subject: How to choose quality Pastels supplies on a limited budget? [print this page] How to choose quality Pastels supplies on a limited budget?
In addition to price, the quality and the working characteristics of the materials are important considerations in your pastels selection. Purchasing materials and equipment of questionable quality can be a problem: Poor-quality papers, cheap drawing boards, and pastels that are too hard can make your learning experience more difficult. We suggest starting with simple but good-quality materials and then buying higher-quality materials after you're more familiar with the process.
The makeup of pastels in a particular line not only affects their color and working characteristics but also determines their quality and price. Many levels of quality in pastels are available, and you can decide individually what best fits your budget for your supplies. Knowing how manufacturers categorize the art materials can make the selection easier; the following gives you a quick overview:
Student-grade art supplies: These supplies are the least expensive because the manufacturer substitutes some traditional materials with less-expensive components; for example, sometimes student-grade pastels contain a less-intense color pigment (powdered coloring material) or more binder (the substance that holds the powdered pigment together in a workable consistency), which can negatively affect their performance. However, many of these products are still very good quality due to the discovery of new pigments, binders, and methods of production that can keep costs down.
Professional-grade art supplies: These pastels, papers, and tools are more expensive because they utilize materials and components that produce a rich and luxurious look in the artwork. Often, professional-grade pastels have a particularly soft texture or intensity of color that you just can't perfectly reproduce with student-grade materials.
After you start working with pastels, you develop your own tastes in supplies. Experimenting to find the pastels and materials that work best for you eliminates frustration and helps you achieve more satisfying results in the long run. Just make sure you purchase materials that are in line with your experience level. For example, starting with student-grade pastels can be helpful you can try out pastels in an uninhibited manner without fear of cost. Some very beautiful pastels are quite soft and delicate but would be a little difficult for a beginner to use; they're fragile and can crumble in your fingers if you aren't familiar with using them. Not the kind of situation that encourages experimentation! On the other hand, after you've built your skills, you may decide that student-grade materials aren't worth their economy and move up to professional-grade.
