Soft pastels are a fantastic medium for artists looking to express their creativity with vibrant colors and smooth textures.
Unlike other types of pastels, soft pastels allow for a more fluid application.
This enables me to blend shades effortlessly, making them particularly well-suited for fine art.
In this article, I’ll be sharing some tips on how to choose the best L’Artisan soft pastels for your artistic needs.
When selecting soft pastels, I find that the quality of the pigment and the texture of the pastel stick are crucial.
High-quality pastels produce better coverage and layering, while the right softness can significantly affect how they apply to paper.
Additionally, considering attributes like color selection and overall durability is essential.
It’s also important to pay attention to the specific needs of my artistic process.
Depending on the desired effects, a softer pastel may be preferable, while a firmer pastel could provide more control.
After much research and testing, I’ve identified the best L’Artisan soft pastels for fine art that meet these criteria.
Best L’Artisan Soft Pastels for Fine Art
I’ve put together a list of the best L’Artisan soft pastels that I think you’ll love.
These pastels offer vibrant colors and smooth application, making them perfect for any artist looking to elevate their work.
Check out my favorites below!
Winsor & Newton Soft Pastels, Set of 30
These soft pastels are fantastic for those looking to express themselves creatively with color.
- Remarkable lightfastness that ensures vibrant colors remain intact.
- Easy to blend, thanks to their smooth texture.
- The variety of chromatically balanced colors enhances versatility.
- Some pastels may arrive broken, affecting initial experience.
- Price point might be higher compared to other options.
- Metal carry case may feel a bit bulkier for travel.
Using the Winsor & Newton soft pastels was a delightful experience for me.
The vibrant pigments allowed me to layer and scumble with ease, creating depth in my artwork.
I appreciated the range of colors included in the set; having 30 options means I can express almost any mood or setting.
Blending these pastels is a breeze.
Their soft texture glides on the paper, allowing me to manipulate the colors effortlessly.
I especially enjoyed mixing with my fingers and using blending stumps for more precision.
This flexibility makes them suitable for various techniques, whether I’m sketching or painting.
One thing to be mindful of is the condition they arrive in.
I’ve read about some customers experiencing broken pastels upon delivery, which can be frustrating.
Still, when intact, these pastels offer an exceptional quality that I believe justifies the investment.
Winsor & Newton Soft Pastels, Set of 15
I really enjoyed using these pastels for my latest art project, thanks to their vibrant colors and ease of use.
- Excellent lightfastness ensures artworks retain their vibrancy.
- Soft consistency allows for seamless blending.
- Comes with a sturdy metal carry case for easy transport.
- Some colors may not blend as well as expected.
- Might feel a bit pricey for beginners.
- Limited range in the smaller set.
My experience with Winsor & Newton soft pastels was quite positive.
The color payoff is stunning—these pastels are rich in pigmentation, which makes my artwork pop.
I particularly appreciate how the pastels glide on canvases and paper, providing a smooth application.
This set includes a great variety of colors, from White to Deep Green, which allows for versatility in my artistic expression.
While I was impressed overall, I did notice that blending can be hit or miss.
A few colors didn’t quite merge as seamlessly as I’d hoped, especially when water was involved.
That said, for dry techniques, like layering and scumbling, they shine bright.
The case they come in is also a fantastic addition; it keeps everything organized and easy to carry for art classes or outdoor sketching.
For anyone looking to step up their pastel game, these Winsor & Newton pastels are indeed a solid choice.
Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve if you want to master blending techniques.
HA SHI Soft Pastels
I highly recommend these pastels for anyone looking to elevate their artistic toolkit.
- Non-toxic and safe for all ages
- Wide color variety with bonus shades
- Easy to blend and apply on various surfaces
- Some pastels might feel smaller than expected
- A bit soft, which can lead to breakage if not handled carefully
- Limited in-depth tutorials available for beginners
Using the HA SHI Soft Pastels has been a surprisingly delightful experience.
