Why Pastel Pencils Are a Must-Have for Artists
Pastel pencils combine the expressive qualities of soft pastels with the control of a pencil. Artists love them for their ability to render fine details while retaining the richness and vibrancy typical of pastel media. Compared to traditional soft pastels, they’re cleaner to use, easier to transport, and ideal for layering, hatching, and blending in controlled spaces.
However, not all pastel pencils are created equal. Factors like core hardness, pigment load, and casing quality can influence your workflow. That’s why knowing where to buy pencils from reputable brands—and understanding what makes each brand unique—is crucial.
Top Pastel Pencil Brands Worth Your Investment
Based on artist feedback, expert reviews, and hands-on testing, the following pastel pencil brands consistently rank as the best in the industry. Let’s explore what sets them apart.
| Brand | Core Hardness | Blendability | Pigment Saturation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils | Medium | Excellent | Very High | Professional color work |
| Faber-Castell Pitt Pastels | Hard | Moderate | High | Fine detail, portraits |
| Stabilo Carbothello | Soft | Excellent | High | Blending and layering |
| Derwent Pastel Pencils | Medium-Soft | Good | Moderate | General sketching |
| Conte à Paris Pastel Pencils | Hard | Fair | High | Line precision |
1. Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils – Premium Pigment and Performance
Swiss-made Caran d’Ache pastel pencils are often considered the gold standard. Their smooth, creamy texture and high pigment concentration make them ideal for artists seeking bold, expressive color. The core is slightly softer than Faber-Castell’s, allowing for excellent blending without being overly fragile.
Artists praise their ability to layer beautifully and maintain vibrancy even after smudging or toning. According to Creative Bloq, they’re particularly effective for professional artists who demand consistency and color fidelity across large works.
Pros:
- Rich, highly pigmented colors
- Excellent lightfastness
- Great for layering and blending
Cons:
- Premium price point
- Can be too soft for extremely fine detail
2. Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils – Precision Meets Vibrancy
Faber-Castell’s Pitt Pastels are known for their harder cores, which make them perfect for detailed work like portraiture or architectural drawing. Despite the firm lead, these pencils still deliver vibrant color with minimal dust—a huge plus for clean workflows.
As highlighted in Felicity Franks’ blog, these pencils are especially suited for artists who prioritize control and precision. Their durability also makes them a favorite for plein air artists and those who frequently sharpen their tools.
Pros:
- Hard core for fine detail
- Minimal smudging and dust
- Vibrant, consistent color application
Cons:
- Less blendable than softer pencils
- May feel dry to some users
3. Stabilo Carbothello – Best for Blending and Layering
Stabilo Carbothello pastel pencils are a favorite among both beginners and professionals for their soft, chalky texture and ease of blending. They sit somewhere between a soft pastel stick and a colored pencil, offering the best of both worlds.
In a Reddit discussion, many users highlighted Carbothello’s blendability and versatility, especially when used with blending stumps or fingers. They’re also water-soluble, adding another layer of flexibility for mixed-media work.
Pros:
- Very soft and blendable
- Water-soluble for mixed media
- Affordable and widely available
Cons:
- Soft core may break during sharpening
- Needs fixative to prevent smudging
4. Derwent Pastel Pencils – Reliable and Balanced
Derwent offers a solid mid-range pastel pencil that balances softness and control. Their cores are slightly softer than Faber-Castell but not as creamy as Caran d’Ache, making them a good all-around option for artists experimenting with different pastel techniques.
They’re particularly useful for underpainting or early sketch layers, thanks to their moderate pigment load and easy erasability. According to Potato Art Studios, Derwent pencils hold their own in mixed sets, especially when blended with more premium brands.
Pros:
- Good balance of softness and control
- Affordable for beginners
- Available in sets and open stock
Cons:
- Lower pigment intensity
- Less durable casing
5. Conte à Paris Pastel Pencils – Heritage and Precision
Conte à Paris pastel pencils are known for their hard, dense cores that allow for crisp lines and detailed hatching. While they don’t blend as easily as softer brands, they’re excellent for structural drawing, crosshatching, and layering under softer pastels.
These pencils are a staple in many classical atelier studios, where line control and value studies are emphasized. Their earthy color palette—dominated by ochres, sanguine, and grays—makes them ideal for figure drawing and tonal sketches.
Pros:
- Hard core for line work
- Classic color palette
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
- Limited blendability
- Not ideal for vibrant color rendering
Buying Tips: What to Look for in a Pastel Pencil
When choosing which pencil supplier to go with, consider the following factors to ensure you’re getting tools that match your artistic needs:
- Core Hardness: Softer cores are better for blending; harder cores are better for detail.
- Pigment Load: Higher pigment content means richer and more vivid results.
- Lightfastness: Especially important for professional work that will be displayed or sold.
- Sharpening Quality: Poorly bonded pencils break easily—look for brands known for strong casings.
Where to Buy Pencils for Your Studio
Most of the brands listed above are available through major art retailers like Blick, Jackson’s Art, and Jerry’s Artarama. For bulk or OEM sourcing, working directly with a reputable pencil supplier or manufacturer ensures consistent quality and pricing. This is especially important for educators, professional studios, or artists looking to customize their own branded pencil lines.
For more on sourcing and manufacturing, check out this industry guide on pastel pencils.
Final Thoughts: Which Pastel Pencil Should You Buy?
Your choice ultimately depends on your artistic style and workflow. If you prioritize vibrant color and smooth blending, Caran d’Ache or Stabilo Carbothello are excellent picks. For fine detail and durability, Faber-Castell Pitt Pastels or Conte à Paris are better suited. Derwent offers a practical middle ground for artists still exploring their preferences.
Whichever brand you choose, investing in high-quality pastel pencils will elevate your art and make every stroke more satisfying. So go ahead—buy pencils that match your vision, and let your creativity take form in color and line.
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