rich, vibrant colours, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Soft pastels have a powdery texture and blend effortlessly, while oil pastels have a creamy consistency and can be built up in layers for a textured effect. Soft pastels are great for broad strokes and loose styles, while oil pastels are excellent for detailed work and heavy textures. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the artist's personal style and the effects they want to achieve in their artwork.

Unleash Your Creativity with THE SYDNEY ART STORE

Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, THE SYDNEY ART STORE is your ultimate destination for all your art supply needs. We offer a wide variety of soft and oil pastels from renowned brands, ensuring quality and durability. Whether you prefer the chalky texture of soft pastels or the creamy richness of oil pastels, you'll find what you're looking for at our store. Visit our website https://thesydneyartstore.com.au/ to explore our range of products. Unleash your creativity with THE SYDNEY ART STORE and take your art to the next level.

Refund Policy

Permission to Return and to Receive Credit/REFUND
We will NOT accept return of merchandise with a change of mind.

'No refund for incorrect choice' or 'No refund if you change your mind'

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) website for information on your rights when things go wrong with products or services.