A COMPLETE Beginners Guide to Soft Pastels & Pastel Pencils

If you are new to soft pastels & pastel pencils or would just like to know more about the medium, I created this helpful beginners guide to talk you through the basics but also my top tips & things I think every pastel artist must know. Topics include, my favourite soft pastel paper, sticks, pencils & tools. I'll also explain how to frame and store soft pastel artworks as well as how to stay safe while using them. Lastly, I'll finish off with methods & techniques to show you how I use soft pastels & pastel pencils to achieve realism in my artworks.
● Art Tutorials & Real-time Process Videos
/ shaymusart
A selection of in-depth soft pastel tutorials now available:
- Red Fox lesson: / red-fox-soft-79567807
- Tiger portrait lesson: / tiger-portrait-82747703
- Sliced oranges lesson: / sliced-oranges-70051855
- Realistic Lynx portrait lesson: / lynx-portrait-1-73315379
- Cheetah Cub Eyes lesson: / cheetah-cub-eyes-72148887
- German Shepherd lesson: / how-to-draw-soft-54056400
- Cherries with ONLY pastel pencils lesson / cherries-pastel-70259672
- Realistic Double Spaniel Dogs lesson / how-to-draw-show-62871942
+ Many many more lessons included on my Patreon channel.
● Full Preview Catalogue of Available Soft Pastel & Pastel Pencil Patreon Lessons​
shaymusart.com/soft-pastel-an...
● FREE Soft Pastel & Pastel Pencil Introduction Guide​ PDF
shaymusart.com/tutorials/#pastel
● My FAQ & Favourite Soft Pastel & Pastel Pencil Materials and Tools List
/ 68665824
● My Website
shaymusart.com/
● My Camera
Product Link: amzn.to/3N4DQcf
● BG Music
artlist.io
Realistic Cherries with Pastel Pencils: • How to Draw Realistic ...
0:00 Intro
1:13 The best pastel paper to use
4:06 The best soft pastel sticks to use
4:28 Unison Colour soft pastel sticks
5:12 Schmincke soft pastel sticks
5:50 Rembrandt soft pastel sticks
7:09 The best pastel pencils to use
7:59 Stabilo Carbothello pastel pencils
8:51 Faber-Castell Pitt pastel pencils
9:34 Caran d'Ache pastel pencils
10:06 Bruynzeel pastel pencils
10:47 The darkest black pastel pencil Cretacolor
11:42 The brightest white pastel pencil Caran d'Ache Chinese White
13:10 The best soft pastel tools to use
16:12 How to sharpen pastel pencils
17:43 How to stay safe with soft pastels
19:31 How to frame & store pastel artwork
23:31 Soft pastel methods & techniques
44:04 Creating realistic art with soft pastels
DISCLAIMER
The tools in this video are simply what I choose to use in my studio, please do not also use them if you find them to be unsafe. Your safety is your own responsibility.
#beginnerartist #howto #pastel

[@gavynbrandt]

I'm not usually interested in normal things being painted or drawn but that orange looks CRAZY

[@shaymusart]

Thank you! I wanted something with a strong sense of light ☺️

[@landreeall]

An orange dont look normal is verry beautiful and extravagant
.normal will be some wind..?
😊

[@gerryf37]

Honestly watching this video was better than going to the cinema

[@lschono]

The BEST BEST BEST beginners tutorial for pastels EVER! You are an excellent and organized teacher and excel at simplifying difficult concepts - Bravo! ❤

[@shaymusart]

Thanks so much! Glad you like the tutorial 😊

[@reuma7823]

I totally agree, he even held my attention right to the end lol. I loved ever minute it. I truly wish others would do this way for beginners.

[@toymenagerie2947]

So far this is the best soft pastels video here on CZcams. You artworks are amazing and I'm thankful for the informations you give.

[@shaymusart]

Thank you for watching 😊 I’m glad you found it useful!

[@tracyvis2101]

I agree! It is the most thorough!

[@christinearnold-green8540]

Wow - this is exactly what I've been searching for here in the UK. Thank you for such a comprehensive guide - I can now buy materials better informed. I respect your aim for accuracy in your pieces - this will be my aim. I look forward to your charcoal and graphite analysis in due course. Finally beginning in my sixties! Thank you, Shaymus for sharing your knowledge in an excellent presentation.

