Choosing Pastel Pencil Brands: A UK Beginner's Guide

You've decided you want to try pastel pencils, but now you're facing the real question: which brand? They all promise "smooth application" and "vibrant colours," but with prices ranging from £50 to £250+ for a decent set which will you choose?

Which will genuinely help you achieve those soft blends and crisp details you’re aiming for in your realistic artwork without crumbling in your hand or costing a fortune?

Will they be a joy to use, or a source of frustration?

I understand that feeling of uncertainty.

When I first ventured into pastel pencils, choosing the right brand felt like a gamble.

That's why I've systematically tested a wide range of pastel pencils available to us here in the UK.

This guide is designed to share that practical experience, helping you cut through the marketing hype and make an informed decision that suits your artistic goals and budget

How Different Pastel Pencil Brands Can Help Your Realistic Art Goals

You know pastel pencils can bring softness, expressive marks, and efficient coverage to your art. But how do you choose a brand that will best help you achieve these qualities in your realistic work?

The Goal of This Guide:

This guide moves beyond the general benefits of pastel pencils. We'll explore how specific brand characteristics (like core hardness, pigment quality, and blendability) directly impact your ability to create realistic effects.

Finding Your Fit:

Some brands excel at fine detail, others at smooth blending for soft backgrounds, and some offer excellent value for learning the ropes. We'll help you match a brand to your specific artistic aims and how you intend to use pastel pencils (e.g., for full pieces, underpaintings, or mixed media).

Key Consideration:

Remember, even the best pencils need the right paper. This guide focuses on the pencils themselves, but always consider pairing your chosen brand with an appropriate surface (see our Pastel Paper Guide)

Matching Pastel Pencil Brands to Your Needs

Your experience level influences which pastel pencil characteristics will benefit you most. As we review each brand, consider which of these descriptions best fits you:

• Complete Beginner (to art or pastels): You'll want brands that are forgiving, blend reasonably well, and aren't excessively expensive, allowing you to learn fundamental techniques without a hefty initial investment. I'll highlight good student or budget-friendly artist sets.
• Developing Skills (e.g., Coloured Pencil Artist Exploring Pastels): You might look for artist-grade brands with good pigment quality and consistency that allow you to integrate pastel techniques with your existing skills. Open stock availability for replacing colours will become important.
• Advanced Practice: You'll likely appreciate brands offering specific strengths, such as exceptional lightfastness, a particular core hardness for detail or coverage, or a wide, nuanced colour range. You might even use multiple brands for different tasks.
• Mixed Media Explorer: Consider how a brand's characteristics (e.g., hardness, solubility if applicable, how they layer with other media) will fit into your mixed media approach.

My individual brand reviews later in this guide will offer insights into which brands typically align with these different needs.

Pastel Pencil Brands Available in the UK

Choosing a brand is one thing; finding and buying them conveniently and economically in the UK is another. Keep these factors in mind when considering different brands:

UK Retailer Availability:

While some brands are stocked widely, others might only be found at specialist online art suppliers (e.g., Jacksons Art, Cult Pens) or larger art stores. We'll note general availability for each brand.

Open Stock vs. Sets by Brand:

If you anticipate needing to replace individual colours (you will!), check if a brand offers good open stock availability in the UK. Some brands are easier to find as individual pencils than others.

Price Points Across Brands:

Pastel pencil brands in the UK range from budget-friendly student lines to premium artist quality. We'll give you a general idea of where each brand sits, helping you compare value.

Brand-Specific Set Sizes and Value:

When considering sets, look at the range of colours offered by a specific brand and which set size provides the best value for that brand and your needs.

Trying Before Buying (Brand Specific):

Some UK shops might have display sets for testing certain brands, or you might find sample packs from online retailers. This can be invaluable before committing to a full set of a particular brand.

Pastel Pencil Brands – A Closer Look (Performance, Techniques, Comparisons)

Now we get to the heart of the matter: looking at individual pastel pencil brands available in the UK.

For each brand, I’ll share insights based on my own experience, tests, and observations from the wider art community.

We'll cover their general characteristics, how they typically perform for techniques crucial to realistic art, their pros and cons, and who they might be best suited for.

