PASTELS

From the buttery smoothness of Sennelier pastels to the rich pigmentation of Rembrandt, our carefully curated selection offers something for every artist. Whether you're a beginner exploring new techniques or a seasoned professional seeking the highest quality materials, Cass Art has the perfect pastels to inspire your creativity. Experience the joy of pastel painting with our range of premium brands, including Caran d'Ache and Schminke.

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PASTEL BRANDS

REMBRANDT

Rembrandt, a legendary name for a range that is known for its superior and unparalleled quality. It has been developed through pure skill and artistic insight and is based on the best pigments. This allows Rembrandt products to boast unique characteristics such as maximum fineness, lightfastness and durability. This Dutch brand was started in 1899 by Marten Talens in Apeldoorn, Holland. Talens received its Royal designation in 1949, and remains a mark of high quality for artists worldwide.

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SENNELIER

For the last 130 years, Sennelier has used the best materials available by using the traditions of the Old Masters as well as using the innovations of modern chemistry to create art materials which are still highly regarded worldwide. Used by world renowned artists such as Cezanne, Picasso and Van Gogh, their pastel range remains their legacy, by using the best pigments to produce vibrant creamy-textured oil pastels while their soft pastels have brilliant, bright colours in one of the widest colour ranges.
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SCHMINCKE

Schmincke has been producing exquisite, high quality artists’ colours across all mediums since 1881. With beautiful watercolours, Schmincke also produces vibrant watercolour ink and pastel sets, all manufactured to be top quality for artists across the world. Their motto, Meliora Cogito, means “I strive for the best”, which is true of all their artist materials.

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UNISON COLOUR

Unison Colour produce high quality, soft artist pastels in the UK. Their story begins in the 1980’s, when artist John Hersey discovered that mass-produced, factory made pastels didn’t offer the kind of quality he was looking for. He therefore decided to make his own, and today Unison Colour Soft Pastels makes over a quarter of a million sticks every year. They are created by artists, for artists.

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FROM THE BLOG

THE JOURNEY OF A PASTEL WITH UNISON COLOUR

Unison Soft Pastels are a professional quality pastel, handmade in the UK using the finest materials. We went behind the scenes to their incredible factory.

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FAQs

HOW DO YOU USE PASTELS?

Pastels offer a versatile medium for artists of all levels. Soft pastels are ideal for blending and layering due to their powdery consistency, while hard pastels provide more precise lines and details. Oil pastels, with their waxy texture, create a vibrant finish and can be blended with solvents. To use pastels effectively, experiment with techniques like layering, blending, scumbling, and sgraffito. Remember to use a fixative spray to prevent smudging and choose a paper with a suitable tooth. With practice and experimentation, you can master the art of pastel painting and create stunning works of art.

DO YOU NEED SPECIAL PAPER FOR PASTELS?

Yes, you do need special paper for pastels. The type of paper you use can significantly impact the outcome of your pastel artwork. The best paper for pastels has a tooth, or texture, that helps the pastel adhere to the surface. This prevents the pastel from smudging or blending excessively. Popular choices for pastel paper include: Pastel paper: Specifically designed for pastel work, offering a variety of textures and weights. Colored paper: Can add a unique base to your pastel artwork. Cardstock: Provides a sturdy surface for pastels. For a more detailed guide on choosing the right pastel paper and to explore our selection, visit our Pastel Paper category: https://www.cassart.co.uk/drawing/pastels

HOW DO I FIX AND PROTECT A PASTEL ARTWORK?

Use fixative in light passes. It helps reduce smudging but can slightly deepen or dull colour, so test first. For finished work, many artists prefer framing behind glass without heavy fixing to preserve the vibrancy.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOFT PASTELS AND OIL PASTELS?

Soft pastels and oil pastels are both popular art mediums, but they offer distinct characteristics and working experiences.

Soft pastels are primarily composed of pigment and a gum arabic binder, resulting in a soft and powdery texture. They are best used on textured surfaces like paper or cardboard and can be easily blended or shaded. They dry quickly, allowing for immediate layering and corrections.

Oil pastels, on the other hand, contain pigment, a binder, and oil, giving them a greasier and more waxy texture. They can be used on a variety of surfaces, including paper, canvas, and glass. Oil pastels have a slower drying time due to the oil content, which allows for more blending and layering.

In summary, soft pastels are ideal for those seeking a quick-drying, powdery medium for blending and shading, while oil pastels offer a more versatile and waxy texture, allowing for more blending and layering. The choice between the two often depends on personal preference and the desired outcome of the artwork.

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