[@shaymusart]

Thank you very much for taking the time to write such a lovely comment, Im glad the video was useful to you Christine 😊

[@evak8210]

You are the best teacher. Thank you so much. It was most beneficial detailed art lessen I ever followed! ♥

[@shaymusart]

Thats very kind thank you! Glad you found it useful 😊

[@rockkat6444]

​@@shaymusarthow chante the Sponge❓

[@189643478]

WOW, your art work is amazing! Happy to see you work safe and teach us how to do the same!

[@Kexlar]

At 51 and just retired from the UK Armed Forces and bored I have just started on Pastels, I cannot afford the ones used here yet so just picked up some cheap ones, but looking at your patreon page and the images you have made are mind blowing and a real inspiration, fantastic video and amazing art. Subbed.

[@shaymusart]

Thank you so much for the kind words, I really appreciate it! Enjoy pastels, they’re a great media to work with once you get the hang of it 😊

[@gennydavidsonsmith85]

This is by far the most comprehensive tutorial on pastels I have seen. So much information that it’s worth watching multiple times to take it all in. Thank you, thank you!

[@rebeccawong1]

Congratulations on your success in such an early age … may you flourish and further succeed 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤❤

[@shaymusart]

Thats very kind, thank you!

[@bampidraws]

I totally agree, well said Rebecca

[@joypurchase7728]

You take my breath away,your art work is absolutely gorgeous ,and I have seen alot of artists at work,you are by far the best I've have ever seen.I wish you a long prosperous future of art ahead of you,many many happy years ahead.

[@shaymusart]

Thats very kind, thank you Joy! I’m so pleased you like the video 😊

[@markbrown8154]

This video is without doubt THE BEST beginners guide to any art medium I have ever seen. Your work, and technique is astounding. Thank you.

[@shaymusart]

Thats so kind! Thank you very much - so pleased to hear the video was useful for you 😊

[@debcarroll8192]

Thank you! This was very helpful!

[@soamir22]

Truly excellent allround. Well done!!

[@thuyduongnguyen6369]

thank you! very helpful

[@emmari0601]

This was so SO helpful! Loved it! :D

[@marilynshannon3648]

you are absolutely amazing!

[@gerriekaychurch658]

Thanks so much for this great demonstration. Love the way you teach!!!!

[@angela14962002]

Your art is quite beautiful!❤❤❤❣

[@hifijohn]

Very nice tutorial.

[@kitkatwoman3753]

I’m very impressed!!!!! Wowww

[@jcepri]

What an amazing intro this is. Hands down THE BEST. I bought all of the supplies to try pastels months ago but I haven't used tjem yet. This totally motivated me. Thank you for making this. It's so well organized. No loud music, text flying by, jokes, etc. Just the facts. NEW SUB!

[@shaymusart]

Thank you! Welcome to the channel 😊

[@traciesawrey9084]

Great video thanks so much for taking the time to do this. 👍
Waving from Australia

[@keophanyom6903]

Thank you, Professor

[@annahale3145]

Wow! You are an amazing artist. Thank you for the video.

[@ela4793]

Great video on pastels very informative and I have just learnt so much, thank you!

[@odeanlawrence196]

Hi Shaymus, thank you for all those hours of hard work you put in order to present us with the most amazing plethera of information! It truly is outstanding! Thank you for caring enough to dedicate your valuable time to us; especial as you are also busy with your job as an Animal Artist. Everything you have shown us, is most appreciated.
I only got as far as my A level Art class in secondary school, but always felt disappointed throughout my time learning art. The reason for that was because from my GCE class, I was just foisted into my O-level class for 2 lessons, then foisted into my A-level class without being given the opportunity to learn the fundamental foundations of drawing or painting Art. I left school not understanding shading or blending or texturizing etc, it was a wasted education.
The time I spent watching your video today, taught me so much more than ALL the Art lessons I had in school put together. I now know the correct tools and materials to purchase and a better understanding of the use of colour, light and creating shade and tone.
I am very interested to knowhow you arrived at becoming an Animal Artist.
I will definitely consider becoming a Patreon 👩‍🎨❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🤍☺

[@shaymusart]

Hi Odean,
Thank you for leaving such a lovely comment, I really appreciate it! You’re more than welcome, I really hope this video has been able to answer any questions that you may have had. I also had a similar disappointing learning experience at university so I know how you feel! Luckily there is tonnes to learn from just on CZcams alone 😊 Good luck with your art journey!

