Table of Contents
Mastering the Art of Layering Colours with Pastels
How Can Artists Preserve and Protect Pastel Artwork?
How Do Oil Pastels Compare to Other Types of Pastels?
How Do Oil Pastels Compare to Other Types of Pastels?
Mastering the Art of Layering Colours with Pastels
Remember to take your time with layering and not rush the process. This technique requires patience and precision, but with practice, you'll be able to create stunning depth and dimension in your pastel artwork.
How Can Artists Preserve and Protect Pastel Artwork?
Because pastels sit on the surface rather than binding with it, preservation is a crucial step in working with this medium. One of the most important protective measures is using a fixative spray, which helps prevent smudging and fading while maintaining the vibrancy of the colours. However, fixatives must be applied lightly and evenly to avoid darkening delicate tones. Proper storage is also essential—pastel works should be stored flat, between acid-free sheets or mounted with protective matting to prevent contact with the glass. Framing under glass, preferably with spacers or a mat board, protects the artwork from dust, moisture, and accidental smearing. Artists committed to long-term preservation also consider archival surfaces and lightfast pastel brands. These precautions ensure pastel pieces retain their character, detail, and impact for years to come.
How Do Oil Pastels Compare to Other Types of Pastels?
Sennelier Oil Pastel Set 24 Assorted Portrait
$118.80
Sennelier Oil Pastels
$5.31
Sennelier Oil Pastel Set 24 Still Life
$118.76
Oil pastels differ from soft and hard pastels in both composition and handling. Containing a non-drying oil and wax binder, they behave more like a crayon and never fully dry, giving them a creamy texture that’s perfect for blending and layering. Oil pastels work on a wide variety of surfaces, including paper, wood, and canvas, without the need for a primer. Unlike soft pastels, they don’t produce dust, making them a cleaner alternative. They’re excellent for impasto techniques, rich colour application, and even mixed-media layering with solvents or sgraffito. Because of their bold texture and long working time, oil pastels are often used for energetic, painterly effects. Whether used alone or alongside other media, oil pastels provide a unique combination of vibrancy, durability, and tactile expression.
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.
