Which Pastel Is Best for Beginners

Are you a beginner artist looking to step up your game with pastels? With so many different types of pastels on the market, it can be overwhelming and confusing to know which ones are best suited for beginners. The good news is that there are several types of pastels that can help you create stunning artwork without breaking the bank.

In this article, we will explore the different types of pastels and highlight which ones are best for beginners. We’ll also discuss important factors such as color vibrancy, blending capabilities, and texture.

Whether you’re an aspiring artist or just starting out on your creative journey, this article will help you make an informed decision on which type of pastel is right for you. So let’s dive in and discover the world of pastels!

Top Pastel Brands for Beginners

Pastel art has been around for centuries, and it is a medium that is loved by many artists. For beginner artists just starting with pastels, selecting the right brand can be overwhelming. Here are some of the top pastel brands for beginners:

Sennelier

Sennelier is one of the most popular and oldest pastel brands in the world. They have an extensive range of soft pastels in different colors and sets to choose from. Their pastels are known for their high-quality pigments, smooth texture, and rich color saturation.

Faber-Castell

Faber-Castell has been producing art supplies since 1761, making them one of the oldest manufacturers in the world. They offer a variety of pastel sets suitable for beginners, including soft pastels and oil-based pastels.

Rembrandt

Rembrandt is another well-known brand in the art community. Their soft pastels are great for beginners as they have good lightfastness and excellent blending properties. Rembrandt also offers a range of starter sets at affordable prices.

Tips:

• Consider purchasing a small set of each brand to test out before committing to larger sets.
• Read reviews online before purchasing to see what other beginner artists have to say about each brand.
• Look for starter sets that offer a variety of colors, so you can experiment with different shades without breaking the bank.

Differences Between Soft and Oil Pastels for Beginner Artists

One common question beginner artists ask when getting started with pastels is whether they should use oil or soft pastels. Here are some differences between these two types:

Soft Pastels

Soft pastels are made from a mixture of pigment, binder, and filler. They have a soft texture that makes them easy to blend and layer. Soft pastels come in a range of colors and are great for creating smooth, velvety textures.

Oil Pastels

Oil pastels are made from pigment, wax, and oil. They have a creamy texture that can be blended easily with your fingers or a blending tool. Oil pastels are more opaque than soft pastels and can be used on a variety of surfaces.

Tips:

• Experiment with both types of pastels to see which one you prefer.
• Soft pastels work best on textured paper while oil pastels work well on smooth surfaces like canvas.
• If you choose to use oil pastels, make sure to use fixative spray to prevent smudging.

Recommended Colors and Sets for Beginner Pastel Artists

When starting with pastel art, selecting the right colors can be difficult. Here are some recommended sets for beginner artists:

Sennelier 40 Half Stick Set

This set includes 40 half sticks in a range of colors that are perfect for beginners. It includes essential colors like black, white, reds, blues, yellows, greens, and browns.

Faber-Castell Creative Studio Soft Pastel Starter Set

This starter set includes 24 soft pastel sticks in various shades of reds, blues, greens, yellows, browns and grays. The set also comes with blending tools.

Tips:

• Select sets that include primary colors as well as secondary colors so you can mix and create your own shades.
• If you prefer a specific color, consider purchasing individual pastel sticks in that shade to add to your collection.

Best Paper and Surfaces for Pastel Art: A Guide for Beginners

The paper or surface you choose to work on can have a significant impact on the final result of your pastel art. Here are some recommended surfaces for beginner artists:

Pastel Paper

Pastel paper is specially designed for use with soft pastels. It has a textured surface that helps the pastels adhere better, preventing them from smudging. Pastel paper comes in different colors, weights, and textures.

Sanded Paper

Sanded paper has a rough texture that allows pastels to adhere to its surface without slipping or falling off. It comes in various grits, from fine to coarse.

Tips:

• Experiment with different types of surfaces to see which one works best for you.
• Avoid using regular printer paper as it may not be sturdy enough to hold the weight of the pastels.
• If working on canvas, make sure to prime it with gesso before applying any pastels.

Tips and Techniques to Improve Your Pastel Art as a Beginner

Here are some tips and techniques that can help improve your pastel art as a beginner:

Layering

Layering is an essential technique in pastel art. It involves building up layers of color on top of each other gradually. Layering creates depth and richness in your artwork.

Blending

Blending is another critical technique when working with pastels. You can blend colors together using your fingers, blending tools, or a paintbrush. Blending creates soft transitions between colors.