[@luisangel1968]

Thank you for this complete video!

[@shaymusart]

You’re welcome, thanks for watching!

[@mheredge]

A big thank you for such a useful video. You have answered so many of my questions and removed many of the fears I had about using pastels! I am now definitely going to have to check out your other videos.

[@rfp1123]

Amazing video! Thank you!!!

[@shaymusart]

Thanks for watching :)

[@piccomoon554]

This is the most complete and easy to follow tutorial for soft pastels ❤ thank you!

[@shaymusart]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching ☺️

[@neuroticnation144]

Thank you! That was wonderful!

[@shaymusart]

Thanks for watching!

[@ajbufort]

What a fantastic channel! This is what I have been looking for regarding detailed soft-pastel information and instruction. Subscribed! Thank you! :) Tony from the US.

[@shaymusart]

My pleasure, thanks so much for watching & subscribing! Welcome to the channel 😊

[@DeN-nc7rx]

I'm returning to using pastels after 10 years, this was incredibly helpful and it really refreshed my memory on the techniques ❤

[@shaymusart]

My pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@gracemurrayart]

Wow that drawing at the end is absolutely stunning

[@lyndajoyce6243]

This was so wonderful, thank you!!

[@shaymusart]

My pleasure, thanks fir watching 😊

[@tinmouse1083]

Beautiful!

[@shaymusart]

Thanks!

[@jacquelineleubin5004]

Thank you so much!

[@shaymusart]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@user-cl3ng3mc3b]

Thank you ❤❤

[@debbiestephens532]

awesome and informative thank you.

[@shaymusart]

Thanks for watching :)

[@angelacaires8772]

Thank you so much for this detailed tutorial! You are a great teacher!

[@shaymusart]

Thank you for watching Angela, glad you liked the video 😊

[@melissaaldosari8024]

This was wonderful! Liked and subscribed. Thank you!

[@shaymusart]

So pleased you liked the video! Thanks for liking & subscribing, I appreciate it.

[@maryweinberg9558]

Very helpful video! Thanks so much!!

[@shaymusart]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching 😊

[@margaretspringer9197]

This is the best instructional video on soft pastels I've seen (and I've watched a lot). Along with the product recommendations and demonstrations, an invaluable resource. Thanks so much, Shaymus!

[@shaymusart]

Hi Margaret, thank you for leaving such a lovely comment. I really appreciate it! Glad the video was useful for you 😊

[@lizearley3412]

Fabulous work, very helpful 👏

[@shaymusart]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@gennydavidsonsmith85]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you!

[@shaymusart]

Thanks for watching!

[@michelepowers-fischer9246]

Great tutorial !

[@shaymusart]

Thank you 😊

[@martingranada]

Gran trabajo, alludas un montón ✍️👍

[@soul_xplore]

Perfect lesson! Thank u very much)

[@shaymusart]

You’re welcome, thanks for watching!

[@eastcoastlady1017]

This tutorial is brilliant - thank you!!!

[@shaymusart]

My pleasure, thanks for watching 😊

[@specialbeamcharlie7250]

Thanks for the tutorial. Super informative!

[@shaymusart]

My pleasure 😊

[@tilliefowler7963]

Your instructions are excellent! Thank you!

[@shaymusart]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@lindasplaylist100]

Beautiful work. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@shaymusart]

Thank you! Anytime 😊

[@andreasalgado3296]

This video was very helpful ty so much!

[@shaymusart]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@cynthialoza6295]

Thank you so much for the exceptionally detailed, clear and very helpful tutorial. Also, I agree with an earlier comment - your artwork looks elegant.

[@shaymusart]

Hi Cynthia,
Thank you for the lovely comment, I’m so pleased you like the tutorial! Glad you like the artwork too, I look forward to bringing out more helpful videos this year 😊

[@benfazio3233]

You are a master artist and a great teacher. I love the final product and you have good graphics and a pleasing, clear voice.