This should give you a clearer idea of how they compare and help you narrow down your choices.

Derwent pastel Pencils

Brand Snapshot

A well-known UK manufacturer, Derwent offers a range of 72 pastel pencils.

Their formula has been updated over the years for a reportedly softer, smoother application. Matching pastel sticks are also available.

Performance and Technique Compatibility

• Layering and Blending: Generally, these pencils blend well, and their softer texture can be pleasant for building up layers of colour.
• Detail Work: Due to their relative softness, achieving and maintaining a very fine point for minute details can sometimes be challenging. Care is needed to avoid crumbling if too much pressure is applied to a very sharp tip.
• Dust: Reported to be less dusty than some very soft traditional pastel sticks.
• Sharpening: Careful sharpening is recommended to minimise core breakage, especially if aiming for a fine point. A good quality manual sharpener or the knife-and-sandpaper method is advisable.

Pros

• Comprehensive range of 72 colours.
• Good blending capabilities.
• Availability of matching pastel sticks is a plus for combined work.

Cons

• The softer cores may be prone to breakage during sharpening or if used with heavy pressure for fine details.

UK Availability and Price

• Widely available in UK art shops and online. Typically mid-priced for artist grade. Open stock is usually available.

Best For:

• Artists seeking a broad colour selection and a softer pastel pencil feel. Good for general pastel work, portraits, and landscapes where ultra-fine, crisp detail isn't the absolute priority for every single element.

My Verdict:

• Derwent Pastels offer a good all-round experience, particularly with their wide colour choice and blendability. They are a comfortable pencil to use. Just be patient and gentle when sharpening for those finer details.

Faber Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils

Brand Snapshot:

Faber-Castell's Pitt Pastel Pencils are a highly regarded artist-quality range of 60 colours. They are known for their oil-free formulation, and the pastel leads are housed in cedarwood casings.

Performance and Technique Compatibility:

• Layering and Blending: These pencils offer excellent, smooth application, allowing for consistent layering and blending. They respond well to blending with fingers, stumps, or other tools.
• Detail Work: Being somewhat firmer than some other brands, they hold a point very well, making them an excellent choice for detailed work and precise lines.
• Dust: Moderate.
• Sharpening: Best sharpened with a very sharp, good-quality hand-held sharpener or a craft knife to achieve and maintain a good point.

Pros

• Consistent high quality and very smooth laydown.
• Particularly good for achieving fine details due to a slightly firmer, yet not scratchy, core
• Good lightfastness ratings across the range.
• Open stock is readily available.

Cons

• The pencils themselves feature reference numbers and lightfastness stars but do not have colour names printed on them, which can be a minor inconvenience for some artists during colour selection.

UK Availability and Price:

• Widely available in the UK from most art suppliers. Positioned as a premium artist-grade pencil, so in the mid-to-higher price bracket.

Best For:

• Artists at all levels who require reliable performance, excellent detail capability, and strong lightfastness. A very solid choice for both beginners investing in quality and experienced artists.

My Verdict:

• The Pitt Pastels are a personal favourite of mine for their dependability and how well they maintain a point for detailed realistic work. They are a very trustworthy option and blend beautifully.

Cretacolor Pastel Pencils

Brand Snapshot:

An Austrian brand, Cretacolor offers a range of 72 pastel pencils. They are often noted for their quality and slightly firmer texture.

Performance & Technique Compatibility

• Layering and Blending: Their firmer texture allows for controlled application and good layering. They blend well with standard pastel techniques.
• Detail Work: The firmness is an advantage for achieving and holding a point, making them suitable for detailed work.
• Dust: Moderate
• Sharpening: The original advice from Peter Weatherill (and often from the manufacturer) was to sharpen these with a knife or sandpaper block, as the leads could be brittle in some mechanical sharpeners. Modern sharpeners with good blades may fare better, but care is needed.

Pros

• reliable brand known for good handling characteristics.
• Good general lightfastness.
• Offers a wide range of 72 colours.

UK Availability and Price:

• Available in the UK from various art suppliers. Often seen as offering good value for an artist-grade pencil.

Best For: 

• Artists who prefer a slightly firmer pastel pencil that offers good control, or those who are comfortable with careful sharpening methods like using a knife and sandpaper.

