This guide breaks down the top pastel pencils available today and where to buy pencils from reliable, artist-approved pencil supplier sources. We’ll explore leading brands, compare performance, and offer practical advice for selecting the best tools for your style and budget.
Why Pastel Pencils Are a Must-Have for Artists
Pastel pencils combine the expressive color payoff of soft pastels with the precision of graphite tools. Their dry, pigment-rich cores allow for layering, blending, and detailed mark-making without the mess of loose pastel sticks. Ideal for everything from portraits to landscapes, they’re especially popular among artists who work on toned paper or require fine control over shading and texture.
But not all pastel pencils are created equal. Core softness, pigment load, color range, and casing quality all affect performance. That’s why sourcing from trusted brands and suppliers is essential.
Best Pastel Pencils by Brand: A Comparative Overview
Let’s break down the top contenders in today’s market, drawing from expert reviews and artist feedback.
| Brand | Best For | Core Hardness | Color Range | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stabilo CarbOthello | All-around use, beginners | Medium-soft | 60 colors | Mid-range |
| Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils | Professional detail work | Hard | 84 colors | Premium |
| Faber-Castell PITT | Detail and layering | Hard | 60 colors | Mid-range |
| Cretacolor Pastel Pencils | Vibrant color, blending | Soft | 72 colors | Affordable |
| Derwent Pastel Pencils | Unique tones, layering | Medium | 72 colors | Mid-range |
1. Stabilo CarbOthello – Best Value and Versatility
Widely praised by artists across skill levels, Stabilo CarbOthello pastel pencils strike a balance between softness and control. They glide smoothly on paper, making them excellent for initial layers and base shading. According to Potato Art Studios, they offer the best overall value thanks to their affordability and ease of use.
Notable features include:
- Water-soluble for added blending options
- Medium-soft core ideal for both broad strokes and moderate detail
- Available in open stock and sets
Pros: Affordable, versatile, beginner-friendly
Cons: Slightly less durable than harder-core options
Where to buy: Look for authorized art supply retailers or OEM pencil suppliers with a reputation for quality control and consistent inventory.
2. Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils – Premium Quality for Professionals
If you’re looking for top-tier performance, Caran d’Ache pastel pencils are hard to beat. With a harder core and exceptional pigment density, they’re ideal for fine detail work, especially in portraiture and realism. The pencils are encased in premium cedar wood, ensuring durability and a smooth sharpening experience.
As noted by Creative Bloq, these pencils offer one of the widest color ranges and are a go-to for professionals seeking precision and longevity.
Pros: Superior craftsmanship, excellent color payoff, long-lasting
Cons: Higher price point, less blendable due to harder core
Best sourced from certified Caran d’Ache distributors or high-end art supply chains that guarantee genuine stock.
3. Faber-Castell PITT – Precision and Performance
Faber-Castell’s PITT pastel pencils are known for their consistent quality and fine-point accuracy. Their harder core makes them perfect for line work, crosshatching, and detailed texture creation. According to Felicity Franks, they shine in the later stages of a drawing, especially when you need crisp, clean edges.
Pros: Excellent for details, minimal dust, strong core
Cons: Not ideal for broad blending or soft transitions
These are widely available through both art retailers and global pencil supplier networks. Look for suppliers that offer both open stock and full sets for flexibility.
4. Cretacolor Pastel Pencils – Soft and Blendable
Cretacolor pastel pencils are a favorite for artists who prioritize soft application and rich color. Their cores are among the softest in this list, making them ideal for expressive work and smooth transitions. Creative Bloq highlights their vibrant tones and ease of blending as standout features.
Pros: Smooth blending, soft texture, affordable
Cons: Softer core can break more easily during sharpening
Buy from established European art suppliers or wholesalers that specialize in pastel media. OEM options may also be available for bulk orders or educational institutions.
5. Derwent Pastel Pencils – Unique Color Range
Derwent’s offering stands out for its earthy, muted palette—perfect for naturalistic work. With a medium core softness, these pencils are versatile enough to use throughout the drawing process. Felicity Franks notes that Derwent’s color choices make them ideal for skin tones and organic textures.
Pros: Unique tones, reliable layering, good for mixed media
Cons: Some colors less pigmented than competitors
Available through major art supply distributors and online retailers. Be sure to check for open stock availability if you need to replace individual colors.
What to Look for in a Reliable Pencil Supplier
When it comes to where to buy pencils, not all suppliers are equal. Here’s what to look for:
- Authenticity: Ensure the supplier is authorized by the brand or sources directly from the manufacturer.
- Open Stock Access: Especially important for artists who need to replace individual colors.
- Shipping & Handling: Pastel pencils are fragile—look for suppliers with secure packaging practices.
- Bulk Pricing or OEM Options: Ideal for schools, studios, or professional artists buying in volume.
Some trusted online suppliers include Jackson’s Art Supplies, Blick Art Materials, and Jerry’s Artarama. For wholesale or OEM sourcing, consider working directly with manufacturers or B2B distributors in Europe or Asia.
Choosing the Right Pastel Pencil for Your Workflow
Different brands excel at different stages of the artistic process. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to integrate them into your workflow:
| Workflow Stage | Recommended Brand | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Layering | Stabilo CarbOthello | Soft enough to lay down color easily, yet controlled |
| Blending & Transitions | Cretacolor / Derwent | Soft cores allow smooth transitions and tonal variation |
| Detailing & Highlights | Caran d’Ache / Faber-Castell | Harder cores maintain sharp points for precision |
Final Thoughts: Invest in Quality, Source with Confidence
Pastel pencils are more than just drawing tools—they’re an extension of your artistic vision. Whether you’re just starting out or refining a professional toolkit, investing in the right brands and sourcing them from reliable pencil supplier channels ensures consistency, quality, and creative freedom.
By understanding each brand’s strengths and aligning them with your workflow, you’ll not only improve your results but also enjoy the process more fully. For more detailed product comparisons and artist reviews, check out the full breakdowns at Potato Art Studios and Creative Bloq.
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