STABILO Chalk-Pastel Artist Colored Pencil CarbOthello ARTY Tin Set of 60, Eraser, Sharpener, Blender - Watercolor Effects

Great pastel pencils. My favorite for pastel drawing. Not too hard or scratchy. Superior product

Let me start by saying I'm no artist, I only color as a hobby in coloring books. So take my perspective for what it is - that of a hobbyist who loves trying out new techniques and learning about art. I watched a whole bunch of reviews comparing different pastel pencil brands. Most reviewers agreed that Stabilo made some of the best pastel pencils and when the price dropped to an unbelievable $46, I jumped on it.As you can see, I've already colored many pages with these pencils and love them to bits. I'm able to complete pages within a few hours in one sitting, as opposed to many hours spread over a week or so I take with colored pencils. These pencils blend, smudge and smear so well it's no joke! The colors are rich, vibrant and become even more brilliant when you set it with water. I don't like using fixative but these pencils don't produce much dust (way less than pastel sticks!) so I don't need to thankfully.For the price, they're hands down the best pastel pencils you can buy. I don't know how soft or hard these are compared to other brands but I do know they blend very easily even on smooth coloring book paper. I imagine they'll work even better on textured pastel mat. 60 colors are more than enough for any project you might have since you can mix whatever shade you want on a palette or scrap paper or even blend it directly on the page. Well worth it, whether you're an artist or colorist like I am.

I bought the Stabilo set on the recommendation of the teacher of a pastel drawing class which I took recently at the local arts center, and I have been very pleased with my purchase. The pencils allow the artist to supply details to his/her pastel painting by using the soft pastel pencils instead of the less manageable pastel chalks. When uing the pencils in connection with the chalks, the pigmenrts are easily blendable so that chalks and pencils can be used together ona single painting. The pencils come packaged in 2 plastic trays in which each individual pencil has its own slot, so the pencils are less likely to be damaged in moving. The 2 trays come in a "tin" metal case which opens like a clamshell allowing 1 tray to pe placed in each half so that all of the pencils are readily available for use. New users who are not familiar with "soft" pastels may be surprised by how quickly the pigment is used which necessitates the frequent sharpening of the pencils; however, this usage is characteristic of soft patel pigments whether chalks or pencils. I have used my pencils extensively, and have no complaints about the product. It would be a super gift for any artist who uses or would like to learn how to use soft pastels. The carrying case is not only practical but is visually attractive as well. In my oinion, Stabilo has earned its 5 stars on this one.

Just the right softness, they don’t break when sharpened. Beautiful colors. My only complaint is that the bottom layer of pencils is so tightly packed it’s hard to get one out. Maybe referring tom, otherwise very happy.

Love these pastel pencils!

Really happy with pencils. They are quite firm but not as firm like the Faber Castell Pitt Pastel pencils with a great range of colours. I was quite disappointed when opening that there was black plastic all through the container and the top tray was broken. I don't want to return it because I live in New Zealand and have waited so eagerly for these pencils. If the tray wasn't damaged I would have given 5 stars. I found one of the pencils is also chipped but can sharpen it.

These pencils can be used on top of other layers of pastels for fine details. They are softer than other brands. I love working with these pastel pencils.

Excellent, pretty good price at $60, also like Derwents and found excellent paper, read the review!!! If things change I will update this review. I have not tried Prismacolor but that is because I feel they are overpriced, and I have read that these are just as good and lightfast, true to colour as any $700 set. So, we will see. Also trying thte stick, but bought a small sampler set to see if I even like to draw that way. I am into watercolour and pencils of graphite, colour, carbon, pastel and watercolour pencils. Have a small charcoal set, but such a mess, I get the darks from carbon but hard to find and they are really expensive unless on sale.Also try this paper, you do not need to buy expensive sanded art paper, GO TO HOME CDEPOT!!!! Spend pennies on the dollar and this pack will give you a good range for the finest grit, I paid a rediculous amount for one sheet of 800 grit sand paper at an art store. I am sure you can get larger sheets.9 x 11 Inch, 800 to 3000 Grit Sandpaper Assortment, Dry/ Wet, 14 Pieces, for Automotive Sanding, Wood Furniture Finishing, Wood Turning FinishingAlso for $7 cannot beat this sample set bu very small, like 1" sticks and thin. Have not worked with pastel stick long enough to talk about quality, but a great small set to try out and see if you like the looseness of that type of artMungyo Soft Pastel 64 Color Set Square Chalk