Understanding Soft Pastels: A Beginner's Guide

Soft pastels are a gateway to a vibrant, tactile world of creativity. Whether you’re just getting started with art or looking for a new medium to explore, soft pastels offer a unique and approachable introduction to color, texture, and artistic expression. Their luminous pigments and responsive texture make them a favorite for artists of all skill levels. This guide will walk you through the essentials of working with soft pastels, from understanding how they differ from other art materials, to foundational techniques, must-have tools, and the benefits of hands-on learning in a workshop setting.

What Makes Soft Pastels Unique?

Soft pastels are made from pure powdered pigment held together by a minimal amount of binder, resulting in a rich, velvety stick that delivers brilliant color to paper. Unlike oil pastels, which use an oil-based binder, or hard pastels, which contain more binder for a firmer texture, soft pastels are prized for their ability to blend smoothly and produce intense hues.

This characteristic makes them distinct from other color media like colored pencils or markers. While colored pencils offer precision and markers provide uniformity, soft pastels excel in their expressive potential. The powdery texture enables artists to create subtle gradients, vibrant highlights, and deep shadows, often with nothing more than their fingers or a simple blending tool. Because of their composition, soft pastels are also more prone to smudging—an aspect that, when controlled, becomes a powerful tool for blending and shading.

Essential Tools for Working with Soft Pastels

Before you begin your pastel journey, it’s helpful to gather a few basic supplies. First and foremost, you’ll need a set of soft pastels. Starter sets typically include a spectrum of colors and are perfect for beginners. Paper is equally important; look for surfaces specifically labeled for pastel use, as these have enough “tooth” to hold the pigment in place. Sanded paper or textured pastel paper are both excellent choices.

In addition to your pastels and paper, consider having:

• Blending tools such as tortillons, blending stumps, or even cotton swabs

• Fixative spray to help set your finished artwork and prevent smudging

• Soft brushes for removing excess pastel dust

• An easel or drawing board to comfortably support your work

Remember that soft pastels can be messy, so keep a damp cloth or paper towels nearby to clean your hands as you work. Many artists also use gloves or finger cots to protect their skin from pigment buildup.

Fundamental Techniques: Blending, Layering, and Shading

One of the joys of working with soft pastels is the ease with which you can blend and layer colors. To blend, simply use your fingers, a blending tool, or a piece of cloth to gently smudge and merge colors together. This technique is especially effective for creating smooth transitions in skies, water, or skin tones.

Layering is another key technique. Because soft pastels are so richly pigmented, you can apply light colors over dark or vice versa, building up depth and complexity. Light pressure yields delicate washes of color, while heavier application produces bold, saturated areas.

Shading with soft pastels involves varying the pressure as you apply pigment and using the edge or flat side of the pastel stick. Experiment with cross-hatching (drawing intersecting lines) or stippling (dotting) for different textural effects. The versatility of pastels means there’s no single “right” way—part of the excitement is discovering what works best for your style.

Tips for Preserving Your Artwork

Because soft pastels remain “live” on the page, they’re susceptible to smudging, even after completion. Using a fixative spray can help protect your art, but it’s important to apply it in light, even coats to avoid altering the vibrancy of your colors. Store finished pieces flat, ideally with a protective sheet of glassine paper over the surface.

Framing pastel artworks behind glass is the best way to ensure their longevity. Avoid touching the surface once your piece is finished, as even a gentle touch can lift pigment from the page.

The Value of Workshops for Beginner Pastel Artists

Learning soft pastels on your own can be rewarding, but there’s unparalleled value in attending a hands-on workshop. At Jump Into Art Studios, workshops are designed to foster creativity and build confidence, regardless of your previous artistic experience.

In a workshop setting, you’ll receive personalized guidance, immediate feedback, and the chance to watch live demonstrations. This collaborative environment encourages experimentation, helping you overcome common beginner hurdles like blending difficulties or uncertainty about color choices. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with fellow art enthusiasts, share tips, and gain inspiration from a supportive community.

Studies show that participating in group art activities can boost both skill development and creative confidence. Workshops offer a structured path to mastering foundational techniques, expanding your knowledge, and cultivating a lifelong appreciation for the pastel medium.

Discover Soft Pastels at Jump Into Art Studios

If you’re ready to explore the colorful world of soft pastels, there’s no better place to start than with expert-led instruction and a welcoming creative community. Jump Into Art Studios offers a variety of art classes and workshops suitable for all ages and experience levels, including beginner-friendly pastel courses.

To learn more, check out our Art Classes page or get in touch with us directly through our Contact page. Whether you’re looking to develop a new hobby or deepen your artistic skills, we’re here to help you jump into art—one pastel stroke at a time!

Ready to start your pastel journey? Contact Jump Into Art Studios today or explore our upcoming workshops and classes to find the perfect fit for your creative goals.