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Getting started with pastels and colored pencils is honestly pretty exciting—suddenly, there’s this whole world of color and texture at your fingertips. With some decent tools and a few tricks, we can make our drawings pop, even if we’re just getting the hang of things. Both mediums are forgiving and let us play around, which is half the fun anyway.
Let’s jump into how to pick materials that actually suit what you want to do, and look at some practical ways to blend, shade, and sketch. We’ll also cover a few common pitfalls and care tips so your supplies last and you keep improving with every piece.
Key Takeaways
- Quality materials make a noticeable difference.
- Practicing basic techniques is the fastest way to get better at blending and shading.
- Take care of your tools—they’ll stick with you longer.
Choosing Your Pastels
Picking the right pastel isn’t just about grabbing whatever’s on sale. It helps to know your options—pastel types, color choices, and which brands actually deliver what they promise.
Types of Pastels: Soft, Oil, and Hard
There are three main types you’ll run into: soft, oil, and hard pastels.
Soft pastels are the go-to for lush, blendable color. They’re perfect for backgrounds or painterly effects, but yeah, they’re messy, and a fixative is usually a must.
Oil pastels feel creamy and bold, don’t make much dust, and are great for thick, layered work. They don’t need a fixative, but they’re a bit of a different animal compared to soft pastels.
Hard pastels are firmer, keep a sharp edge, and shine when you’re after crisp lines or want to sketch out your idea before committing.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Pastel Type | Blendability | Best Uses | Clean-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft | Excellent | Blending, coverage | Messy |
| Oil | Moderate | Layering, vibrant | Low mess |
| Hard | Good | Details, outlines | Minimal |
So, think about what kind of effects you want, and maybe how much mess you’re willing to deal with.
Selecting Colors for Beginners
Don’t go wild with a giant set right away. A basic set of 12 to 24 sticks is more than enough to start. Look for:
- Primary colors (red, blue, yellow)
- Secondary colors (orange, green, violet)
- Some neutrals (white, black, brown)
- A couple of earth tones if you like landscapes
Keeping it simple helps you actually learn how colors mix and layer, instead of just getting overwhelmed. If you’re into portraits or landscapes, starter sets tailored for those subjects exist for both soft and oil varieties. Add more colors later, once you know what you reach for most.
Pastel Brands for Quality and Budget
We stick with brands that don’t let us down. Rembrandt and Sennelier soft pastels are top picks for their pigment and how smoothly they blend—pros love them for a reason.
If you’re watching your wallet, Faber-Castell and Mungyo have affordable sets that still offer good color and quality, whether you want soft or hard pastels.
Oil pastel newbies might want to try Pentel—they’re cheap, but the color’s surprisingly good. If you’re not sure what you’ll like, sampler packs are a safe bet so you can experiment before dropping serious cash.
Tip: Check for lightfastness ratings so your art doesn’t fade. Everything we stock is tested by actual artists, not just lab coats.
Understanding Colored Pencils
Colored pencils are a staple—easy to use, easy to carry, and the color range is wild. Picking the right set, though, really changes how easy it is to blend or lay down color.
Differences Between Wax-Based and Oil-Based Pencils
Most colored pencils you’ll find are wax-based. They’re soft, blend well, and give you punchy color, but sometimes you get “wax bloom”—that weird cloudy look—which you can wipe away or prevent with a fixative.
Oil-based pencils are firmer, don’t get wax bloom, and are better for detail work. They blend nicely but take a bit more elbow grease.
It’s honestly about what feels best for your style. If you like layering and smooth blends, wax-based is probably your jam. For precision and less fuss, oil-based is worth a look.
| Feature | Wax-Based Pencils | Oil-Based Pencils |
|---|---|---|
| Blending | Smooth, easy | Smooth, effort needed |
| Core Hardness | Softer | Firmer |
| Wax Bloom Risk | Yes | No |
| Detail Work | Moderate | High |
Picking the Right Colored Pencil Sets
Don’t get hung up on having every color under the sun. A set of 24 or 36 pencils is plenty to start, and you’ll use them. Confirm you’ve got the basics: primaries, some browns and greys, maybe a few skin tones if you want to draw people.
Look for info on lightfastness and blendability—good brands usually list these. If you’re working on dark or textured paper, high-pigment pencils show up better.
Accessories aren’t a must, but it’s handy if your set comes with a sharpener, eraser, or blending tools. It just makes getting started less of a hassle.