My Verdict:

• Cretacolor pencils are solid performers, especially if you like that bit of extra firmness for underdrawings or initial layers. If you master the sharpening, they are a very capable pencil.

Caran d'Ache Pastel Pencils

Brand Snapshot:

A premium Swiss brand, Caran d'Ache Pastel Pencils are renowned for their exceptionally smooth application and robust, high-quality construction. They offer a range of 84 colours.

Performance & Technique Compatibility:

• Layering & Blending: They provide an incredibly smooth laydown, allowing for beautiful, seamless layering and blending.
• Detail Work: Excellent for fine details as they hold a point very well due to their quality core and casing.
• Dust: Tend to be less dusty than many other brands.
• Sharpening: These pencils sharpen beautifully with minimal breakage, reflecting their superior construction and lead quality.

Pros

• Superb, top-tier quality with a very smooth and consistent application
• Excellent for achieving fine, crisp detail and maintain their point well.
• Robust leads and casings mean minimal breakage during sharpening or use
• Good lightfastness.

Cons

• The primary drawback is their premium price point; they are among the most expensive pastel pencils on the market.

UK Availability amd Price:

• Available from specialist UK art retailers. They are at the high end of the price spectrum.

Best For:

• Professional artists or serious hobbyists who prioritise the absolute best in quality, performance, and handling for detailed work, and for whom budget is less of a concern.

My Verdict:

• Caran d'Ache pastel pencils are a true pleasure to use if your budget can accommodate them. The quality is immediately apparent. For fine, controlled realistic work and a luxurious feel, they are exceptional.

Stabilo CarbOthello Pastel Pencils

Brand Snapshot:

These German-made pencils are known for their dry, somewhat 'chalky' or charcoal-like feel. They offer a range of 60 colours and have a slightly thicker colour strip than some brands.

and

• Layering and Blending: They layer well and can be blended effectively, though the blended result often retains that slightly drier, more 'pastel-y' look rather than a very slick, painterly blend. They can be smudged and blended with fingers or tools.
• Detail Work: Can be sharpened to a good point and are capable of producing fine details. Their drier nature can be an advantage for certain textural effects.
• Dust: Being drier and more charcoal-like, they can be a bit dustier than creamier pastel pencils.
• Sharpening: Sharpen well with a standard good-quality sharpener

Pros

• Respond well to a variety of techniques, including hatching and stippling
• Good for achieving fine detail.
• Their unique dry, charcoal-like feel can be very desirable for artists who like that specific texture or who also work with charcoal.
• Can be used wet (though primarily designed as dry).

Cons

• No colour names are printed on the pencils, only reference numbers.
• The distinctly dry texture might not appeal to artists seeking a very creamy or soft pastel pencil.

UK Availability and Price:

• Readily available in the UK from most art suppliers. Generally sit in the mid-price bracket for artist-grade pencils.

Best For:

Artists who appreciate a drier, more traditional pastel or charcoal-like feel. Excellent for drawing (as opposed to more painterly pastel work) and for mixed media where this texture is beneficial.

My Verdict: 

• CarbOthello pencils have a distinct character that many artists love. If you enjoy a drier pastel that can still be blended and sharpened for detail, they are an excellent choice. They offer a different creative experience to the softer, creamier brands.

Bruynzeel Design Pastel Pencil

Brand Snapshot:

From the Netherlands (now part of the Sakura Group), Bruynzeel Design offers a range of 48 high-quality pastel pencils

Performance and Technique Compatibility:

• Layering & Blending: These pencils offer good layering capacity and blend smoothly.
• Detail Work: Capable of achieving good detail when sharpened to a fine point.
• Dust: Moderate.
• Sharpening: Generally sharpen well, though as with all pastel pencils, a good sharpener is key.

Pros

• High-quality formulation with good pigments.
• Often considered excellent value for their quality level.
• Presented in attractive, practical storage boxes (like foam-lined drawer boxes), which is a nice bonus.

Cons

• No colour names on the pencils, only numbers, which can be a minor inconvenience for some.

UK Availability and Price:

• Available in the UK and are often priced very competitively for their artist-grade quality, making them a strong value proposition.

