Choosing the Best Pastel Pencils by Color Range and Quality

When it comes to enhancing your creative projects, selecting the right pastel pencils is crucial. Various brands offer a wide range of vibrant hues and shades, making it essential to choose one that suits your artistic needs. This article explores the top brands known for their high-quality pastel pencils, including Caran d'Ache, Derwent, Faber-Castell, and more. We will also discuss the key factors to consider when choosing the best pastel pencils, such as color range, lightfastness, and handling.

Top Brands for Pastel Pencils

Caran d'Ache

Caran d'Ache is renowned for offering a diverse array of pastel pencils with a color range of up to 96 hues. These pencils are highly sought after for their intense, pigmented colors and excellent blending capabilities. Ideal for detailed work, Caran d'Ache pastels are perfect for artists who value precision and detail.

Derwent

Derwent is a well-known brand that provides a wide range of pastel pencils with a color range of up to 60 hues. These pencils are known for their vibrant and rich pigmentation, making them suitable for both beginners and professionals. Derwent pastels are easy to handle and blend, providing a smooth and consistent color application.

Faber-Castell

Faber-Castell stands out with its robust pastel pencils, offering a color range of up to 64 hues. These pencils are designed to be durable and long-lasting, making them ideal for use in a variety of artistic styles. The lightfastness of Faber-Castell pastels ensures that your artwork will not fade over time, preserving the colors for many years to come.

Other Notable Brands

Carathello

Carathello offers super smooth pastel pencils with a maximum color range of 60 hues. The pencils are known for their all-round color range that includes neutral, brown, red, purple, and yellow to green hues. Carathello pencils are excellent for those looking to create a balanced and harmonious color palette in their artwork.

Castel Pitt

Castel Pitt offers fantastic and sturdy pastel pencils that always maintain a sharp point. These pencils are highly lightfast and slightly harder than Stabilo pastels, making them ideal for detailed portrait drawing. The robustness of Castel Pitt pastels ensures that they can withstand the rigors of frequent use, making them a reliable choice for professional artists.

New Formula Pastel Pencils

The new formula pastel pencils are known for their superb all-round color range of up to 72 hues. These pencils are moderately soft, making them easy to use and blend. They are ideal for artists who prefer a softer texture and can work well for both detailed and broad strokes.

Koh-i-Noor Giocanda

Koh-i-Noor Giocanda offers pastel pencils with a maximum color range of 49 hues and a unique texture. These pencils have a powdery soft feel and intensely pigmented colors. The thick barrel and 5 mm core can be challenging to sharpen using regular sharpener but can be shaped with a knife. This brand is suitable for artists who appreciate the texture and uniqueness of their pastels.

Key Factors to Consider

When choosing the best pastel pencils, consider the following factors:

Color Range: A broader range of hues will give you more options for color play. Lightfastness: Ensure that the pencils are lightfast to maintain the color integrity of your artwork over time. Handling: Consider the comfort and ease of use of the pencils. Some pencils have a cork coating that can make them more comfortable to hold. Blending: Look for pencils that blend easily and provide smooth transitions between colors.

Conclusion

The best pastel pencils depend on your specific needs and preferences. Caran d'Ache, Derwent, Faber-Castell, Carathello, Castel Pitt, New Formula Pastel Pencils, and Koh-i-Noor Giocanda are all excellent choices. Each brand offers unique benefits and features, so it's important to try out a few different options to find the one that works best for you. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, these brands will help you bring your artistic vision to life with vibrant and lasting colors.