Top 10 best Drawing Pastels products

Everything You Need To Know About Drawing Pastels

What Are Drawing Pastels?

Drawing with pastels is a versatile and expressive art form that involves using sticks of colored pigment to create vibrant and textured artworks. Pastels are made by combining powdered pigments with a binder, resulting in a soft and chalk-like consistency. This medium allows artists to achieve a wide range of effects, from delicate and subtle to bold and vibrant.

Different Types of Drawing Pastel

There are several types of drawing pastels available, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. Here are some of the most common types:

Soft Pastels: Soft pastels are the most widely used type of pastels. They have a high pigment concentration and a soft, chalk-like texture. Soft pastels are known for their vibrant colors and ability to blend easily. They can be applied directly to the paper and are great for creating rich, textured effects.

Hard Pastels: Hard pastels have a higher binder content compared to soft pastels, which makes them less powdery and more resistant to breaking. They have a firmer texture and produce more controlled and precise lines. Hard pastels are often used for detailed work and creating fine lines and edges.

Oil Pastels: Oil pastels are made with a combination of pigment, wax, and oil. They have a creamy consistency and can be easily blended with fingers or a blending tool. Oil pastels are versatile and can be used on various surfaces, including paper, canvas, and even wood. They provide a smooth, buttery finish and can be layered to create depth and texture.

Water-Soluble Pastels: Water-soluble pastels can be used dry or wet. When used dry, they function like regular pastels, but when water is applied, they dissolve and create a watercolor-like effect. These pastels are versatile and allow for a range of techniques, from dry blending to wet washes.

Pan Pastels: Pan pastels come in a compact, cake-like form. They are applied using specialized tools like sponge applicators or brushes. Pan pastels offer a smooth, velvety finish and are particularly useful for large areas and backgrounds.

Advantages Of Drawing Pastel

Drawing with pastels offers several advantages:

1. Versatility: Pastels can be used in various ways, allowing artists to create a wide range of effects. They can be blended, layered, smudged, or used with different techniques like hatching, cross-hatching, or stippling. This versatility allows artists to achieve different textures, from smooth and soft to rough and gritty.
2. Vibrant colors: Pastels are known for their intense and vibrant colors. They come in a wide range of shades, from subtle pastels to bold and bright hues. The pigments used in pastels are pure and highly concentrated, resulting in rich and vivid colors that can bring life to any artwork.
3. Immediate results: Pastels are a dry medium, which means they don't require any drying time like wet mediums such as paint. Artists can work quickly and directly on the paper, achieving immediate results. This makes pastels a great choice for artists who enjoy the spontaneity and immediacy of the creative process.
4. Blending capabilities: Pastels are excellent for blending colors together. Artists can easily achieve smooth transitions and gradients by blending different shades of pastels with their fingers, blending tools, or even by layering colors on top of each other. This blending capability allows for a wide range of tonal values and subtle variations in color.
5. Textural effects: Pastels have a unique ability to capture and depict textures. The soft and powdery nature of pastels allows artists to create a variety of textural effects, such as fur, foliage, fabric, or even rough surfaces. By using different strokes and techniques, artists can convey a sense of depth and tactile quality in their artwork.
6. Long-lasting: Pastel artworks, when properly framed and protected, can have excellent longevity. Pastel pigments are lightfast, meaning they resist fading over time. When stored and displayed correctly, pastel drawings can retain their vibrancy and beauty for many years.
7. Easy to work with: Pastels are relatively easy to work with, making them suitable for artists of all skill levels. They require minimal setup and cleanup, and artists can experiment and make corrections easily. Pastels can be used on a variety of surfaces, including paper, pastel boards, or even textured surfaces, providing artists with flexibility and options.

Things To Consider When Choosing Drawing Pastels

When choosing drawing pastels, there are several factors to consider to ensure you find the right ones for your needs. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

• Type of Pastels: There are different types of pastels available, including soft pastels, oil pastels, and hard pastels. Soft pastels are the most common and versatile, offering a wide range of colors and blending capabilities. Oil pastels are more like crayons and have a creamy texture, while hard pastels are firmer and produce more defined lines.
• Quality: The quality of pastels can vary greatly. Artist-grade pastels are usually of higher quality, with better pigments and a wider color range. Student-grade pastels are more affordable but may have lower pigment concentration and durability. Consider your skill level and budget when deciding on the quality of pastels to purchase.
• Pigment Quality: Look for pastels with high-quality pigments that are lightfast and fade-resistant. Lightfastness indicates how well the colors will resist fading over time. Check the pastel's packaging or product description for information on the pigments used.
• Color Range: Consider the color range available in the pastel set. Look for sets that offer a good variety of colors, including different shades, tones, and hues. Having a wide range of colors will allow you to create more vibrant and diverse artworks.
• Texture and Softness: The texture and softness of pastels can vary. Softer pastels are easier to blend and create smooth transitions, while harder pastels are better for creating fine details and crisp lines. Consider the type of artwork you want to create and choose pastels accordingly.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, your personal preference plays a significant role in choosing pastels. Experiment with different brands and types to find the ones that feel comfortable in your hand and produce the desired effects in your artwork.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing drawing pastels that suit your artistic style and preferences.

Tips For Using Drawing Pastel

Using drawing pastels can be a fun and creative way to express yourself artistically. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your drawing pastels:

• Choose the right paper: Use a paper specifically designed for pastels, such as pastel paper or sanded paper. These papers have a textured surface that helps the pastel adhere better and allows for layering and blending.
• Start with a rough sketch: Before applying pastels, make a rough sketch of your subject using a pencil or charcoal. This will help you plan your composition and ensure accurate proportions.
• Layering and blending: Pastels are great for layering colors to create depth and texture. Start with lighter colors as a base layer and gradually build up with darker shades. Use your fingers, blending stumps, or soft brushes to blend the colors together for a smooth transition.
• Protect your artwork: Pastels can be quite delicate and prone to smudging. To protect your finished artwork, consider using a fixative or framing it behind glass.