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It’s been a moment since I’ve posted a new materials blog but you’ve been asking about my favorite pastel sets!
Looking into the world of soft pastel painting can be a little daunting. There are just so many brands, so many options, which ones are “right” and how do I know what to purchase when I start my collection?
Developing your palette is more about curating the specific colors and values you need. One of the handmade lines I deeply adore is Unison Colour!
Unison pastels are handmade in Northumberland, UK. They have a beautiful website here and lots of info about how they make their pastels (half a million per year!).
What I love about these are their unique hard/softness which gives them a “goldilocks” feel in the hand. For many students, beginning to work with the very soft brands (Sennelier, Schmincke, Great American, to name a few) is difficult. These pastels are beautiful and amazing, but if you haven’t developed a soft touch, learning to vary your pressure on the surface, things can go downhill (and quickly!).
THE BEST SETS FROM UNISON COLOUR
Note: Pastels are NOT chalks. Chalks were originally created by dying limestone. Now, chalks are generally made with calcium carbonate or gypsum. Chalk is not nearly as high in chroma or intensity as pastel. They do look the same as they are both in sticks but pastel is an entirely different medium. You may find some search engines referring to pastel art as “chalk pastels” – this is an inaccurate description of fine soft pastel art.
It is also important to note that there are differences in pastels relating to the hardness. The hardness of the pastel depends on how much binder is present and mixed into the pigment. So, you can have hard soft pastels or soft soft pastels! 😉 Many brands vary and this is why it is so important to do your research before purchasing.
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I recently painted with this set for an online demo via Instagram Live. Visit that link and you can watch me paint four (!) different small pieces with only this set. It was such a joy to talk and meet with those who attended live and I will be doing this again! It’s a little nerve-wracking to have so many folks tuning in but everyone is always so kind. You are the best!
2. Set of 18 Landscape Pastels (These are 40% off now!)
Ok so maybe you’re not ready for the 36 piece set (or this 72 piece set that is drool-worthy) and want to test the waters. This 18 piece set is perfect! This would make a great gift for an artist or student learning to paint. Unison creates very thoughtful sets; this set has really nice darks, doesn’t have overly “crayon-esque” colors, and could be used for a variety of genres.
This beautiful set is awesome if you want more bang for your buck. Since these are just half the stick size, you get more colors (colours? wink).
Aren’t they beautiful? Unison’s are big enough to halve and still get quite a bit of pigment! Using a soft, light touch will also help conserve your pastels while also helping you avoid “mud” – the dreaded overworking of color.
Tell me, have you tried Unison’s yet?
xoxo,
Bethany
Yes! Unison’s are my very favorite pastel. They are indeed the “Goldilocks” of soft pastels.
Julie from Oklahoma…Howdy neighbor.
Howdy Julie!
Hi Bethany, You are very talented but am sure you know that as others have attested to. I would love to see and hear more You Tube Videos that include the various pastels you use and more at length videos as well. As with Marla B she gives an hour or more free to watch You Tube videos and explains as she goes along what she is doing and why. Have watched your videos and wish to hear more when you add eg pastel pencil. Why that and not a hard pastel etc. Studio set up, what do you have to catch – the pastel dust. Best size to work on. I have many that are the 9 x 12 size and don’t find anywhere a ready made frame or mat. Do you use only UArt paper ? What do you think of Pastelmat paper? how does one decide between a watercolour wash/and alcohol wash ? To sum up just would love to learn more about how you have decided to use this or that: pastel and why…paper, etc. And to see a work finished. How do you store those that you have done and finished. A from A to Z tutorial ! Becoming a Patreon subscriber is great and a leap I wish to make but feel first
to know more about your techniques to be certain that they are what I feel would best fit into my learning curve that will be a forever experience. Many thanks to you and I do enjoy watching and listening to you as you are a very lovely and pretty woman with a great talent and wish you all the very best ! Cynthia