Fixative Spray

Fixative spray is a must-have for pastel artists. It helps to fix the pastels in place, preventing them from smudging or falling off the surface.

Tips:

• Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you.
• Use reference images to practice blending and layering techniques.
• Always use fixative spray in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

How Price Range Affects the Best Pastel Options for Beginners

When it comes to pastels, price can play a significant role in selecting the best options for beginners. Here’s how price range affects pastel options:

Budget-Friendly Options

If you’re on a tight budget, there are still plenty of affordable options available. Brands like Mungyo Gallery Soft Pastels and Reeves Soft Pastels offer great quality at an affordable price point.

Mid-Range Options

For those looking to invest a bit more into their pastel art supplies, brands like Rembrandt and Faber-Castell offer mid-range prices that provide excellent quality.

High-End Options

For those willing to splurge on high-end pastels, brands like Sennelier and Schmincke offer premium quality pigments that are highly sought after by professional artists.

Tips:

• Consider purchasing smaller sets from higher-end brands if you can’t afford larger sets initially.
• If working on a tight budget, look for sales or discounts online or in-store.
• Invest in high-quality pastels if you’re serious about pursuing pastel art as a long-term hobby or career.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Pastels as a Beginner Artist

Here are some common mistakes beginner artists make when working with pastels:

Pressing Too Hard

One of the most common mistakes beginner artists make is pressing too hard with their pastel sticks. This can result in broken pastels and rough, uneven marks on the surface.

Not Using Fixative Spray

Another mistake is not using fixative spray to hold the pastels in place. This can result in the artwork smudging or falling off the surface over time.

Using Dirty Hands or Tools

Dirty hands or tools can transfer unwanted colors onto your artwork, ruining its overall appearance.

Tips:

• Use light pressure when applying your pastels.
• Clean your hands and tools regularly to avoid unwanted color transfer.
• Always use fixative spray to protect your artwork from smudging or falling off.

The Importance of Practicing with Different Types of Pastels as a Beginner Artist

Practicing with different types of pastels is crucial for beginner artists. Here’s why:

Broaden Your Skillset

By practicing with different types of pastels, you’ll learn new techniques and broaden your skillset. Soft and oil-based pastels have unique properties that can create different effects on paper or surfaces.

Discover Your Preferences

Practicing with different types of pastels will help you discover which type you prefer. Some artists prefer soft pastels for their smooth texture, while others prefer oil pastels for their ability to create strong colors.

Experiment with Techniques

By practicing with different types of pastels, you’ll have the opportunity to experiment with different techniques and discover what works best for you.

Tips:

• Try out different brands and sets of pastels to see which ones work best for you.
• Experiment with different surfaces and papers to see how each type of pastel responds.
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Practice is essential in improving your skills as a pastel artist.

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing the best pastel for beginners, it is important to consider the quality of the pastels and the personal preferences of the artist. It is recommended to start with a basic set of colors and gradually build up a collection based on individual needs and artistic goals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Which Pastel Is Best for Beginners

What type of pastels should a beginner use?
If you’re new to using soft pastels, begin with medium soft pastels before trying the softest or hardest varieties. Soft pastels can create a lot of dust, so it’s important to work in a well-ventilated area.

Should beginners use soft pastels or oil pastels?
Oil pastels are a good choice for beginners because they are stronger, less likely to break, and don’t require a light touch like soft pastels do. They are also less expensive and don’t create dust. Getting started with oil pastels is easy and doesn’t require many supplies.

What is the best pastel paper for beginners?
If you’re new to using pastels, a good option to try is the Canson Mi-Teintes Drawing Paper. It’s affordable and flexible, with enough texture to work well with pastels while also being suitable for other types of media. This is particularly helpful if you’re working with a tight budget.

Should I get oil or soft pastels?
Oil pastels differ from soft pastels in that they do not crumble, smudge, or release dust into the air. Despite this, they contain the same or more pigment and can produce vivid, bright colors. Oil pastels are also more stable and don’t need to be fixed.

What is the difference between pastels and soft pastels?
Soft pastels have a higher concentration of pigment and less binder than hard pastels and pastel pencils. This results in more vivid and intense colors, which is why many artists prefer to use them. Their soft texture also makes it easy to apply a lot of color quickly to the paper.

How do beginners use soft pastels?
When using soft pastels, it is recommended to apply them on textured paper or card as the friction helps to deposit color and keep it in place. Although cartridge paper can be used for quick sketches, utilizing special pastel papers and cards allow for multiple layers to be applied.