[@shaymusart]

Thanks ben! I appreciate the kind words

[@souzan651]

Brilliant video, thank you

[@shaymusart]

Thanks for watching 😁

[@TR-nv4qt]

Thank you for this tutorial. You are amazing 😊

[@shaymusart]

My pleasure, thank you!

[@sue8935]

WOW!!!! ABSOTLUTEY AMAZING! I had no idea this could be achieved with pastels.

[@killerkev999]

That was one hell of a tutorial. Well done. Great information and beautiful art work.

[@shaymusart]

Thank you! I really appreciate that 😊

[@canvastea7044]

Wow your work is absolutely amazing!

[@shaymusart]

Thanks so much 😊

[@c.shakeshaft2582]

What a comprehensive lesson on soft pastel. Thank you for covering everything from how to shaper pencils to how to stoke and frame. This is the most info I've seen on a beginner tutorial.
Just brilliant. Thanks again.

[@Alex-vq9vj]

Excellent overview! Kudos for this great lecture 👍🏻

[@shaymusart]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@davidchau8068]

MANY MANY THANKS FOR YOUR DETAILED EXPLANATION AND EFFORT!!!!! YOUR SHARINGS ARE REALLY GREAT!!!!!!

[@shaymusart]

Thank you for watching!

[@CatiCat_]

This was really helpful thank youu🤍

[@shaymusart]

My pleasure, thanks for watching 😊

[@wulfseig1864]

Thanks for such a helpful video. The blending section helped a lot. I saw the vacuum and laughed because I bought a keyboard vacuum to help me with dust. It's tiny but it really works.

[@shaymusart]

Thanks for watching & I’m glad it helped! Haha yeah they’re not very powerful, always use a household hoover with a HEPA filter to make sure it captures as much as possible 😊

[@patriciapalmer1107]

This was the most excellent art tutorial I have ever seen! Huge congratulations Shaymus! Liked and subscribed 😊

[@shaymusart]

Thank you very much Patricia, welcome to the channel!

[@mangya143]

Thank you so much...i learnt a lot from you...great work

[@shaymusart]

So pleased you were able to learn from me 😊

[@leslovesart]

This was excellent exactly what I was looking for. You’re an amazing teacher and artist! 🥰

[@shaymusart]

Great! Thank you for watching & I’m glad you enjoyed the video ☺️

[@maxguo4358]

Sooooo useful introduction and info for practicing and storing pastel paingtings!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@shaymusart]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad it was of use to you :)

[@anapatriciapachecourena9792]

Beautiful!!!, Beautiful!!! Congratulations!!!

[@shaymusart]

Thank you!!

[@t.fedelis109]

Bellissimo video.sei bravissimo e spieghi in modo chiaro.sei davvero favoloso.

[@victoriaconaghan3258]

Absolutely unreal. So much quality here. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

[@shaymusart]

Thanks so much for watching! ☺️

[@sandfly60]

Thank you for your video. I thoroughly enjoyed watching everything you did. I particularly enjoyed the orange slices picture.

[@shaymusart]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed the drawing demonstration at the end 😊

[@louisethompson8350]

Thank you for sharing. You are a very good teacher I learned a lot.

[@shaymusart]

Thanks for watching Louise, glad you were able to learn a lot 😊

[@sandrawoodall6545]

I never seen you before you are a great pastel artist and explain things so well thank you so much.❤

[@shaymusart]

I’m very pleased you liked the video Sandra, welcome to the channel 😊

[@suchlights2215]

Thank you for this comprehensive video! I love how clearly and calmly you explain and show everything. Really a pleasure to watch :) And your work is amazing, of course!

[@shaymusart]

My pleasure, thanks so much for watching & the kind words, I really appreciate it!

[@AGRUPACIONFENIX]

Super ! Gracias

[@shaymusart]

Gracias 😊❤️

[@mycozyquiltshop3290]

Best video yet.. can’t thank you enough

[@shaymusart]

My pleasure, thanks for watching 😊

[@reitzvonkrolock]

Thank you so much for this loooong video, I was always curious about soft pastels painting and your vidoe answered for all questions I didn't know I have :D So thx a lot

[@shaymusart]

Thanks for watching! I’m glad it was useful to you 😊

[@WendyColeArt]

That was truly amazing! Thank you so much for such a comprehensive tutorial! I have no idea about pastels and feel so informed now and ready to begin learning.

