PASTELS SUPPLY LIST

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Most of the following materials are included in a list I have compiled at Blick (www.dickblick.com). Note that some materials are marked as "Required"(Basic) and some as "Recommended" (Optional). Please read my comments below before ordering. To visit this list, please go to: https://www.dickblick.com/lists/blicku/HHK8DCG4PVQXV/publicview/.

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However, some materials cannot be found on Blick. Instead, you can buy them through other vendors, like Amazon. I have included links to them.

 

While I've recommended specific brands, there are many other professional-quality options available. Similarly, you can find other local or online vendors more suitable for you. In that regard, I would like to mention that there is a website specialized in pastel materials that is Dakota pastels, https://www.dakotapastels.com/ where you can find most high-quality materials specifics for pastel. Feel free to choose alternatives based on your preferences or budget.

 

If you are on a tight budget, consider starting with the basic items listed, read my suggestions below, and add more materials as needed.

 

 

Basic Materials

Most of the following materials are in the Blick list and are listed as "Required". The glassine paper is not in the Blick list, but you can find it on Amazon.

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Cretacolor Pastels (Set of 72 Basic Colors) 

This set is an essential starting point. It provides a great range of colors for most of your work. If you can afford more, consider complementing this set with softer pastels (See my recommendation below). If on a tight budget, the Cretacolor set of 24 is an acceptable alternative. Note that the Cretacolor boxes are very flimsy! For transporting, I recommend you use special care so they don’t break.

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Link to buy it on Blick

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Art Spectrum Colourfix Pastel Paper (White, 19.5" x 27.5", 4 Sheets) 

High-quality paper for pastel work. These sheets are quite large but you can cut them down for smaller works.

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Link to buy it on Blick

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Blick Sketch Board (23.5" x 26") 

To attach your paper securely while you work. This size of board will allow you to work on relatively large works, but if you normally work on smaller sizes, a smaller board will be more convenient.

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Link to buy it on Blick

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General's Factis Extra Soft Eraser

Any soft eraser similar to this will do.

Link to buy it on Blick

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Blick Artist Tape, White 1"x 60 yards

Use this tape or similar tape or clips to attach paper and glassine to the board. 

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Link to buy it on Blick

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Glassine Art Paper Roll, 24 in x 25 yards, from Bright Creations

This is to protect your work from smearing.

 

Link to buy it on Amazon

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Optional Materials

Some of the following materials are in the Blick list and are listed as "Recommended". A few materials are not on Blick but you can find them on Amazon or other vendors.

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Sennelier Soft Pastels (Set of 40 Half-Sticks)

These soft pastels complement your hard pastels. Buy even a larger set (like the set of 80 half sticks) if your budget allows to have more colors.

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Link to buy it on Blick

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Cretacolor Pastel Pencils (Set of 24)

I recommend pastel pencils if you like control and detailed work but if your work is loose and not detailed, you will not need them. If your budget allows, go for the set of 72 colors.

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Link to buy it on Blick

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General's Factis Mechanical Eraser

Good to erase small areas, in case you like work with detail.

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Link to buy it on Blick

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Sennelier Pastel Fixative

Sometimes I use Latour Pastel Fixative from Sennelier to fix intermediate layers if the paper becomes clogged with pastels. Not needed when using light touch and only a few layers with hard pastels or pencils. I don't use as a final layer to fix the work as it changes the colors. 

 

Link to buy it on Blick​​​​

 

Nitrile Gloves

I use nitrile gloves to protect my hands. You may need that or another type of gloves specially if you blend with your fingers.​

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Paper towels and/or rags

To clean your hands or gloves if you use them for blending and for cleaning pastels. Best if they are soft, lint-free towels.​

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Utility knife or brass sharpener

I still haven't found a good sharpener that doesn't break the lead of pastel pencils. I do it the old way, using a utility knife. I use OLFA 5003 L-1 18mm Ratchet-Lock Heavy-Duty Utility Knife (Link to buy it on Amazon). After using the knife, I use a sandpaper block if I need to sharpen it to a point (link to buy it on Blick)

 

 

Some students find difficult to use the utility knife. In that case you can buy a brass sharpener with replaceable blades from Dakota.com. They recommend to replace the blades often. (Link to buy it on Dakota)

 

 

Additional information on pastel materials​

Here you will find some general information about materials that will give you a better understanding when buying your pastels.

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Types of Pastels

Pastels come in different softness depending on the brand. Note that Oil pastels are not included in this classification as it is a different medium. Most artists prefer to use a combination of both soft and hard pastels (or/and pastel pencils) so they can get the advantages of all types in different stages or areas of the work.

 

SOFT PASTELS

Soft pastels are best for blending and vibrant colors but can be harder to control for fine detail. They are more delicate, can break easily and create more dust. Not good for layering as they clog the paper quickly.

 

HARD PASTELS

Hard pastels are ideal for fine details and layering, but they don’t offer the same color richness as soft pastels. They are firmer than soft pastels and therefore don’t break as easily and don’t create as much dust.

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PASTEL PENCILS

Pastel pencils are hard pastels in the form of a pencil, giving you even more control but with the down side that you can’t use it on its side.

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Classification of pastel brands​

In the following link you will find a classification of the best brands according to their softness, done by Dakota Pastels 

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https://www.dakotapastels.com/files/pdfs/PastelComparison2024.pdf

 

 

Paper

Pastel paper comes in different colors. I find easier to use a sanded paper in a light neutral color: light gray, cream, brown, white, etc. Medium sizes, between 11 x 14” to 18 x 24”, are suitable for most works. Working smaller or larger than that is more challenging. My favorite brands are the following but any other sanded paper will do:

 

ARTSPECTRUM COLOURFIX.

This is a medium grit sanded paper, good for all purposes, with many color choices and normally available in DC area stores. The large sheets are approximately 20x28". If you cut it in half, you get a size that it is suitable for most of your works.

 

AMPERSAND PASTELBORD

This is a sanded board with very fine grit. Great to work with detail and create a smooth surface. You need a light touch to work on this board though, so it might be a bit difficult for a beginner. Only a few colors.

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PASTEL PREMIER

This is a high-quality, sanded paper that features a durable, textured surface that holds multiple layers of pastel, making it ideal for both detailed work and expressive, broad strokes. Available in only a few colors, it provides excellent tooth to grip the pigment, allowing for rich color application and smooth blending.

 

Note that non-sanded paper like Canson Mi-Teintes or Strathmore Pastel Paper are good for quick sketches but more difficult for a finished work. They also have a very visible texture that most students don't like.  

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Recommended books

 

"On location. Plein Air Painting in Pastel" I like the colorful approach of this artist.

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"The Pastel Book" by Bill Creevy. This book has a lot of information about materials and technique. 

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“Painting the Landscape in Pastel” by Alber Handell and Anita Louise West. I like the simplicity of the composition and textures in the works of these artists.

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“Painting Brilliant Skies & Water in Pastel” By Liz Haywood-Sullivan. I like the effective design of the works by this artist.