The colors are vibrant, and there’s a nice range that allows for creative expression across various projects.
I found myself enjoying the softness of the pastels as they glided over paper, resulting in rich and blendable layers.
One standout quality is the non-toxic nature of these pastels.
As someone who sometimes shares my art supplies with younger friends, I appreciate this safety feature.
It gives me peace of mind knowing that they can explore their creativity without any health concerns.
While there’s a lot to love, I did notice the pastels are somewhat delicate.
They can break if I’m not careful, especially when I’m eager to press hard for bold strokes.
Also, the smaller size of some pastels can be a bit tricky for larger projects.
Overall, if you’re in search of quality pastels that provide a fantastic color range and blending ability, these are definitely worth considering.
Faber-Castell Soft Pastels Set
This soft pastel set is a fantastic choice for adults looking to explore a new medium and create art with ease.
- High-quality pastels that provide vibrant color and smooth application.
- The set includes essential tools, making it beginner-friendly.
- Illustrated instructions help guide through techniques.
- Limited number of pastels; more colors would enhance versatility.
- The eraser shield is useful, but a few more stencils would be nice.
- Not all beginner projects are included, requiring some creativity.
I recently tried the Faber-Castell Soft Pastels Art Set, and it was a delightful experience.
The pastels glide onto the paper without any hassle, allowing me to blend colors beautifully.
The vibrant hues really popped, which made my artwork stand out.
I appreciated that everything I needed was in one kit, including the blending stump and different erasers.
The illustrated instructions are a standout feature for anyone new to soft pastels.
They break down the techniques clearly, making it easy to follow along as I experimented with shading and blending.
While the set comes with just 12 pastels, I found that these colors are versatile enough to create a variety of projects.
On the downside, I wish there were a few more colors to choose from since I like to work with a broader palette.
Although the eraser shield is handy for adding details, I could imagine additional stencils could have added even more creative options.
Overall, this set is a solid introduction to soft pastels, and I enjoyed the creative journey it took me on.
Mungyo Soft Pastel Set
These Mungyo soft pastels are a solid choice for anyone looking to add vibrant colors to their artwork.
- Beautiful, vivid colors
- Versatile for various techniques
- Smooth application
- Can stain fingers and clothes
- Shorter length may lead to quicker wear
- Limited protection during shipping
I recently tried the Mungyo Soft Pastel Set, and I was impressed by the range of colors available.
With 48 assorted hues, there’s something for every project.
The colors are not only bright but also blend seamlessly, allowing for effective gradation and layering.
Using them felt effortless; they glided on the paper smoothly, and I quickly created striking backgrounds.
While I loved how well they performed, I did notice some drawbacks.
The pastels can leave a bit of transfer on my fingers and clothes, which can be annoying if you’re not careful.
Additionally, the sticks are shorter than I expected, which means they might run out quicker if you plan to use them frequently.
Lastly, the packaging didn’t provide much protection during shipping, so I received a couple of broken pastels.
Buying Guide
Choosing soft pastels can be a bit overwhelming, but focusing on a few key features can simplify the process.
Color Range
Look for a set that offers a broad spectrum of colors.
A diverse palette allows for more creativity in your artwork.
Texture
I prefer soft pastels that feel creamy and smooth.
This texture helps with blending and layering.
Lightfastness
Always check for lightfast ratings.
High lightfastness means the colors won’t fade quickly, preserving your artwork for longer.
Quality
Consider the pigment quality.
Higher-quality pigments deliver more vibrant and consistent colors.
Size
Pastels come in various sizes.
I like to have a mix of smaller and larger sticks for different techniques.
Price
Set a budget before you shop.
Quality pastels can be an investment, but there are good options at various price points.
Quick Checklist
- Color Range: Check for variety.
- Texture: Creamy feel is best.
- Lightfastness: Look for high ratings.
- Quality: Vibrant pigments matter.
- Size: Mix small and large.
- Price: Stick to your budget.