Best For:

• Artists at any level seeking high-quality pastel pencils without the premium price tag associated with some other top-tier brands. An excellent choice for students and professionals alike.

My Verdict:

• Bruynzeel Design pastels are a fantastic option, particularly if you're looking for top-notch quality on a more modest budget. They perform very well across the board and are a pleasure to use.

Royal Talens Van Gogh Pastel Pencils

Brand Snapshot:

Produced by Royal Talens in Holland, these pencils are part of the well-respected Van Gogh range, known for good quality artist materials. They were available in a range of 45 colours.

Performance and Technique Compatibility:

(Carol's Note: My direct, crecent comparative testing for this specific review didn't include a full set of the Van Gogh pastel pencils. The following is based on their general reputation and Peter Weatherill's past notes.)

Generally known for good pigment quality and lightfastness, consistent with the Van Gogh branding. Expected to offer good layering and blending.

Pros

• From a reputable manufacturer with a history of quality art materials
• Historically used good lightfast pigments.

Cons

• In the past, they could be priced higher compared to some other artist-grade brands of similar performance.
• Availability in the UK market for the full range and open stock might be more limited now compared to other brands.

UK Availability and Price:

• Availability of the full range and open stock in the UK needs to be checked with current suppliers. Historically, they were in the mid-to-higher price range.

Best For:

• Artists who trust the Royal Talens brand and have had good experiences with their other Van Gogh products.

My Verdict:

• While I don't have fresh test notes for this guide, Van Gogh is a respected name. If you find them available and the price is competitive, they are likely to be a good quality pencil. I would recommend checking recent user reviews and UK supplier stock levels if you are specifically considering this brand.

Conté à Paris Pastel Pencils

Brand Snapshot:

Conté is a historic French brand, famous for its drawing crayons. Their pastel pencils (range of 48) have a distinct character, often described as being harder and waxier than many other brands.

Performance and Technique Compatibility:

• Layering and Blending: Due to their harder consistency, they layer in a more controlled, linear fashion. Blending is possible but may require more effort or different techniques (like using a very firm blender or solvent) compared to softer pastels. They are less about creating soft, smudgy blends and more about defined marks.

Detail Work: 

• Their hardness is a significant advantage for creating very sharp lines, fine details, and crisp edges.

Dust:

• Generally less dusty due to their harder, somewhat waxier formulation.

Sharpening:

• Sharpen well to a very fine, strong point.

Pros

• Excellent for achieving crisp detail and retaining sharp lines.
• Their unique, firmer consistency is ideal for specific styles, underdrawings, or when distinct marks are desired.
• A historic and reputable brand.

Cons

• Noticeably harder and less 'creamy' than most other pastel pencils. This means they may not intermix as readily with softer brands in layers or cover large areas as opaquely without significant effort.
• The feel is quite different, which might not suit artists looking for a very soft, easily blendable pastel pencil for painterly effects.

UK Availability & Price:

• Generally available in the UK, typically in the mid-price range.

Best For:

• Artists who prioritise very crisp detail, require a harder pencil for defined lines (perhaps for illustration or technical-style work), or those who already use and enjoy Conté crayons and want a pencil equivalent. Excellent for sketching and for initial outlines under softer pastels.

My Verdict:

• Conté pencils are quite distinct and serve a specific purpose well. If you need very fine, hard, and durable lines, they are superb. They feel more like a hard drawing crayon in pencil form. Less suited if your primary goal is very soft, painterly effects achieved through easy smudging and blending.

Koh-I-Noor Gioconda Pastel Pencils

Brand Snapshot:

Manufactured in the Czech Republic by a long-established company, the Koh-I-Noor 'Gioconda' line of pastel pencils (48 colours) is often praised for its high quality relative to its accessible price point.

Performance & Technique Compatibility

• Layering & Blending: These pencils are generally known for being quite soft and smooth, which facilitates good layering and easy blending.
• Detail Work: They can be sharpened to a decent point, but due to their softness, the point may wear down more quickly than with harder pencils, requiring more frequent resharpening for sustained detailed work.
• Dust: Being softer, they are likely to produce more dust than very hard brands but are comparable to other soft artist-grade pastels.
• Sharpening: Generally reported to be easy to sharpen, though care should still be taken as with any pastel pencil.