Recommended Brands for Starting Out
A few brands have earned their stripes. Prismacolor Premier is a classic for soft, blendable wax-based pencils with rich color. If you’re more about oil-based, Faber-Castell Polychromos are tough to beat for detail and lightfastness.
Derwent Coloursoft is a nice middle ground—soft, broad color range, not too pricey. If you’re just dipping your toes in, Arteza and Crayola are easy to find and fine for learning or sketching on the go.
Quick comparison:
| Brand | Type | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Prismacolor Premier | Wax-based | Soft, vibrant, blendable |
| Faber-Castell Polychromos | Oil-based | Hard lead, lightfast, precise |
| Derwent Coloursoft | Wax-based | Soft, wide color range |
| Arteza | Wax-based | Affordable, good variety |
| Crayola | Wax-based | Budget, easy to find |
Essential Tools and Materials
Having the right tools and surfaces just makes life easier. It’s not about buying everything—just what helps you blend, layer, and erase without wrecking your work.
Best Paper and Surfaces for Pastels and Colored Pencils
Paper isn’t just paper. For soft pastels, sanded pastel papers like UART or Canson Mi-Teintes are awesome—they grip the pigment and let you layer like crazy. Pastel mat is another favorite, especially if you’re into blending.
Colored pencils do best on hot press watercolor paper or paper made for colored pencils (Strathmore 400 and Fabriano Artistico are solid picks). These have just enough tooth to let you build up color without tearing or buckling. Go for heavyweight, acid-free paper so your art doesn’t yellow or fall apart over time.
Want to experiment? Toned paper pads can make your colors stand out or add a cool mood. Just make sure your paper is at least 160 gsm or it’ll buckle with too much layering.
| Paper Type | Suitable Medium | Texture Level | Weight Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanded Pastel Paper | Soft/Hard Pastels | High | 300gsm+ |
| Hot Press Watercolor | Colored Pencil | Medium-Low | 200gsm+ |
| Toned Drawing Paper | Both | Medium | 160gsm+ |
Erasers, Blenders, and Other Accessories
A couple of accessories make a real difference. Kneaded erasers are great for gentle lifting and highlights—they don’t chew up your paper. Vinyl erasers work for bigger areas or sharper lines.
For pastels, sponge blenders and tortillons are handy for smoothing out color without turning everything to mud. Colored pencils blend nicely with stumps or burnishing tools, and odorless mineral spirits can melt wax pencil layers for a painterly look (just use them on heavy paper).
A soft brush helps sweep away dust, and fixative sprays keep your finished work safe from smudges. Pencil extenders and a good sharpener mean you can use every last bit of your pencils. It’s the little things that keep the process smooth.
Basic Drawing Techniques with Pastels
Pastels are all about color and building up layers. Whether you’re just starting out or have been at it for a while, knowing how to layer, blend, add texture, and finish your work makes a huge difference.
Layering and Blending Colors
With pastels, it’s best to build color slowly. Go light at first—gentle pressure, soft layers—and then ramp up the intensity as you go.
Hold the stick flat for big, bold strokes, or use the edge for lines. Lay down lighter colors first to avoid muddying things up. Pastels mix right on the paper, so keep an eye on what’s happening as you layer.
Blending is where the magic happens. Use your fingers, a paper stump, or even a bit of tissue to smooth out transitions. Just remember to clean your tools between colors, or you’ll end up smearing more than you intended.
Different papers react differently—rougher paper lets you pile on more color. And don’t forget to tap off dust away from your work so it doesn’t get everywhere.
Creating Textures and Effects
Want texture? Hard pastels sharpened to a point or pastel pencils are your friends for details.
Layering broken strokes—just quick flicks of color—can make things look more lively, especially for leaves or grass. Scumbling (dragging the side of your pastel lightly) gives you a cool, scratchy texture.
A kneaded eraser can pull up pigment for highlights or subtle effects. Toothier paper grabs more pastel, so you can get pretty wild with textures. For dots or stippling, just tap the tip of your pastel against the paper.
Quick cheat sheet:
| Effect | Method | Tools Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Blends | Circular motion | Fingers, stump |
| Bold Texture | Broken strokes | Stick side |
| Highlights | Pigment removal | Kneaded eraser |
Fixative Application Methods
Fixatives are kind of a necessary evil if you want your pastel drawings to survive handling. Use a workable fixative between layers to lock things in place so you can keep building up color.
