Exploring the Best Medium for Your Art: Soft Pastels vs Pastel Pencils vs Oil Pastels

Is soft pastels, pastel pencils, or oil pastels the best option for you? The choice often depends on your preferred artistic goals, techniques, and desired outcomes. This guide will help you navigate the differences between these mediums to find the perfect fit for your next project.

Understanding Soft Pastels and Pastel Pencils

Soft pastels and pastel pencils are both treasured for their vivid colors and versatility, but they offer distinct advantages. Soft pastels, with their powdery texture, allow for smooth and effortless blending, making them ideal for creating rich, vibrant hues. Pastel pencils, on the other hand, offer more precision and control, thanks to their stick-like form, and are easier to draw with. Both mediums can produce seamless, smooth gradients when used correctly.

Texture and Blendability

Soft pastels have a soft and powdery texture, making them perfect for layering and creating delicate transitions. They blend easily on textured paper to add depth and vibrancy to your artwork. Pastel pencils, with their stick-like form, lend themselves well to detailed work and impasto techniques. They can be layered and blended directly on the paper with great ease.

Color Quality and Technique

In terms of color quality, soft pastels offer a wide spectrum of bright and vivid hues. They can be easily blended for soft transitions and create a seamless finish. Pastel pencils, however, can produce more opaque finishes, making them ideal for creating thick, bold layers and painterly strokes. The technique of scumbling and glazing is easier to achieve with soft pastels, while bold, vibrant strokes are common with pastel pencils.

Fixative and Durability

Soft pastels are prone to smudging and may require a fixative to preserve the artwork. Fixatives can alter the colors slightly, so it's important to choose the right one. Pastel pencils, however, do not typically require a fixative. They offer a more durable finish that is less prone to smudging, making them a good choice if you want to avoid the hassle of using fixative. Oil pastels, while also durable, may benefit from framing under glass to protect the surface.

Erasability and Experimentation

Soft pastels and pastel pencils can be lifted with an eraser, allowing for corrections and highlights. This makes them versatile for those who prefer the flexibility of their artwork. If you are more comfortable experimenting and making changes, soft pastels and pastel pencils are excellent choices. Oil pastels, while erasable as well, do not have the same degree of erasability, making them a more permanent medium.

Choosing the Right Medium for Your Art

Your artistic style and preferred technique are key factors in choosing the right medium. Soft pastels are ideal for detailed, blended work and are perfect for artists who enjoy creating smooth, seamless transitions. If you prefer bold, vibrant strokes and a more painterly approach, pastel pencils may be the best fit. Oil pastels are suitable for creating thick layers and achieving a more opaque finish, making them a great choice for those who enjoy impasto techniques.

Surface Considerations

The type of surface you use can also affect your choice. Soft pastels work well on textured surfaces, while oil pastels are more suitable for smoother surfaces. Experimentation is key to finding the right medium, so try both soft pastels and pastel pencils to see which one feels more comfortable and aligns with your artistic vision.

A Final Thought

Both mediums have their unique qualities and can produce beautiful artwork. You may even consider using both in your practice to explore the full range of possibilities. Whether you choose soft pastels, pastel pencils, or oil pastels, the key is to find the medium that best expresses your artistic goals and preferences.