Whether you’re a seasoned portrait artist or just starting to explore the world of soft dry media, choosing the right pastel pencil can make all the difference in your creative process. With so many brands on the market, each offering different textures, pigment loads, and price points, it’s essential to understand what sets the best pastel pencils apart — especially if you’re ready to buy pencils that meet professional standards.
This guide breaks down the top pastel pencil brands available today, comparing their features, strengths, and ideal use cases. We’ll also touch on manufacturing insights and how to source materials from a reliable pencil supplier.
Why Pastel Pencils Are a Must for Artists
Pastel pencils combine the vivid color and blendability of soft pastels with the control of a traditional pencil. They’re ideal for detailed work, especially in portraiture, botanical illustrations, and mixed media projects. Unlike sticks, pastel pencils allow for precision in shading, layering, and fine line work — without the mess.
But not all pastel pencils are created equal. Variations in pigment quality, binder composition, and casing materials can dramatically affect your workflow. That’s why choosing the right brand matters.
Top Pastel Pencil Brands: Ranked and Reviewed
Based on artist reviews, performance testing, and expert insights, here are the leading pastel pencil brands worth considering:
| Brand | Best For | Key Features | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils | Professional artists | Highly pigmented, smooth blending, durable wood casing | Premium price point |
| Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel | Detailed work, portraits | Harder core, lightfast colors, minimal dust | Less vibrant than softer pastels |
| Stabilo Carbothello | Mixed media, beginners | Water-soluble, soft texture, affordable | Breaks more easily during sharpening |
| Derwent Pastel Pencils | Layering and sketching | Broad color range, consistent feel | Moderate pigment load |
| Conte à Paris | Classical drawing, tonal work | Earthy tones, firm core, French quality | Limited bright colors |
1. Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils
Swiss-made and engineered with precision, Caran d’Ache pastel pencils are often regarded as the gold standard. Their cores are buttery soft yet encased in durable cedar wood, minimizing breakage. Artists praise their rich pigment and exceptional blendability — ideal for high-end portraiture and fine art.
According to Potato Art Studios, Caran d’Ache pencils stand out for their vibrancy and consistent application across various paper textures. However, they come at a premium, making them best suited for professionals or serious hobbyists.
2. Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils
Faber-Castell’s Pitt Pastels offer a firmer core, making them perfect for detailed line work and crisp shading. The German brand emphasizes lightfastness and archival quality, appealing to artists who create work for galleries or collectors.
As noted on Felicity Franks Portraits, these pencils are particularly useful for portrait artists due to their subtle skin tones and ability to layer without chalky buildup. They produce less dust than softer brands, which helps keep compositions clean.
3. Stabilo Carbothello
Stabilo Carbothello pastel pencils are a favorite among beginners and mixed media artists. Their soft core delivers vibrant color with minimal pressure, and they’re water-soluble — a unique feature that allows for watercolor-like washes.
However, as emphasized in both Creative Bloq and artist blogs, the softness of the core can lead to frequent breakage if not sharpened carefully. A handheld knife or sandpaper block is often recommended over standard sharpeners.
4. Derwent Pastel Pencils
Made in the UK, Derwent pastel pencils offer a balance between softness and control. Their slightly firmer core makes them versatile for both sketching and layering. The brand also provides a wide range of earthy and vibrant hues, catering to landscape and still-life artists alike.
While their pigment load isn’t as intense as Caran d’Ache, Derwent pencils are consistent and reliable — making them a solid mid-range choice for artists looking to build a well-rounded pastel set.
5. Conte à Paris Pastel Pencils
Conte à Paris has a long-standing reputation in classical art education. Their pastel pencils feature a firm, chalky texture that’s ideal for tonal drawings and figure studies. The color palette leans toward muted and earthy tones, which may limit their use in vibrant compositions but makes them excellent for academic work.
They’re also one of the more affordable options for artists who prioritize texture and traditional aesthetics over color saturation.
Choosing the Right Pastel Pencil for Your Art Style
When selecting a pastel pencil brand, consider how it aligns with your artistic goals. Here’s a quick comparison to help guide your decision:
- For vibrant color and soft blending: Caran d’Ache, Stabilo
- For detailed line work and portraits: Faber-Castell Pitt
- For mixed media and water solubility: Stabilo Carbothello
- For sketching and tonal studies: Conte à Paris, Derwent
Material Composition and Manufacturing Insights
Understanding how pastel pencils are made can help you assess their quality. Most high-end pastel pencils use finely ground pigments mixed with a small amount of binder (usually gum arabic or clay). The core is then encased in cedar or basswood for durability and ease of sharpening.
Premium brands like Caran d’Ache and Faber-Castell control their entire manufacturing process, from pigment grinding to wood casing, ensuring consistency. Brands that outsource production may have more variability between batches — something to consider if you’re buying in bulk from a pencil supplier.
Where to Buy Pastel Pencils
To buy pencils that meet professional standards, look for reputable art supply retailers or direct manufacturer stores. Many artists prefer purchasing open stock (individual pencils) to replace frequently used colors without buying a whole set.
Trusted online vendors include:
- Blick Art Materials
- Jackson’s Art Supplies
- Jerry’s Artarama
- Caran d’Ache and Faber-Castell official websites
If you’re sourcing for an art school, studio, or retail business, working with a certified pencil supplier or OEM manufacturer ensures better pricing and quality control. Look for suppliers who offer customization, bulk ordering, and consistent stock availability.
Tips for Using and Maintaining Pastel Pencils
To get the most out of your pastel pencils, follow these expert tips:
- Use textured paper (like sanded or pastelmat) to grip pigment effectively.
- Sharpen with a knife or sanding block to prevent core breakage.
- Layer light to dark and blend with a stump or soft brush.
- Store pencils flat or in a roll to protect the tips and prevent breakage.
Final Thoughts
Investing in the best pastel pencil brand for your style and technique can elevate your artwork and streamline your creative process. Whether you prioritize pigment intensity, blendability, or durability, there’s a brand tailored to your needs.
For a deeper dive into artist-tested reviews, check out Potato Art Studios’ pastel pencil breakdown or Creative Bloq’s curated list.
Whether you’re buying for personal use or sourcing from a pencil supplier, make sure your materials support your creative vision — because the right tools don’t just make art easier; they make it better.
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