Hold the can about a foot away (12–18 inches), spray in light, even passes, and let it dry before touching it again. Too much fixative can flatten your colors, so go easy.
For the final coat, use a finishing fixative—just make sure you’re in a well-ventilated spot and maybe test it on a scrap first. Some papers react weirdly, and you don’t want surprises at the end. Don’t move your drawing until it’s totally dry, or you risk smudges.
Sketching and Shading with Colored Pencils
Colored pencils give us a lot of control over detail and color intensity, which is probably why so many of us keep reaching for them, regardless if it’s for light sketching or layering on bold, vibrant shading. The trick is learning how to build up and blend your colors for actual depth and a sense of realism (or at least a finished look that feels intentional).
Building Up Layers for Depth
Start with a light touch and slowly layer your color. Mixing in multiple hues—even if they seem a little odd together—can make shadows and gradients look richer and more believable. We usually recommend working from light shades and gradually sneaking in those darker tones for dimension.
Short, controlled strokes help keep the paper’s texture alive and prevent that annoying waxy buildup. Layering is pretty forgiving: you can tweak the value or even shift the color a bit without shredding your paper. Here’s a basic layering approach:
- Start with faint strokes of your lightest color.
- Keep building, overlapping strokes as you go.
- Change up your stroke direction with each layer—it helps hide lines.
- Blend with pencils close in color for smoother transitions.
Try tossing blue over brown for a cool shadow, or sneak in a bit of unexpected color for skin tones or landscapes. This kind of layering is where a drawing starts to feel three-dimensional.
Burnishing for Smooth Finishes
Burnishing is a fancy term for pressing hard with a light-colored pencil (or a colorless blender) to get a shiny, smooth surface. It flattens the paper’s tooth, smushes the pigment together, and makes colors pop—no more visible pencil lines.
Wait until you’ve got a few layers down before burnishing. White or cream pencils can brighten things up, while a colorless blender keeps the original hue intact. Here’s how we usually go about it:
- Build up four or five layers of color with light pressure.
- Grab a burnishing pencil and go over the area with firm, circular motions.
- Work in small sections so you don’t miss a spot.
Burnishing is awesome for drawing metal, glass, or anything that should look glossy and smooth. It also kind of “locks in” your colors, making the finished art look more vibrant and less likely to smudge. For this, soft-core pencils made for blending really do make a difference.
Mixing and Matching Pastels with Colored Pencils
Blending pastels and colored pencils together can open up a surprising range of effects. If you get how each one works, you can combine their strengths for way more depth and detail.
Combining Both Mediums in One Artwork
Usually, we start with soft pastels to block in big areas or backgrounds—they’re quick to blend and great for covering space. Once the pastel is down, colored pencils come in handy for sharp lines, small highlights, or anything that needs a little more definition.
Here’s a basic process:
- Lay down soft pastels for the main shapes and big patches of color.
- Blend with your fingers, a stump, or a soft cloth to smooth things out.
- Switch to colored pencils for outlines, texture, or those tiny details (think hair, shine, or crisp edges).
- A light fixative spray can help set the pastels before you go in with pencils, so nothing smears.
This mix lets you get the lush, painterly look of pastels and the precision of colored pencils all in one piece.
Effective Layering Techniques
Layering is everything when you’re mixing these two. Pastels are powdery and don’t like to stick on top of the pencil, so always start with pastels.
To add dimension:
- Apply a thin pastel layer and blend it until it looks even.
- Use a light mist of fixative to set the pastel (don’t overdo it).
- Let it dry completely before adding a pencil.
- Go in gently with colored pencils—pressing too hard will just dig through the pastel.
If you want more texture or color, you can alternate layers, but keep them light. After each layer, check if the pencil still grabs onto the pastel. It’s a balancing act, but it keeps both the softness of the pastel and the crispness of the pencil.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
A lot of beginners press way too hard with pastels or colored pencils. That just flattens the paper and makes blending a pain. Try starting with a lighter touch and slowly building up.
Overblending is another trap—if you blend too much, colors get muddy and you lose all that nice detail. Sometimes, it’s better to let the marks show.
Colors can look weird or too harsh if you don’t test them first. Swatching on scrap paper helps avoid any nasty surprises.
Paper quality is easy to overlook, but it changes everything. The texture affects how your materials stick and blend. Here’s a quick reference:
| Medium | Recommended Paper Surface |
|---|---|
| Soft Pastels | Textured or sanded |
| Colored Pencils | Smooth or lightly textured |
Skipping cleanup? That’s a recipe for ruined tools. Wipe your pencils, dust off your pastels—your supplies will last longer.
