Table of Contents
Exploring the Different Types of Pastels
What Techniques Elevate Pastel Art to a Professional Level?
How Do Oil Pastels Compare to Other Types of Pastels?
How Do Oil Pastels Compare to Other Types of Pastels?
Exploring the Different Types of Pastels
Pastels are an incredibly versatile medium, capable of creating stunning artworks with a distinctive blend of vibrancy and subtlety. They come in various types, each offering unique attributes that cater to different artistic needs and styles. Soft pastels, renowned for their rich pigmentation and buttery texture, are ideal for achieving intense colours and seamless blending. Hard pastels, on the other hand, are perfect for fine details and crisp lines due to their firmer consistency. Oil pastels are another popular choice, known for their creamy texture that allows for smooth application and layering. They offer a lustrous finish akin to oil paints, making them perfect for bold, expressive works. Lastly, there are pastel pencils that combine the precision of a pencil with the colour intensity and blendability of pastels, making them excellent for detailed work or sketching. At The Sydney Art Store, you will find a curated collection of these pastels, designed to cater to both professional artists and hobbyists alike.
What Techniques Elevate Pastel Art to a Professional Level?
Mastering pastels involves more than layering pigment—it’s about technique, control, and thoughtful execution. Artists often use layering to build depth, starting with broad blocks of colour and adding details gradually. Blending with fingers, blending stumps, or soft brushes can create smooth gradients, while crosshatching and scumbling add texture and movement. Fixatives may be used strategically between layers to lock in pigment without over-saturating the surface. Understanding colour theory is also vital in pastel work, as the high pigment load of the medium produces strong, sometimes unexpected results. Combining soft pastels for broad strokes with pastel pencils for highlights can create complex, dimensional pieces. As artists refine their techniques, they gain more control over contrast, composition, and detail—elevating simple pastel sketches into professional, gallery-worthy artwork.
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 Makes The Sydney Art Store’s Oil Pastel Selection Stand Out?
For artists working in oil pastels, The Sydney Art Store offers a curated lineup of brands that balance creaminess with colour stability. Products from Sennelier, Holbein, and other professional ranges ensure bold coverage, smooth application, and long-lasting pigment integrity. These oil pastels are ideal for rich, layered effects, whether used with blending tools or solvents for mixed-media techniques. We also provide surface recommendations and tools specifically designed to complement oil pastels, ensuring better adhesion and reduced smudging. Our broad selection, combined with practical advice, makes it easier for you to select the right tools for your technique-specific needs. Whether creating textured abstracts or refined figure work, artists trust The Sydney Art Store’s oil pastel collection for its performance and consistency.
