A Beginner’s Guide to Drawing with Pastel Pencils

Pastel pencils are a bit of a hidden gem in the art world. They bring together the soft expressive colour of pastels with the precision of a pencil, making them a brilliant choice for artists who love rich texture but want a little more control.

At Discount Art & Craft Warehouse we stock a wide selection of pastel options including pastel pencils, so whether you're just getting started or curious about switching mediums this guide will walk you through why pastel pencils are worth exploring and how to get the most from them.

What Makes Pastel Pencils Unique?

If you’ve worked with coloured pencils pastel pencils will feel familiar but with a soft velvety twist. Instead of waxy lead you’re drawing with compressed pastel. That means you get the classic chalky richness of soft pastels without the mess or smudging that usually comes with it.

They’re great for artists who want clean results with the look of traditional pastels. You’ll find they bridge the gap between drawing and painting in a way that’s intuitive and easy to learn.

Soft pastels vs pastel pencils

Soft pastels are known for their bold pigment and blendability but they’re not always easy to manage. It’s easy to overdo it or lose definition in your work. Pastel pencils are more precise so you can still blend and build colour with sharper edges and more control.

They’re ideal for tight spaces in your art like eyes or fine lines where soft pastels are too broad. This makes them especially popular with portrait artists and illustrators who want expressive colour without sacrificing detail.

Where pastel pencils shine

Pastel pencils really shine in layered work. You can start with broad pastel shapes and come back in with a pencil to define sharpen or highlight. They’re also perfect on their own for full pieces especially if you’re working small or on the go.

Plenty of artists use them in sketchbooks or on textured surfaces. They’re less dusty than sticks and a bit more forgiving if you’re not working in a full studio setup.

Getting Started: Choosing the Right Tools

A good pencil is a great start but pastel work is all about surface and feel. The right paper, tools and accessories can make a big difference in how the pastel behaves and how much fun you have using it.

Taking a little time to set yourself up properly can help you get better results and enjoy the process more. Discount Art & Craft Warehouse has everything you need in one place so it’s easy to put together a basic pastel kit.

What to look for in the best pastel pencils

Look for soft creamy cores that sharpen well and hold their point. Some brands focus on lightfastness which means your colours won’t fade if you hang them on the wall. If you like layering or blending go for pencils that lay down pigment easily without too much pressure.

Discount Art & Craft Warehouse stocks pastel pencil sets for every level from beginners to experienced artists. You can find single pencils and complete sets depending on what suits your budget and style.

Surfaces and accessories that make a difference

Pastel pencils perform best on paper with a bit of texture. Papers with gentle tooth grip the pigment without wearing down the pencil too quickly. It makes layering smoother and blending more effective especially for fine detail work.

Techniques for Texture and Dept

Once your tools are sorted the fun part begins. Pastel pencils are incredibly versatile and with a bit of practice you’ll find they open up a range of creative options you might not expect from a dry medium.

Whether you’re experimenting with soft shadows or trying to refine highlights they’re a tool that rewards layering and patience. You’ll be surprised how much dimension you can get using just a handful of colours.

How to blend and layer pastel pencils

Start with light pressure and build gradually. You can blend colours directly with your fingers or use a blending stump. For smoother transitions try overlapping colours before softening the edges with a gentle touch.

Because pastel pencils sit on the surface rather than soaking in you can keep layering to build depth and richness. Test your blends on a spare sheet to see how colours interact before committing them to your final piece.

Shading highlights and finishing touches

Use the natural sharpness of a pastel pencil to add definition where needed like facial features or small textures. For soft shadows build them gradually using crosshatching or circular strokes then blend lightly to create softness.

Kneadable erasers are great for pulling out highlights or softening edges without smudging. Save your lightest tones for last and use them to bring your drawing to life with contrast and clarity.

Time to Get Creative!

Whether you’re new to pastels or just want something tidier and easier to control pastel pencils are a smart satisfying way to explore colour and texture. At Discount Art & Craft Warehouse we’ve got everything you need to get started from trusted pencil sets to pastel-friendly papers and tools. Explore the full range today.