Choosing the Best Soft Pastels for Professional Artists

Soft pastels are a favorite among professional artists due to their vibrant colors, rich pigments, and smooth texture. Understanding the differences in quality between pastel brands is crucial to making an informed decision. This article delves into the characteristics of the top soft pastels for professional artists, ensuring that you can make the best choice for your artistic needs.

Introduction to Soft Pastels

Pastels are essentially pure pigments that are loosely bound, allowing for easy blending and a variety of techniques. High-quality pastels use minimal fillers, specifically to maximize color saturation and achieve precise tints, tones, and shades. Kaolyn clay and chalk may be added to achieve the desired consistency. However, pastels that use more fillers to bulk up the pigment are generally less expensive but may not offer the professional-grade performance.

Top Brands for Professional Artists

There are several brands that stand out for their quality and versatility, catering to a range of artistic skills and preferences. Here are some of the best options:

Sennelier Soft Pastels

High Pigment Concentration and Texture: Sennelier pastels are renowned for their rich pigments and buttery texture, making them perfect for artists who demand vibrant and smooth applications. Handcrafted from natural pigments, these pastels offer a wide color range, ideal for both beginners and professionals.

Rembrandt Soft Pastels

Excellent Lightfastness and Texture: Known for their excellent lightfastness, Rembrandt pastels provide a good balance between softness and firmness, making them ideal for detailed work. They come in a variety of colors, offering versatility for different artistic projects.

Shmincke Horadam Aquarell

High-Quality Soft Pastels: Originally known for their exceptional watercolors, Shmincke also produces high-quality soft pastels. These pastels are praised for their bright colors and smooth application, making them a preferred choice for many artists.

Unison Colour Soft Pastels

Rich Pigments and Creamy Texture: Handmade in the UK, Unison pastels are favored by professionals for their rich pigments and creamy texture. The brand offers a range of sets, including landscape and portrait collections, which cater to different artistic needs and preferences.

Faber-Castell Pitt Pastels

High-Quality and Affordability: Faber-Castell Pitt Pastels are known for their exceptional quality and affordability. They are particularly suitable for both beginners and professionals, offering a good range of colors and a smooth application that is easy to work with.

Nupastel by Prismacolor

Vibrant Colors and Detailed Work: Although not traditional soft pastels, Nupastel offers vibrant colors and is ideal for detailed work and mixed media applications. These pastels are firmer than traditional soft pastels, providing more control and precision.

Cretacolor Pastel Pencils

Precision and Smooth Application: For artists who prefer precision, Cretacolor offers pastel pencils that combine the qualities of soft pastels with the control of a pencil. These pencils are perfect for intricate and detailed work.

Key Considerations for Pastel Selection

When selecting soft pastels, several factors are important to consider. These include the color range, texture, and how the pastels blend and layer. Many artists find it beneficial to use a combination of brands to leverage the unique qualities of each, enhancing the overall range and depth of their work.

With so many high-quality options available, professional artists can choose pastels that match their needs and preferences. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, understanding the characteristics of the top soft pastels can help you create a palette that truly enhances your artistic expression.