Understanding Different Types of Pastels and How to Use Them

Pastels are a wonderful medium for creating art that has a unique texture and feel. There are many different types of pastels to choose from, each with their own characteristics.

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of pastels available and how to use them to create beautiful art.

Soft Pastels

Soft pastels are the most commonly used type of pastel. They have a high pigment concentration and are typically made with a gum arabic binder that allows them to be blended easily. Their high pigment concentration is what is responsible for their soft texture.

Soft pastels, as well as most forms of pastels other than oil pastels, are considered a dry medium similar to graphite or charcoal. They come in a range of colors and are perfect for creating blended effects. Soft pastels can be used on a variety of surfaces, including paper, canvas, and board.

When using soft pastels, it’s important to work from light to dark, layering the colors to achieve the desired effect. You can blend the colors using your fingers, a blending tool, or a brush. Soft pastels can create a range of textures, from smooth and velvety to rough and gritty. In order to protect your soft pastel and other pastel pieces, it is important to frame them behind glass to prevent scratching and smearing.

Some artists may also use a fixative or spray varnish to help preserve their work, though neither will fully protect a pastel painting and both have been known to alter the colors of pastels. It is important to always do a test strip before spraying finished artwork so that you understand the potential effects they might have.
Recommended Soft Pastels: SoHo Urban Artist Soft Pastel Half Stick Sets, SoHo Urban Artist Soft Pastel Sketch Squares

Hard Pastels

Hard pastels have a higher concentration of binder and less pigment than soft pastels. They are perfect for creating fine lines and details in your artwork.

Hard pastels are great for drawing and sketching, and, like soft pastels, they can be used on a range of surfaces, including paper and board.

When using hard pastels, it’s important to sharpen them frequently to maintain a fine point. They can also be used in conjunction with soft pastels to create a range of effects.

Oil Pastels

Oil pastels are made with a combination of mineral oil and wax, giving them a unique texture and consistency. Unlike oil paints, oil pastels are not created with a drying oil.

While oil pastels will develop a slightly hard shell over time, they will never fully dry. This means that in order to preserve oil pastel paintings, similar to dry pastel paintings, it is best practice to frame them under glass. 

 Overall, oil pastels are great for creating bold, vibrant colors and can be used on a range of surfaces, including canvas, heavy weight or primed paper, and board.

When using oil pastels, it’s important to layer the colors to achieve the desired effect. You can also blend the colors using a blending tool or a brush. Oil pastels can also be layered on top of other media, such as acrylics or watercolors.
See recommended materials: SoHo Extra Soft Oil Pastel Sets, Sennelier Oil Pastels Sets

Other Types of Pastels

There are a few other types of pastels worth mentioning. Pan pastels are a type of soft pastel that come in a pan and can be applied using a soft tipped applicator. While they are a dry medium, these pastels are often considered the most paint-like and are the smoothest in application

Water-soluble pastels can be used wet or dry. While dry they appear similarly to hard pastels, but they are great for creating washes. A wet wash of water-soluble pastels, once dried, can be layered with other dry pastels.

Oil paint sticks or bars contain pigment and perform much like oil paint and feel buttery and rich in your hand when laying paint down from the stick. They are made from a combination of pigments, oil, and wax

Finally, there are pastel pencils, which are essentially hard pastels in pencil form. Like Hard pastels they are great for creating fine lines and details in your artwork but without the mess that hard pastels can create.

Common Questions and Answers

Do you need special paper for pastels?

A: Using paper designed for pastels is highly recommended, but is not strictly necessary. Pastel paper has the texture, grip, and durability that pastels need. You can use other types of paper for pastels, such as watercolor paper, but using a specialized pastel paper will allow you to achieve certain effects that can’t be achieved on other papers.

How do I seal my pastel paintings?

A: The best practice for protecting pastel paintings is to frame them under glass. This will protect them from smearing and scratching. Some artists may use a spray fixative or varnish to seal their pastels, but these do not offer complete protection and are known for altering the color of pastels. Always do a test strip before spraying your finished artwork to better understand how they will affect your piece.

Can I travel in an airplane with pastels?

A: The best practice for protecting pastel pI would suggest that you contact the airline about traveling with pastels before packing your bag, but I have heard of artists packing pastels in their carry-on luggage.

More Resources

1. Basic Beginning Pastel Skills
2. Create An Oil Pastel Painting: Step By Step & Video
3. What is a non photo blue pencil? Why use it?