Whether you’re a seasoned portrait artist or just beginning to explore the expressive world of dry media, choosing the right pastel pencil can make or break your creative process. Pastel pencils offer the vibrant color payoff of soft pastels with the precision of a traditional pencil, making them a staple in many artists’ toolkits. But with so many brands on the market, how do you know which ones are worth your investment?
This guide breaks down the top pastel pencil brands you can buy today, based on performance, pigment quality, and real-world artist feedback. If you’re looking to buy pencils that elevate your work—whether from a boutique studio or a bulk pencil supplier—this comparison will help you make an informed choice.
Why Pastel Pencils Are a Must-Have for Artists
Pastel pencils bridge the gap between drawing and painting. Unlike soft pastels, they offer a cleaner application and more control, especially for fine details. They’re ideal for layering, blending, and achieving subtle gradients without the mess of loose pigment. Artists working in portraiture, wildlife, and botanical illustration often favor pastel pencils for their ability to render realistic textures and tones.
However, not all pastel pencils are created equal. Factors such as core softness, pigment concentration, lightfastness, and casing material can significantly impact your experience. Let’s explore the best options available today.
Top Pastel Pencil Brands Reviewed
Based on artist reviews, technical specifications, and firsthand testing, here are the leading pastel pencil brands worth considering:
| Brand | Best For | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils | Rich pigmentation, layering | High pigment load, durable core | Premium |
| Stabilo Carbothello | Versatility, affordability | Wide color range, easy to sharpen | Mid-range |
| Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel | Detail work | Harder core, excellent for fine lines | Mid-range |
| Derwent Pastel Pencils | Unique color selection | Soft application, less dust | Mid-range |
| Conte à Paris Pastel Pencils | Bold strokes, expressive work | Chalky texture, thicker core | Budget |
1. Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils: Premium Pigment, Professional Results
Caran d’Ache is a Swiss brand synonymous with luxury and performance. Their pastel pencils are no exception, offering a buttery-smooth application and intense pigmentation. These pencils have a slightly harder core than soft pastels but still blend beautifully on textured paper.
Artists praise them for their ability to layer without muddying colors. According to Potato Art Studios, Caran d’Ache pastel pencils excel in producing vibrant, rich tones that hold up well under fixative. They’re ideal for artists who prioritize color intensity and archival quality.
- Pros: High pigment load, excellent lightfastness, minimal dust
- Cons: Expensive, limited availability in some regions
2. Stabilo Carbothello: The Reliable All-Rounder
If you’re looking for a pastel pencil that strikes a balance between quality and cost, Stabilo Carbothello is a standout choice. Widely recommended in artist communities like Reddit and Facebook groups, these pencils offer a smooth, consistent laydown with minimal dust.
With over 60 colors in the range, they’re perfect for both beginners and professionals. The soft yet stable core allows for both broad shading and fine detailing. They’re also easy to sharpen—a critical feature for artists who need precision without breakage.
As noted in the Felicity Franks blog, Stabilo pencils are particularly well-suited for initial layers and base tones, thanks to their blendability and coverage.
- Pros: Affordable, wide color range, easy to sharpen
- Cons: Slightly less pigment saturation than premium brands
3. Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel: Precision for Portraits and Detail
Faber-Castell’s Pitt Pastel Pencils are engineered for control. With a firmer core than most pastel pencils, they’re ideal for fine lines, cross-hatching, and intricate textures—especially in portraiture and botanical work.
These pencils are oil-free and blend well with fingers or tools like tortillons, though they’re less creamy than brands like Derwent. Artists often use them in the final stages of a piece to add crisp edges and highlights.
As highlighted in Potato Art Studios, Faber-Castell shines when it comes to clean, sharp details that need to hold their shape over time.
- Pros: Great for detail, consistent line quality, durable core
- Cons: Not ideal for large, expressive areas due to hardness
4. Derwent Pastel Pencils: Unique Colors, Smooth Blending
Derwent, a British brand known for its innovation in colored media, offers pastel pencils that are soft, velvety, and easy to blend. What sets them apart is their unique color palette—perfect for artists looking to expand beyond the usual skin tones and primaries.
They produce less dust than traditional soft pastels, making them a cleaner option for indoor studios. On the flip side, their softness can lead to frequent sharpening, especially during detailed work.
According to Creative Bloq, Derwent is ideal for expressive, layered compositions where subtle color transitions are key.
- Pros: Soft texture, unique hues, excellent for blending
- Cons: Wears down quickly, not ideal for fine lines
5. Conte à Paris Pastel Pencils: Bold, Chalky Expression
For artists who enjoy a more traditional, chalk-like feel, Conte à Paris pastel pencils deliver. These pencils have a thicker core and a grittier texture, making them ideal for bold strokes and expressive mark-making. They’re especially popular among figure artists and those working on toned paper.
While not as refined for detail work, they offer a tactile experience that many artists find satisfying. Their affordability also makes them a great entry point for those experimenting with pastel techniques.
- Pros: Affordable, bold application, great for expressive work
- Cons: Less precise, limited color range
Tips for Buying Pastel Pencils from a Reliable Supplier
If you’re ready to buy pencils—whether individually or in sets—it’s crucial to choose a trusted pencil supplier that offers quality assurance and proper storage conditions. Here are a few tips:
- Look for suppliers who specialize in fine art materials, not just general stationery.
- Check for lightfastness ratings and product specifications on the listing.
- When possible, order open stock to test a few colors before committing to a full set.
- Consider bulk discounts if you’re a professional artist or educator.
Reputable art retailers like Jackson’s Art, Blick Art Materials, and Jerry’s Artarama often carry full ranges of pastel pencils from top brands. Some even offer sample packs or trial sets.
Choosing the Right Pencil for Your Workflow
Each pastel pencil brand has its strengths, and many artists find that a mixed approach works best. For example, you might use Stabilo for base layers, Faber-Castell for mid-tone detailing, and Caran d’Ache for final highlights. Understanding how each pencil performs at different stages of your workflow can dramatically improve your results.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of how some artists structure their pastel process:
| Workflow Stage | Recommended Brand |
|---|---|
| Initial Sketch & Base Layer | Stabilo Carbothello |
| Mid-tone Shaping & Blending | Derwent or Conte |
| Detailing & Highlights | Faber-Castell or Caran d’Ache |
Final Thoughts: Invest in Tools That Match Your Style
Choosing the best pastel pencil brand isn’t just about buying the most expensive set—it’s about selecting tools that align with your artistic goals, medium preferences, and workflow. Whether you’re layering delicate skin tones in a portrait or building texture in a landscape, the right pencil can make all the difference.
Explore your options, test a few brands, and build a customized set that supports your creative vision. And always source your materials from a trusted pencil supplier to ensure quality and consistency in every stroke.
For more insights on pastel techniques and product comparisons, visit Creative Bloq’s pastel pencil guide or dive into artist reviews at Potato Art Studios.
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