Checklist to dodge these mistakes:
- Go easy on the pressure at first
- Test colors before you commit
- Pick the right paper
- Clean your tools
- Blend, but don’t overdo it
Caring for Your Art Supplies
Taking care of art supplies might not sound thrilling, but it actually does make your work easier and your tools last longer.
Pastels:
- Store them in a padded box so they don’t snap in half.
- Gently wipe off dust with a soft, dry cloth after each use.
Colored Pencils:
- Use a decent handheld or rotary sharpener—cheap ones just break the leads.
- Keep them somewhere cool and dry to avoid warping.
Here’s a quick look:
| Supply | Care Tip | Storage Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Pastels | Wipe off dust | Padded box |
| Colored Pencils | Use a proper sharpener | Pencil case or container |
| Erasers | Clean off the residue | Small airtight pouch |
| Blending Tools | Wash or replace | Separate compartment |
It’s worth cleaning blending stumps, and erasers now and then. That keeps your colors cleaner and stops accidental smudges.
Don’t leave your supplies in the sun or somewhere damp. Both can mess them up.
Labeling your containers is a small thing, but it makes finding stuff so much faster. A little organizing really does go a long way.
Inspiring Project Ideas for Beginners
If you’re just getting started with pastels and colored pencils, simple projects are the way to go. They help you build skills and, honestly, they’re pretty satisfying.
Nature studies: Draw a leaf, a flower, or a piece of fruit. Focus on layering and simple shapes. It’s a good way to practice blending and shading without getting overwhelmed.
Still life basics: Grab a cup, an apple, or whatever’s lying around. Arranging a few objects lets you play with composition and light.
Patterned backgrounds: Try doodling some overlapping shapes or patterns, then fill them in with color. It’s a low-pressure way to experiment with color combos.
A few more ideas:
- Sketch your favorite mug or a keychain.
- Draw a landscape from a photo, but don’t stress over the details.
- Color a geometric pattern using just three pencils.
| Project Idea | Materials Needed |
|---|---|
| Simple Fruit Study | Colored pencils, paper |
| Floral Close-Up | Soft pastels, sketch pad |
| Geometric Patterns | Pastels, ruler, pencils |
| Everyday Objects | Pastels or pencils, eraser |
Sometimes, bold lines and a limited color palette look best when you’re starting out. We usually suggest using whatever you have on hand—no need to buy fancy props. The main thing is to make art a regular, enjoyable habit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Having the right supplies, knowing the basics of blending and layering, and picking the right materials all matter. Folks also want to know about care, display, and how to actually get better with pastels and colored pencils.
What are the essential materials needed for a beginner to start drawing with pastels?
We’d say start with a decent set of soft or oil pastels, a couple of blending tools (like tortillons), and a kneaded eraser. Get paper made for pastels and a fixative spray to help set your finished work.
How do I choose the right paper for pastel and colored pencil artwork?
For pastels, go for textured or “toothy” paper—it holds pigment better and you can layer more. For colored pencils, smooth, heavyweight paper is best; it won’t tear and lets you get finer detail. There are plenty of brands that label paper for each use, so that helps.
What techniques should beginners learn to effectively blend and layer colors?
Practice light layering first—don’t go in heavy-handed. For pastels, try blending with your fingers, a cloth, or blending stumps for those soft transitions. With colored pencils, subtle layering and gentle crosshatching can make a big difference in how smooth your blends look.
Can you explain the difference between oil pastels and soft pastels?
Oil pastels have a waxy, oil-based binder, so they go on creamy and bold, with less dust. Soft pastels are powdery, give you a velvety finish, and blend more easily, but they’re messier and need more careful handling. Each has its own vibe—try both and see what you like.
How often should beginners practice to improve their pastel drawing skills?
Set aside 20–30 minutes a few times a week if you can. Regular, focused practice is what really helps you get the hang of color mixing, blending, and different strokes.
What are the key factors in preserving and framing finished pastel works?
A quick spritz of fixative spray can help keep your pastels from smudging when you’re handling or getting ready to frame them. If you’re framing, it’s a good idea to use a mat—this way, the artwork won’t press right up against the glass, which could mess with the texture or cause smears. And honestly, keep your finished pastel pieces out of direct sunlight; fading’s a real risk, and nobody wants that.