[@shaymusart]

My pleasure, thats wonderful to hear - thanks for letting me know! ❤️😊

[@sandyphillips2467]

Brilliant

[@mariedominiquedarnaux7533]

Excellent !tutoriel. On ne peut pas faire mieux. Merci.

[@anwanand]

Very nice tutorial, indeed ! and the demo at end of that orange slice with vibrant colors due to backlight .. simply awesome !!

[@shaymusart]

Thank you very much! I’m so pleased you like the video & sliced orange artwork 😊

[@lbouckartstudio]

Wow! Fabulous artwork! Thank you so much for sharing this very helpful information. By far, the best soft pastel tutorial I've seen so far.

[@shaymusart]

Hi Laurie, thank you so much for the lovely comment, I’m glad the video was useful to you 😊

[@leerag]

I love your patreon chanel. Joined yesterday and when not drawing with tutorial (cat) im watching your patreon and following links for beginnershence why im here. Thank you for your patreon channel.

[@JeanettsFarm]

I have enjoyed this tutorial. Helpful for beginner or professional artists. I have been doing animal portraits for over 40 years. But I can always do more.

[@shaymusart]

Thank you for watching, I'm glad the video was useful for you :)

[@robrocop_]

Thank you for sharing such a vast array of information and knowledge. I’ve been a colour pencil artist for years and am transitioning to pastels to try and push my realism a bit further. Your videos have been invaluable.

[@shaymusart]

Hi, thank you very much for leaving such a lovely comment! I’m so pleased the video has been useful for you, good luck with the transition 😊

[@Artingo]

Your working are very beautiful and spectacular. I got many ideas from you. Thank You! 👏👏

[@shaymusart]

Thanks! Glad it helped 😊

[@maheshtutika2566]

This is truly a wonderful video. Your drawings are so amazing and have a unique realism in them. They look elegant. Thank you for the videos and hoping to become a patron soon.

[@shaymusart]

Thank you, I really appreciate this comment! So happy you liked this video, I look forward to having you over on Patreon too 🥰

[@lisajarema3241]

Wow...great video. I'm just learning how to use pastels, and this is such a great reference! Thank you!!

[@shaymusart]

Thanks for watching! I’m glad it was helpful for you 🥰

[@canvastea7044]

This is the best, most educational video I've seen on pastels. Thank you.

[@shaymusart]

Thats very kind, thank you!!

[@sarahstevenson2384]

Thanks for such a comprehensive guide. I’m expecting some pastel pencils for Christmas and am looking forward to getting started 😊

[@shaymusart]

My pleasure, thanks so much for watching. Enjoy your pastel pencils, such a great medium to work with!

[@pattimackie4441]

So detailed and helpful…..avoided many a mistake and wasted time Thank you.. PMM

[@LaovaanArt]

Awesome video! Appeared in my recommendations and fittingly I always wondered how soft pastels are supposed to be used and you gave a real good introduction to the tools and techniques ☺️🙏

[@shaymusart]

Thanks for watching! Glad you were able to find it useful 😊

[@claychick100]

This was a fantastic introduction to soft pastels. Exactly the information I needed as a beginner. Thanks so much!

[@shaymusart]

Thanks for watching! Glad it was helpful :)

[@whiteblossom4077]

Fabulous thank you.

[@shaymusart]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@whiteblossom4077]

U mentioned these protection sleeve pkastuc (?) fir pastels
Where to get those? Please

[@shaymusart]

@@whiteblossom4077 Hi, I have linked both the plastic sleeves and the glassine paper in the description under "● My Full List of Soft Pastel & Pastel Pencil Materials and Tools"

[@borispugmomdelyth6244]

brand new to pastels bought two sets very fun

[@carmenospina2203]

Thank you for sharing. I am thinking of starting pastels and this is very helpful.

[@shaymusart]

Thank you for watching, I’m glad the video was useful for you 😊

[@sleepyjoeatemyiceacream]

What a lovely and talented young man! Thank you for this awesome video and I wish you more success! ✨️🌸

[@shaymusart]

Thank you very much Lisa, I really appreciate it!