Why Pastel Pencils Are a Studio Essential
Unlike soft pastels, which can be messy and difficult to control, pastel pencils offer precision without sacrificing pigment intensity. They’re ideal for layering, building color depth, and adding fine details—especially in portraiture, wildlife, and botanical art. The best pastel pencils strike a balance between softness and structural integrity, allowing artists to blend seamlessly while maintaining point sharpness for detail work.
But not all pastel pencils are created equal. From pigment concentration to core durability, each brand brings unique characteristics to the table. Below, we explore the most trusted names in the industry, backed by artist reviews and manufacturing insights.
Top Pastel Pencil Brands: A Comparative Breakdown
Let’s look at the leading pastel pencil brands that consistently earn praise from professionals and hobbyists alike.
| Brand | Best For | Core Texture | Color Range | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caran d’Ache | High pigment & layering | Medium-soft | 76 colors | Premium |
| Stabilo CarbOthello | Blending & base layers | Soft | 60 colors | Mid-range |
| Faber-Castell Pitt | Detail work | Harder | 60 colors | Mid-range |
| Derwent Pastel | Color variety | Medium | 72 colors | Mid-range |
| Conte à Paris | Chalky texture | Hard | 48 colors | Affordable |
| Cretacolor | Professional quality | Medium-soft | 72 colors | Mid to high |
| Koh-I-Noor Gioconda | Smooth application | Very soft | 48 colors | Budget-friendly |
1. Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils – Premium Pigmentation
Swiss-made Caran d’Ache pastel pencils are a top-tier choice for artists seeking intense color payoff and blendability. Known for their luminous pigments and consistent core texture, these pencils work beautifully for layering and glazing techniques. Their slightly thicker barrel and medium-soft core offer a satisfying tactile experience, especially on textured pastel paper.
Artists from Potato Art Studios and Felicity Franks Portraits praise Caran d’Ache for its durability and color saturation. The pencils retain their point well and resist crumbling, making them ideal for multi-layered work.
Pros: Exceptional pigment, durable core, professional-grade finish
Cons: Higher cost, limited availability in open stock
2. Stabilo CarbOthello – Blendability Meets Affordability
Stabilo’s CarbOthello line is a favorite among pastel artists for its soft, creamy texture and ease of blending. These pencils are water-soluble, offering additional flexibility for mixed media work. Their softness makes them perfect for laying down initial color blocks and creating smooth transitions between tones.
According to Creative Bloq and other artist reviews, CarbOthello pencils are especially effective for base layers in portraiture and landscape work. Artists appreciate their affordability without a significant compromise on pigment quality.
Pros: Excellent blendability, water-soluble, budget-friendly
Cons: Softer core may break under pressure
3. Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils – Precision and Control
When detail matters, Faber-Castell’s Pitt pastel pencils are the go-to. Their harder core allows for ultra-fine lines, making them ideal for hair, fur, and architectural details. While slightly less blendable than softer brands, they excel in precision and layering without smudging.
Artists often combine Pitt pencils with softer brands like Stabilo or Derwent to achieve a full range of effects. The German manufacturing quality ensures consistency and longevity, making them a reliable choice for professionals.
Pros: Sharp point retention, excellent for detail, minimal dust
Cons: Less suitable for large area blending
4. Derwent Pastel Pencils – Bold and Versatile
Derwent’s pastel pencil line is known for its vibrant and diverse color palette. With 72 shades, it offers one of the broadest ranges on the market, making it perfect for artists who work in expressive or experimental styles. The medium-soft core provides a balance between detail and blendability.
Artists at Potato Art Studios note that Derwent’s color variety allows for rich layering and nuanced shading. The pencils are slightly thicker than average, offering a comfortable grip during extended sessions.
Pros: Wide color range, good value, balanced texture
Cons: Core can be inconsistent in softness
5. Conte à Paris – Chalk-Like Texture for Classic Techniques
Conte pastel pencils are a staple in traditional art academies. Their harder, chalky core offers a unique texture that mimics classic dry media. While they’re not as blendable as other brands, they excel in sketching, underdrawings, and tonal studies.
Because of their firmness, Conte pencils are ideal for cross-hatching and layering without muddying colors. They’re also more resistant to breakage, making them a durable option for travel or plein air work.
Pros: Durable, classic texture, great for sketching
Cons: Limited blendability, smaller color range
6. Cretacolor Pastel Pencils – Austrian Craftsmanship
Cretacolor’s pastel pencils are often overlooked but offer professional-level performance. Made in Austria, these pencils are praised for their consistency and soft yet stable core. Their color intensity is particularly well-suited for portraits and still life.
They blend well without excessive dust and sharpen easily, making them a solid mid-to-high-end choice for serious artists.
Pros: Smooth application, strong pigment, solid build
Cons: Less widely available than other brands
7. Koh-I-Noor Gioconda – Soft and Smooth Application
For artists who prefer a buttery soft core, Koh-I-Noor’s Gioconda pastel pencils are an excellent budget-friendly choice. They glide effortlessly across paper and are easy to blend, making them suitable for soft backgrounds and subtle transitions.
While they may not offer the same level of detail as harder brands, their smoothness makes them ideal for expressive work and beginners experimenting with pastel techniques.
Pros: Very soft texture, affordable, easy to blend
Cons: Prone to breakage, less precise
Where to Buy Pastel Pencils from Trusted Suppliers
When you’re ready to buy pencils, sourcing from a reputable pencil supplier ensures quality, authenticity, and proper storage conditions. Look for suppliers who offer:
- Open stock options for individual color replacement
- Bulk discounts for studios or educators
- OEM or professional-grade product lines
- Proper packaging to prevent breakage during shipping
Some reliable online retailers include:
- Jackson’s Art Supplies (UK-based, international shipping)
- Blick Art Materials (USA)
- Ken Bromley Art Supplies (UK)
For larger orders or custom manufacturing, working directly with a pencil OEM or wholesale pencil supplier can provide better pricing and access to specialty lines not available in retail.
Choosing the Right Brand for Your Artistic Workflow
Ultimately, the best pastel pencil brand depends on your technique, subject matter, and budget. Many professional artists mix brands to leverage the strengths of each—using Stabilo for base layers, Faber-Castell for detail, and Caran d’Ache for final highlights.
Here’s a quick decision guide:
- For precision: Faber-Castell Pitt
- For blending: Stabilo CarbOthello or Koh-I-Noor
- For color intensity: Caran d’Ache or Derwent
- For sketching and studies: Conte à Paris
Whether you’re building a new set or upgrading your tools, investing in high-quality pastel pencils pays off in both performance and artistic satisfaction. Consider testing a few brands before committing to a full set—and always buy from a trusted pencil supplier to ensure quality and consistency.
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