Whether you’re a seasoned portrait artist or just beginning your journey into pastel work, choosing the right pastel pencil can make all the difference. These versatile tools offer the rich pigment of soft pastels with the precision of a pencil, making them ideal for detailed drawings, layering, and blending. But with so many brands on the market, knowing which ones to trust — and where to buy pencils — can be overwhelming.
This guide explores the top pastel pencils available today, drawing insights from professional artists and trusted reviews. We’ll also highlight reputable pencil supplier options, so you can make confident, informed purchases that support your creative goals.
Why Choose Pastel Pencils?
Pastel pencils combine the vibrant pigment of traditional pastels with the control of a pencil format. Artists favor them for:
- Creating fine details in pastel portraits and landscapes
- Layering colors without excessive smudging
- Blending with precision in tight spaces
- Cleaner application compared to soft pastel sticks
They are especially useful for mixed-media work and are often used in combination with other pastel types. However, not all pastel pencils are created equal — differences in core hardness, pigment quality, and blendability can significantly impact your results.
Top Pastel Pencil Brands Compared
Based on insights from artists and industry experts, we’ve compiled a comparison of the most recommended pastel pencil brands. Each has unique strengths, catering to different skill levels and artistic needs.
| Brand | Best for | Texture | Color Range | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stabilo CarbOthello | All-around use | Soft and blendable | 60+ | Affordable |
| Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils | Professional detail work | Firm, high pigment | 84 | Premium |
| Faber-Castell PITT | Precision and layering | Harder core | 60 | Mid-range |
| Cretacolor Pastel Pencils | Blending and shading | Medium softness | 72 | Mid-range |
| Derwent Pastel Pencils | Unique color tones | Medium-firm | 72 | Moderate |
1. Stabilo CarbOthello: Best All-Around Pastel Pencil
Stabilo CarbOthello is a favorite among artists for good reason. These pencils offer excellent pigment load and a soft texture that makes them ideal for blending and layering. According to Potato Art Studios, they strike a perfect balance between performance and price, making them especially appealing to beginners and intermediate artists.
Pros:
- Highly blendable and easy to erase
- Affordable for most budgets
- Works well on toned and textured paper
Cons:
- Tips can break if sharpened too finely
- Less suited for ultra-fine detail
2. Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils: Premium Choice for Professionals
For artists seeking the highest quality, Caran d’Ache pastel pencils are hard to beat. They feature a dense, richly pigmented core that allows for unparalleled color payoff and longevity. According to Creative Bloq, these pencils excel in both texture and durability, making them ideal for professional-grade work.
Pros:
- Extremely high pigment concentration
- Durable and less prone to breakage
- Excellent for layering and fine detail
Cons:
- Higher price point
- May be too firm for soft blend transitions
3. Faber-Castell PITT: Precision and Control
Faber-Castell’s PITT pastel pencils are known for their harder core, which makes them ideal for detailed line work and layering. As noted by Felicity Franks Portraits, their firmness allows for precise application without excessive smudging — perfect for rendering facial features or architectural elements.
Pros:
- Excellent for fine details and outlines
- Minimal dust and clean application
- Good lightfastness
Cons:
- Harder to blend than softer brands
- May require more layering for depth
4. Cretacolor Pastel Pencils: Smooth and Versatile
Cretacolor offers a well-rounded pastel pencil with a medium softness that works well for both blending and detail. Their pencils are often praised for their smooth laydown and vibrant hues. Artists looking for a balance between softness and control will find these a reliable option.
Pros:
- Good for both shading and detail
- Strong color variety
- Affordable mid-range pricing
Cons:
- Can be dusty on certain papers
- Less known compared to bigger brands
5. Derwent Pastel Pencils: Unique Color Selection
Derwent’s pastel pencils are favored by artists who value a distinctive color palette. Their range includes subtle earth tones and muted shades that are harder to find in other brands. While they may not be the softest, they offer solid performance for layering and color mixing.
Pros:
- Excellent for muted and natural tones
- Good for mixed media techniques
- Durable and less prone to crumbling
Cons:
- Less vibrant than other brands
- Moderate blendability
Tips for Buying Pastel Pencils from Trusted Suppliers
Once you’ve selected your ideal brand, the next step is finding a reliable pencil supplier. Whether you’re purchasing for personal use or in bulk for a studio or school, consider the following:
- Reputation: Look for suppliers with positive reviews and artist endorsements.
- Product authenticity: Ensure the pencils are genuine, not knock-offs or repackaged items.
- Bulk discounts: Many suppliers offer lower prices per unit for larger orders.
- Shipping and handling: Pastel pencils are delicate — proper packaging is essential.
Some reputable online suppliers include Jackson’s Art, Blick Art Materials, and Jerry’s Artarama. For OEM or wholesale needs, companies like Koh-I-Noor and General Pencil Company offer direct purchasing options for large-scale buyers.
How to Use Pastel Pencils Effectively
To make the most of your investment, consider the following workflow tips:
- Start with soft pencils like Stabilo to block in base tones and blend large areas.
- Use firmer pencils like Faber-Castell or Caran d’Ache for defining edges and adding detail.
- Layer gradually, allowing each layer to settle before adding more pigment.
- Sharpen carefully using a knife or sandpaper block to avoid breaking the core.
- Fixative spray can help preserve your work, but test it first to avoid altering colors.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Pastel Pencil for You
The best pastel pencil ultimately depends on your artistic style, budget, and project needs. If you’re just starting out, Stabilo CarbOthello offers great value and versatility. For professionals, Caran d’Ache delivers unmatched quality and control. And for those seeking unique tones and precision, Faber-Castell, Cretacolor, and Derwent each bring something special to the table.
Whichever brand you choose, buying from a trusted pencil supplier ensures you receive genuine products that perform as expected. Take time to test different pencils, mix brands as needed, and enjoy the flexibility that pastel pencils bring to your creative process.
For more in-depth reviews and artist recommendations, visit Potato Art Studios or explore the detailed buying guide at Creative Bloq.
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