What are Soft Pastels
Soft pastels are one of the most expressive and versatile drawing media available to artists. If you've ever been curious about this beautiful medium, here's everything you need to know to get started.
What are Soft Pastels?
Soft pastels are sticks of pure pigment bound together with a small amount of binder, usually gum tragacanth or methyl cellulose. Unlike oil pastels, which are waxy and greasy, soft pastels are dry and chalky, allowing for rich, velvety colour and effortless blending. They are one of the oldest and most lightfast drawing media, with many pastel paintings from the 18th century still looking as vibrant as the day they were made.
Why Choose Soft Pastels?
- Incredibly vibrant, pure colour straight from the stick
- Easy to blend and layer for smooth transitions
- No drying time — work at your own pace
- Highly lightfast — colours remain vivid for generations
- No brushes, solvents, or water needed
- Suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike
What Surfaces Can You Use?
Soft pastels work best on textured surfaces that grip the pigment. Popular choices include pastel paper, sanded pastel boards, and velour paper. The texture of the surface has a big impact on the final result, so it's worth experimenting to find what suits your style.
How Do You Fix a Pastel Painting?
Finished pastel paintings can be sprayed with a fixative to help protect the surface, though many artists prefer to leave their work unfixed to preserve the freshness of the colour. Pastels are best stored flat or framed behind glass to protect them from smudging.
Getting Started
You don't need a huge set of pastels to begin — a small selection of colours and a few sheets of pastel paper are all you need to get started. Moira has put together a recommended supply list to help you choose the right materials.
If you'd like to see soft pastels in action, take a look at Moira's recommended artists with free YouTube tutorials — a great way to learn techniques and find your own style.