Pastels have become a vital part of my sketching toolkit, allowing me to quickly capture mood, atmosphere, and vibrant color. Over time, I’ve tried various types—from high-end oil pastels to humble children’s sticks—and each one has surprised me in different ways. Below are four pastel sets I’ve used, paired with sketches that reflect their character and how they helped me grow as an artist.
Sennelier Oil Pastels – Landscape Challenge
This sketch of a mountainous field with pine trees and wildflowers was made using a 12-color Sennelier oil pastel set. At first, I found them quite challenging to use due to their buttery softness and limited palette. Blending colors felt more like painting than drawing. It took some trial and error, but once I got used to the creamy texture, I started to appreciate the layering potential and richness these pastels could offer. See my pastel set here.
Mungyo Gallery Soft Pastels – Urban Drama
The two sketches of illuminated cityscapes—one of the Moulin Rouge in Paris—were done with Mungyo Gallery soft pastels. I absolutely loved their vibrant pigmentation and how easily they laid down on paper. The pastels gave my urban night scenes a glowing, dramatic energy. However, the downside was the strong chemical smell, which triggered a mild allergic reaction. I now wear a mask when using them, but still turn to them when I want bold expression. All colors in this set are here.
Caran d’Ache Neocolor II – Water Meets Wax
These sketches—a peaceful lily pond and a mountainous valley—were done using Caran d’Ache Neocolor II, which are water-soluble wax pastels. What I love most about them is their versatility. I can use them like regular pastels or activate them with water to create soft watercolor washes. This dual nature lets me play between bold marks and gentle transitions, giving my sketches both structure and fluidity. Btw, I have post about my water soluble art supplies. You can read it here.
Children’s Tempera Sticks – Surprisingly Brilliant
Believe it or not, these colorful and energetic sketches were made using general school-grade tempera sticks. They’re packaged like glue sticks, so they’re mess-free and easy to handle, even when sketching on the go. Despite their simplicity, the colors are incredibly vivid and layer surprisingly well. These tempera sticks turned out to be perfect for quick, spontaneous sketching without worrying about cleanup. I have 12 color set, see it here.
Each pastel set has its own voice—from the painterly Sennelier oils to the spontaneous energy of children’s tempera. As an artist, experimenting with these materials has taught me not only new techniques but also new ways to see and feel a scene. Sometimes the most surprising results come from the most unexpected tools. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned sketcher, I highly recommend giving each type a try—you might just find your new favorite medium hiding in a school supply box.
