Whether you’re a seasoned illustrator or just beginning your journey into soft media, choosing the right pastel pencil can make or break your creative process. These versatile tools blend the precision of a pencil with the rich, velvety texture of pastels—ideal for fine details, layering, and expressive mark-making. But with so many brands on the market, how do you decide which one to invest in?
This guide dives deep into the most trusted pastel pencil brands, recommended by professional artists and hobbyists alike. We’ll compare their performance, material quality, and value for money—so whether you’re looking to buy pencils for your next masterpiece or stock up as a pencil supplier, you’ll know exactly what to look for.
Why Choose Pastel Pencils?
Pastel pencils offer a unique combination of control and softness. Unlike traditional soft pastels, they’re encased in wood, allowing for cleaner handling and sharper lines. Artists often use them for:
- Adding fine details to pastel paintings
- Sketching underpaintings for mixed media work
- Creating full compositions with subtle color transitions
But not all pastel pencils are created equal. Factors like pigment load, binder quality, and core softness vary widely across brands. Let’s explore the top contenders based on artist feedback and product testing.
1. Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils – Premium Pigment, Premium Price
Caran d’Ache pastel pencils are often described as the Rolls-Royce of the pastel pencil world. Manufactured in Switzerland, they boast a high pigment concentration and buttery smooth application. Artists praise their ability to layer effortlessly without muddying colors.
Pros:
- Exceptional lightfastness
- Highly blendable and rich in pigment
- Durable wood casing and smooth sharpening
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Limited availability in some regions
According to Potato Art Studios, these pencils are ideal for professional artists who prioritize pigment quality and archival standards. If you’re a studio artist or gallery exhibitor, the investment pays off in color fidelity and permanence.
2. Stabilo CarbOthello – The Versatile Workhorse
Stabilo’s CarbOthello line is a favorite among both beginners and professionals. These pastel pencils strike a balance between softness and control, making them suitable for detailed work and broad shading alike.
On Reddit’s r/ArtistLounge, many users highlight their ease of sharpening and vibrant color range. The CarbOthello pencils also work well on a variety of surfaces, including toned pastel paper and sanded boards.
Pros:
- Affordable and widely available
- Excellent color vibrancy and blendability
- Good for mixed media (can be used wet or dry)
Cons:
- Slightly more brittle cores compared to premium brands
- Some colors may require multiple layers for opacity
Stabilo is a solid choice if you’re looking to buy pencils in bulk or test a wide spectrum without breaking the bank. Many pencil suppliers carry this brand due to its popularity and consistent quality.
3. Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils – Clean, Controlled, and Consistent
Faber-Castell’s Pitt pastel pencils are known for their harder core, which allows for detailed linework and crisp edges. While they don’t offer the same softness as other brands, their precision makes them ideal for realism and architectural drawing.
Pros:
- Minimal dust production
- Excellent for fine detail and linework
- High lightfastness and archival quality
Cons:
- Less suitable for heavy blending
- Smaller color range compared to others
If you’re working on portraiture or botanical illustrations where control is paramount, the Pitt pencils are a reliable choice. Their clean application also makes them a favorite in classroom settings and professional studios alike.
4. Derwent Pastel Pencils – Soft Texture Meets British Craftsmanship
Derwent, a heritage UK brand, offers pastel pencils with a soft, chalky feel that mimics traditional soft pastels. Their round barrel design makes them comfortable to hold for long periods, and they’re especially popular among landscape and figure artists.
Pros:
- Soft texture, great for blending and layering
- Good mid-range price point
- Comfortable grip and ergonomic design
Cons:
- Can be difficult to sharpen without breakage
- Some colors are less pigmented than others
According to Potato Art Studios, Derwent pencils offer a great introduction to soft pastel techniques, especially when paired with textured paper or gesso-prepped surfaces.
5. Conte à Paris Pastel Pencils – Old-World Charm with Modern Versatility
Conte à Paris has a long-standing reputation in the art world, and their pastel pencils live up to the legacy. These pencils are known for their earthy tones, making them ideal for figure drawing and tonal studies.
Pros:
- Rich, muted color palette
- Strong cores that resist breakage
- Well-suited for sketching and underpainting
Cons:
- Limited bright colors
- Not as smooth for blending as other brands
As reviewed by The Artistic Gnome, these pencils shine when used on toned or textured paper. They also perform well with surface prep techniques like gesso or DIY pastel grounds, giving artists more control over their final result.
Comparison Table: Key Specs and Features
| Brand | Blendability | Color Range | Core Hardness | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caran d’Ache | Excellent | 84 colors | Medium-soft | Professional gallery work | High |
| Stabilo CarbOthello | Very Good | 60 colors | Medium | Mixed media, general use | Mid |
| Faber-Castell Pitt | Moderate | 60 colors | Hard | Detail work, portraits | Mid |
| Derwent | Good | 72 colors | Soft | Landscapes, soft textures | Mid |
| Conte à Paris | Fair | 48 colors | Hard | Sketching, tonal studies | Low–Mid |
Tips for Choosing the Right Pastel Pencil
Still unsure which brand to try first? Here are a few key considerations:
- Technique: If you blend a lot, go for softer cores like Caran d’Ache or Derwent.
- Surface: Harder pencils like Faber-Castell Pitt work best on smooth papers, while softer ones excel on textured grounds.
- Budget: Stabilo offers excellent value without sacrificing quality—perfect for students or bulk buyers.
- Color Preference: Conte’s muted tones are great for classical studies, while Stabilo and Caran d’Ache offer vibrant hues.
Where to Buy Quality Pastel Pencils
When you’re ready to buy pencils, make sure to choose a trusted pencil supplier. Look for retailers that offer:
- Open stock options (buy individual pencils)
- Lightfastness ratings and color charts
- Bulk discounts or artist bundles
Some reliable online suppliers include Jackson’s Art, Blick Art Materials, and Jerry’s Artarama. For OEM or wholesale inquiries, consider reaching out directly to manufacturers or distributors that specialize in fine art materials.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right pastel pencil is a personal journey that depends on your technique, subject matter, and artistic goals. Whether you prefer the luxurious glide of Caran d’Ache or the dependable versatility of Stabilo, each brand offers unique strengths to enhance your creative toolkit.
Invest in quality, experiment with surfaces, and don’t be afraid to mix brands in your workflow. The right pencil can elevate your artwork from good to unforgettable.
Related Reading
- What Importers Should Know About Colored Pencils Wholesale for B2B Buyers
- Top Colored Pencils Wholesale for Brand Owners
- Everything About Colored Pencils Wholesale for B2B Buyers
- How to Source Colored Pencils Wholesale for South America
- How to Choose HB Pencils in Bulk for South America
- Benefits of Custom Logo Pencils for Australia Importers
- Complete Guide to School Pencils for Australia Importers
- Ultimate Buyer Guide for Non‑Toxic Pencils for Australia Importers