Pastel Pads

Discover a whole new world of Pastel Pads with ArtStore Online.

Browse through our extensive range of Pastel Pads. Whether you are an avid painter, illustrator or a complete beginner, we will strive to help you with whatever you're after!

We strive to bring you the best Pastel Pads brands available, and have a wide range of art & craft supplies from trusted and respected brands from around the world, including Canson, Fabriano and more!

What are pastel pads?

Pastel pads are specialised paper pads designed for use with pastel drawing techniques. These pads typically contain sheets of paper specifically formulated to accommodate the unique requirements of pastel media. Pastel pads come in various sizes, textures, and colours to suit different preferences and artistic styles. The paper used in pastel pads is often heavier and has a textured surface, such as toothy or velour, which provides the necessary grip for pastel pigments to adhere effectively. The texture also helps to hold multiple layers of pastel, allowing artists to build up rich and vibrant colours with ease. Pastel pads are commonly used by pastel artists for creating drawings, sketches, and paintings using various types of pastels, including soft pastels, oil pastels, and pastel pencils. They offer a convenient and portable option for working with pastels, providing a dedicated surface that enhances the performance and longevity of pastel artwork.

What makes pastel pads different from other types of pads?

Pastel pads are specifically designed for use with pastel drawing techniques, distinguishing them from other types of pads. Here's how pastel pads differ from other pads:

Paper Texture: Pastel pads feature paper with a textured surface, such as toothy or velour, which provides the necessary grip for pastel pigments to adhere effectively. This texture allows pastel artists to create multiple layers of colour and achieve rich, vibrant effects that are difficult to achieve on smoother paper surfaces.

Paper Weight: The paper used in pastel pads is often heavier compared to other pads, providing durability and stability for pastel artwork. The heavier weight paper prevents warping or buckling when working with wet mediums or applying multiple layers of pastel.

Paper Quality: Pastel pads use paper specifically formulated to accommodate the unique requirements of pastel media. This paper is designed to hold pastel pigments without smudging or smearing, ensuring that the artwork remains vibrant and intact over time.

Dedicated for Pastels: Pastel pads are dedicated to pastel artwork, whereas other types of pads may be designed for different mediums such as graphite, ink, or watercolour. Pastel pads offer a specialised surface tailored to the needs of pastel artists, providing optimal performance and longevity for pastel drawings and paintings.

Overall, pastel pads are uniquely suited to the demands of pastel drawing techniques, offering artists a dedicated surface with the right texture, weight, and quality to achieve stunning results with pastel media.

What are some tips for using pastel pads?

Here are some tips for using pastel pads effectively:

Choose the Right Paper Texture: Experiment with different paper textures, such as toothy or velour surfaces, to find the one that best suits your pastel drawing style. Toothier papers hold more pastel pigment and are ideal for layering, while velour surfaces provide a softer, smoother finish.

Use Fixative Sparingly: Pastel pads are designed to hold pastel pigment without smudging, but if you're concerned about smudging or want to protect your artwork, use a fixative spray sparingly. Apply fixative in thin, even layers, holding the canister at a distance to prevent oversaturation.

Work from Dark to Light: When layering pastel colours, start with dark colours and gradually build up to lighter shades. This allows you to create depth and dimension in your artwork while minimising the risk of smudging lighter colours with darker ones.

Blend with Fingers or Tools: Experiment with blending techniques using your fingers, blending stumps, or tortillons to achieve smooth transitions between colours. Be gentle when blending to avoid overworking the paper surface.

Protect Your Work Surface: Place a protective barrier, such as a piece of cardboard or a sheet of paper, underneath your pastel pad to prevent pastel dust from transferring onto your work surface. This also helps protect your table or desk from stains and smudges.

Experiment with Underpainting: Consider applying a thin layer of pastel or watercolour wash to the paper before starting your pastel drawing. This underpainting can provide a coloured base and enhance the vibrancy of your pastel colours.

Clean Your Tools: Regularly clean your pastel sticks, blending tools, and work surface to prevent contamination and maintain the integrity of your colours. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove excess pastel dust from your tools and workspace.

Frame Your Artwork Carefully: When framing your finished pastel artwork, use a mat or spacers to keep the glass away from the surface of the pastel paper. This prevents smudging and allows the artwork to breathe while protecting it from dust and damage.