Pastels vs. Pastel Colors: What’s the Difference? A Complete Guide
In brief: While a pastel is an art medium in the form of a colored stick, pastel colors refer to soft, light shades with a high proportion of white. In this article, we’ll explain how to tell these terms apart in art.
Have you ever found yourself in a store, torn between buying a set of pastels and looking for paints in “pastel shades”? Although these two terms sound similar, they actually refer to completely different aspects of artmaking.
These terms are often confused. We’ll explain the difference and how to distinguish them correctly.
1. What Is Pastel as a Medium?
Pastel is an art medium made of pure pigment and a binder. Unlike oil paints or acrylic paints, it is applied directly to the surface without a brush.
Types of Pastels
ARTMiE carries mainly soft pastels, oil pastels, and watercolor pastels. Brands like Schmincke are world-class for the fineness of their pigment, while Royal Talens offers excellent lightfastness for professionals.
2. What Are Pastel Colors (Shades)?
Pastel colors are defined not by their composition but by their appearance. They are any colors lightened by adding white. The result is a soft, “candy-like” look that feels calming.
Uses for Pastel Shades
Pastel shades are popular in interior design, illustration, and fashion. Brands like Kreul and Pebeo offer a wide range of acrylic paints in pastel shades, saving you time when mixing.
3. The Main Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Pastel (medium) | Pastel color (shade) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Drawing tool | Visual character of a color |
| Application | Directly onto paper/canvas | With a brush, roller, or spray |
| Composition | Pigment + binder | Any color + white |
ARTMiE tip: To make a pastel shade yourself, just gradually add titanium white to any acrylic paint until you reach the softness you want.
4. How to Combine Medium and Shade
Can you draw with pastels in pastel shades? Of course! Many artists use soft, light soft pastels to give their work an ethereal look, combining the medium and color scheme into one unified whole.
5. Choosing the Right Supplies for Your Art
Whether you're looking for high-quality soft pastels from Schmincke for detailed drawing or acrylic paints in pastel shades from Pebeo, ARTMiE has everything you need to bring your ideas to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pastels the same as chalk?
No. Although they look similar, pastels contain a much higher proportion of pigment and higher-quality binders, which makes their colors more vibrant and longer-lasting.
Can I mix soft pastels and oil pastels?
Generally, this is not recommended because they have different compositions and behave differently on paper, which can lead to adhesion problems.
Do I need a special surface for pastel paints?
If you use pastel-colored acrylic paints, you can paint on canvas, wood, or cardboard. For soft pastels, paper with a higher weight and a rough texture is ideal.
Are pastel shades suitable for beginners?
Yes, pastel shades are very forgiving, and their softness makes them very pleasing and attractive to viewers.
Which brand of pastels is best for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend starting with sets from Royal Talens, which offer great value for the price.
Ready to create?
Now you know how these terms differ, so you can confidently get started. Discover the world of paints in our online store.
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