Whether you’re a seasoned illustrator or just beginning your journey into pastel art, choosing the right pastel pencil can make a world of difference. With so many options available online, selecting a reliable brand that aligns with your artistic style, budget, and workflow can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the top pastel pencil brands, offering insights from artists and manufacturers alike to help you make a confident purchase from a trusted pencil supplier.
What Makes a Great Pastel Pencil?
Before diving into specific brands, it’s important to understand what separates a high-quality pastel pencil from the rest. Unlike traditional colored pencils, pastel pencils are made with a pigment-rich, chalky core that offers a soft, blendable texture. Artists use them for layering, shading, and detailing in pastel artworks without the mess of loose pastel sticks.
Key features to look for include:
- Pigmentation: Rich, vibrant color payoff is essential for creating depth.
- Blendability: The ability to layer and smudge colors smoothly.
- Core Strength: A durable core reduces breakage during sharpening and use.
- Color Range: A wide palette allows more creative flexibility.
Now, let’s explore the top pastel pencil brands you can buy online today.
1. Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils — Premium Performance
Swiss-made and revered by professionals, Caran d’Ache pastel pencils are often considered the gold standard. Their pencils are known for their exceptional color saturation and buttery application, making them ideal for blending and layering.
According to Potato Art Studios, Caran d’Ache offers unmatched durability and vibrant output, even on textured surfaces. The cores resist breakage well, and the pencils sharpen to a fine point—useful for detailed work.
Pros:
- Strong, break-resistant core
- Excellent for blending and layering
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Smaller color range compared to some competitors
Ideal for: Professional artists and serious hobbyists looking for top-tier quality.
2. Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils — Balanced and Reliable
Faber-Castell is a household name in the art world, and their Pitt pastel pencils offer a consistent, well-rounded experience. These pencils are praised for their moderate softness, making them versatile for both fine lines and soft shading.
As noted by Emily Rose Fine Art, Faber-Castell delivers a reliable drawing experience with a good balance between firmness and blendability. The colors are lightfast, and the pencils are available in open stock, which is great for replacing individual shades.
Pros:
- Consistent quality and performance
- Lightfast colors
- Available individually and in sets
Cons:
- Not as soft as some other brands
Ideal for: Artists who want a dependable pastel pencil with good all-around performance.
3. Stabilo Carbothello — Affordable and Versatile
Stabilo Carbothello pastel pencils are a favorite among students and professionals alike. They strike a balance between affordability and high-quality performance, offering vibrant colors with a smooth, chalky texture.
According to The Artistic Gnome, these pencils have a finer core, making them excellent for detailed work. They also blend well with water—a unique feature that can expand creative possibilities.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Great for detail work
- Water-soluble for mixed media
Cons:
- Less durable core
- Requires frequent sharpening for large areas
Ideal for: Beginners, students, or artists who want a versatile, affordable option.
4. Derwent Pastel Pencils — Smooth and Blendable
Derwent’s pastel pencils are known for their smooth application and ease of blending. They have a slightly softer core than Faber-Castell, making them ideal for layering and creating soft transitions in color.
Artists like Emily Rose appreciate Derwent for its velvety texture and ease of use, especially when working on larger compositions. They’re also widely available through online pencil supplier platforms, making them easy to restock.
Pros:
- Excellent blendability
- Soft texture for smooth transitions
- Good mid-range price
Cons:
- May require fixative to prevent smudging
Ideal for: Artists who focus on soft shading and tonal work.
5. Conte à Paris — Bold Texture and Large Core
Conte pastel pencils stand out for their large 5mm core and chalk-like consistency. They’re ideal for artists who prefer bold strokes and a more traditional pastel feel. The texture is gritty, which can be a benefit or drawback depending on your technique.
As detailed in The Artistic Gnome’s review, Conte pencils lend themselves well to expressive, gestural work. However, they may not be ideal for fine details due to their thicker core.
Pros:
- Large, durable core
- Strong pigmentation
- Great for bold, expressive work
Cons:
- Less suited for fine detail
- Grainy texture may not appeal to everyone
Ideal for: Artists who enjoy bold, textured pastel drawings.
6. Cretacolor Pastel Pencils — Budget-Friendly with Solid Quality
Cretacolor may not have the name recognition of Caran d’Ache or Faber-Castell, but it offers surprisingly good quality for the price. These Austrian-made pencils are a smart choice for artists who want to experiment without a major upfront investment.
As highlighted in Creative Bloq’s buying guide, Cretacolor pastel pencils offer solid pigmentation and a decent range of colors. While they may not be as soft or blendable as premium brands, they’re dependable for sketching and practice sessions.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Good pigmentation
- Decent color range
Cons:
- Less smooth blending
- Core may be brittle
Ideal for: Budget-conscious artists or educators stocking classroom supplies.
Comparison Table: Pastel Pencil Brands at a Glance
| Brand | Texture | Blendability | Core Strength | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caran d’Ache | Soft | Excellent | High | Premium |
| Faber-Castell | Medium | Good | High | Mid-High |
| Stabilo Carbothello | Chalky | Good | Medium | Affordable |
| Derwent | Soft | Very Good | Medium | Mid-Range |
| Conte à Paris | Gritty | Moderate | High | Mid-Range |
| Cretacolor | Medium | Fair | Medium | Budget |
Where to Buy Pastel Pencils Online
When you’re ready to buy pencils, sourcing from a reputable pencil supplier ensures you’re getting authentic, high-quality products. Major art supply retailers like Blick, Jackson’s Art, and Jerry’s Artarama offer a wide selection of pastel pencils, often with individual pencil options and full sets.
For bulk or OEM purchases, contacting a manufacturer directly through platforms like Alibaba or specialized stationery suppliers can offer better pricing and customization options—particularly useful for art schools or professional studios.
Final Thoughts
The best pastel pencil for you depends on your artistic goals, technique, and budget. Whether you need the premium performance of Caran d’Ache or the budget-friendly reliability of Cretacolor, there’s a brand that fits your needs. Evaluate your style, test a few options if possible, and invest in quality tools that elevate your creative process.
For more detailed reviews and artist insights, check out these resources:
- Potato Art Studios: Best Pastel Pencil Brands
- Creative Bloq: Best Pastel Pencils Guide
- The Artistic Gnome: Conte vs. Stabilo
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