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Artecho Soft Pastels, 50pcs, 48 Colors
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Artecho

Artecho Soft Pastels (50 Pieces)

A box of 50 square soft pastels: 48 colors plus an extra black and white, with 4 fluorescent shades that glow under UV light.

Best for: Beginners and students learning to blend, layer and shade soft pastel

Pieces
50
Colors
48
Size
8 x 8 x 27 mm
Type
Soft pastel

Buy it if

  • You want to learn soft pastel blending and layering
  • You want an extra black and an extra white stick in the set
  • You like the idea of fluorescent colors for black-light effects

Skip it if

  • You want a dust-free medium. Soft pastel is powdery, and oil pastels such as the Artecho Oil Pastels are not
  • You want long sticks. These are small, 27 mm pieces

What the Artecho Soft Pastels (50 Pieces) is

The Artecho Soft Pastels set holds 50 square soft pastels: 48 colors plus 1 extra black and 1 extra white. Four of the colors are fluorescent, and Artecho says they show luminous effects under UV or black light.

Soft pastel is a powdery, chalk-like medium. The listing says the square sticks, 8 x 8 x 27 mm each, blend and shade easily and draw points, thick and fine lines, and large areas. Each sits in its own card slot in the box.

Key features, explained

Based on the manufacturer's Amazon listing.

  • 48 colors plus extra black and white

    The set has 50 pieces: 48 distinct colors plus a second black and a second white stick.

  • 4 fluorescent colors

    Artecho says these show luminous effects under UV light or black light.

  • Square sticks

    The square shape blends and shades easily and gives you a point, a thick line, a fine line or broad coverage from one stick.

  • 8 x 8 x 27 mm pieces

    The listing says the compact size goes easily into all kinds of bags.

  • Individual card slots

    Each pastel has its own slot in the box, which the listing says keeps sticks from falling out and breaking.

  • Non-toxic

    The set is listed as non-toxic and safe to use for beginners through experienced artists.

Artecho Soft Pastels (50 Pieces) specifications

Type
Soft pastels, square
Pieces
50
Colors
48, plus extra black and white
Fluorescent colors
4
Stick size
8 x 8 x 27 mm
Storage
Individual card slots
Techniques
Blending, layering, shading
Safety
Non-toxic
Model
ATO-SP4803

Who the Artecho Soft Pastels (50 Pieces) suits

  • Beginners learning soft pastel. The listing names beginners, and the sticks support blending, layering and shading.
  • Students. The listing names students as well as experienced artists, and the set is listed as non-toxic.
  • Craft and DIY projects. The listing suggests it for art and craft projects as well as drawing.

Look elsewhere if: you want a bigger square-pastel set. The Colour Block Soft Pastels come in 100 colors in a wooden box.

Artecho Soft Pastels (50 Pieces) vs similar picks

  • Artecho Soft Pastels (50 Pieces)

    Colors
    48
    Shape
    Square
    Case
    Individual slots
    Type
    Soft pastel

    Choose it for: Extra black and white plus fluorescents

  • MUNGYO Soft Pastels (64)

    Colors
    64
    Shape
    Square
    Case
    Not listed
    Type
    Soft pastel

    Choose it for: More colors with an AP non-toxic seal

  • Colour Block Soft Pastels (100)

    Colors
    100
    Shape
    Square, 2.5 in
    Case
    Wooden box
    Type
    Soft pastel

    Choose it for: The largest palette

Before you buy

  • Soft pastel is dusty. Work over a surface you can clean and tap loose dust off the paper, not blow it.
  • As a general rule, a workable fixative between layers and a final fixative, or framing behind glass, stops smudging. None is included in the listing.
  • The listing does not name a paper. Textured pastel paper or sanded paper is the usual choice for several layers.

Frequently asked questions about the Artecho Soft Pastels (50 Pieces)

What is the difference between soft pastels and oil pastels?
As a general rule, soft pastels are powdery and blend like chalk, while oil pastels are waxy and creamy and never fully dry. This Artecho set is soft pastel.
How do I stop soft pastel from smudging?
The listing does not cover this. As a general rule, use a workable fixative between layers and a final fixative, or frame the piece behind glass.
How many colors are in the Artecho soft pastel set?
50 pieces: 48 colors plus 1 extra black and 1 extra white. Four of the colors are fluorescent.
How big are Artecho soft pastels?
Each square stick measures 8 x 8 x 27 mm.
Do the fluorescent pastels glow?
Artecho says the 4 fluorescent colors show luminous effects under UV light or black light.

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Artecho Soft Pastels (50 Pieces)

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