Pros

• Soft, smooth application with good pigment load.
• Feature bright, clear colours
• Frequently praised for good lightfastness across the range.
• Considered to offer excellent value for money, providing artist-level quality at a more budget-friendly price.

Cons

• The colour range of 48 is smaller than some other leading brands.

UK Availability and Price:

• Widely available in the UK and are generally one of the best value artist-grade pastel pencils you can find.

Best For:

• Beginners looking for an affordable entry into artist-quality pastel pencils, students, or any artist wanting soft, vibrant pastel pencils without a high price tag. An excellent workhorse pencil.

My Verdict:

• Koh-I-Noor Gioconda pastel pencils are a fantastic option, especially if value for money is a key consideration. They are soft, vibrant, and a pleasure to use. An excellent choice to start your pastel pencil journey or to supplement more expensive sets with a reliable, affordable option.

Supply Chain Reality Check (General Points for Pastel Pencils)

When investing in pastel pencils, consider:

• Availability and Open Stock: Can you easily replace your most-used colours? Most brands listed offer open stock in the UK, but it's worth checking for your preferred supplier.
• Consistency: Artist-grade brands generally offer good consistency between batches.
• Colour Matching: Colours can vary slightly between brands even if they have similar names. If precise colour matching is critical, stick within one brand for that element or test carefully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing & Using Pastel Pencils:

Buying the Wrong Paper: Using paper with too little tooth (like standard cartridge paper) will lead to frustration as pastel won't adhere or layer well. (See my Pastel Paper Guide).

Expecting No Dust: All pastels create some dust. Work in a well-ventilated area and tap dust off, don't blow.

Pressing Too Hard Too Soon: Build layers gently, especially with softer pastel pencils.

Over-Sharpening Soft Cores: Softer pastel pencils need gentle sharpening; a craft knife or dedicated pastel sharpener often works better than aggressive mechanical ones. (See my Sharpening Guide)

Not Using Fixative (or using it incorrectly): Pastel work is prone to smudging. Use a good quality pastel fixative lightly between layers if needed, and as a final protective coat. Test fixative on a scrap piece first as it can alter colours slightly.

Making Your Choice: Which Pastel Pencils for You?

For Your First Set (UK Beginner):

• Consider Koh-I-Noor Gioconda or Bruynzeel Design for excellent quality at a great price. A set of 24-36 is a good starting point.
• Faber-Castell Pitt is also a very solid, reliable choice if your budget allows for a step up.
• What you'll learn: Basic application, blending, layering, understanding pastel texture.
• Potential struggles: Sharpening any pastel pencil takes practice; managing dust.

For Upgrading or Expanding Your Collection:

• If you want premium smoothness and detail: Caran d'Ache.
• For a wide colour range and softer feel: Derwent Pastels.
• For a unique dry, charcoal-like feel: Stabilo CarbOthello.
• For very crisp, hard lines useful for initial sketches or sharp details: Conté à Paris.
• Consider buying smaller sets of different brands to experience their unique properties or select individual open-stock pencils to fill gaps in your existing collection.

For Coloured Pencil Artists Venturing into Pastels:

Pastel pencils can brilliantly complement your existing coloured pencil work for underpaintings, broad areas, or softer effects.

You might find firmer pencils like Faber-Castell Pitt or Conté à Paris integrate well for defining edges or adding details over coloured pencil layers (used lightly), while softer ones like Koh-I-Noor Gioconda or Derwent can be great for blocking in initial soft layers.

Exploring pastel pencils opens up a wonderful new dimension to your artwork. The key is to choose a brand that aligns with your current needs and to pair them with suitable paper.

Your Next Step: Perhaps start with a small, recommended beginner set, get a few sheets of good pastel paper, and experiment with the techniques discussed in my Pastel Pencils Techniques Page.

Which pastel pencil brand has caught your eye, or which ones have you had good experiences with?

Share your thoughts and questions on the Contact page. 

Copyright © 2009- pencil-topics.co.uk   All rights reserved

Home   |   About Us   |   Contact Us   |   Privacy Policy