Art Pastels for Drawing

The market offers many types of pastels, each with unique properties. Soft pastels are dustier, but they are the most popular among artists. They are easy to work with and let you create truly beautiful works of art. Oil pastels are appealing because of their rich colors, but they cannot be combined with other types of pastels. Wax crayons are mainly intended for kids and their fun creative projects. Art pastels are made from compressed pigment and can create truly beautiful effects as you paint. Pastels let you create something spontaneous, as well as precise drawings.

Soft Pastels

Pastels can be used in many ways. If you’re a beginner, try a few techniques first to see which one works best for you. For example, you can draw with the edge of a pastel, use its whole side, draw with the blunt end, or blend with your fingers. Mixing pastels works differently than mixing acrylics or oil paints. Soft pastels blend very easily. Soft pastels do create a lot of dust, but the results are always worth it. If you want to paint with pastels, we also recommend paper with a rougher texture. You’ll find paper for soft pastels here, too. If you’re serious about working with pastels, you’ll appreciate soft pastel sets. They’re very practical. You get many beautiful shades all in one place. You’ll also find soft pastels for canvas in our selection.

Oil Pastels

Oil pastels are an excellent choice for artists who paint large-format pictures. Oil pastels make it harder to draw outlines, but they look beautiful across large areas. Our KOH-I-NOOR oil pastels come from a successful, trusted brand. They have beautiful colors, which is one reason they are so popular with artists. For more demanding artists, we recommend practical oil pastel sets that contain many bright colors. Artist oil pastels have a waxy texture and are easy to work with.

Wax Pastels

Wax pastels are primarily intended for kids. They are easy to draw with and have beautiful colors. Wax crayons contain a little more wax binder, which gives them a buttery, almost waxy finish. If you want your kids to gradually discover all that the art of painting has to offer, KOH-I-NOOR wax crayons are a great introduction. Wax crayons for kids are designed to be easy to hold and not make much mess. If you want your child to have a wide range of colors, we highly recommend a set of wax crayons. You and your child will both enjoy the creations.

What are the main advantages of soft pastels?

Soft pastels are the most popular among artists because of their dusty texture and high pigment content. They are excellent for detailed drawing and easy to work with.

Can I combine oil pastels with other types of pastels?

No, oil pastels cannot be combined with other types of pastels, such as soft or artist pastels, because of their different chemical structure.

Are wax pastels suitable for professional artists?

Wax pastels are primarily intended for kids or beginners in art. They have a buttery, waxy texture that is less suitable for creating detailed works.

What type of paper is best for soft pastels?

The best paper for soft pastels has a rough texture that can hold the pigment effectively.

Which oil pastels are best for professional work?

Koh-i-Noor oil pastels are popular with artists for their high pigment content and appealing, rich colors.

How do you clean wax crayons?

Wax crayons are easy to clean off brushes or hands, which is one reason they are ideal for kids.

Can you use fixative on soft pastels?

Yes, fixative is often used to stabilize soft pastel artwork and protect it from smudging.

Can oil pastels be used on different surfaces?

Oil pastels are flexible and can be applied to various surfaces, including paper, wood, and even fabric.

Are wax crayons nontoxic?

Most wax crayons are nontoxic, making them ideal for kids and home use.

Are art pastels lightfast?

Art pastels are made from compressed pigment and are usually very lightfast, providing long-lasting, vivid colors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between soft and oil pastels?

Soft pastels from the KOH-I-NOOR brand are powdery, smudge easily, and require fixative to set the pigment. Oil pastels, such as those from Colorino, contain a wax binder, making them greasier and resistant to smudging. They create rich, vibrant layers on paper that resemble oil painting. The choice depends on the technique you prefer.

Do I need special paper for working with soft pastels?

Yes, soft pastels require paper with a higher weight and a rougher texture. The KOH-I-NOOR brand offers special papers with a fine grain that can hold enough pigment. Smooth paper would not hold the pigment, and the drawing would rub off quickly. A rough surface also lets you layer colors more effectively and create subtle gradients.

Are oil pastels suitable for beginners?

Oil pastels from the Colorino brand are a great choice for beginners because they are very intuitive to use. They are durable, do not break as easily, and require no additional solvents or fixatives. You can layer them or blend them with your finger or a brush dipped in turpentine to create interesting painting effects directly on paper.

How do you properly fix a finished soft pastel drawing?

Since soft pastel is essentially pure pigment, the drawing is prone to smudging. After finishing your work, apply a quality spray fixative. We recommend applying it in several thin coats from a distance of at least thirty centimeters. This will help prevent the colors from rubbing off and keep your artwork protected from damage for a long time.

Can oil pastels be combined with other techniques?

You can confidently combine Colorino oil pastels with other media. They work well with watercolors when used as a resist layer, or with pencils for adding details. Always remember that oil-based media should be applied last, because other water-soluble paints will not adhere to the oily pastel layer.

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