Hard Pastels vs. Soft Pastels
The Ultimate Showdown (Spoiler: It’s Not As Serious As It Sounds)
Alright, pastel enthusiasts, gather 'round. Today we're diving into the eternal battle—Hard Pastels vs. Soft Pastels. Cue dramatic music (Okay, not really, but wouldn't it be cool if there was?) We’re about to settle this once and for all. Or at least make it easier to understand. No need for swords or spears in this duel—just pastels.
The Basics: What's the Difference?
Before we get too deep into this, let’s break down the two types of pastels for those who are still like, “Wait, what’s the difference again?”
Soft Pastels: These are the ones we love to smoosh. They’re, well, soft! They’re buttery, smooth, and practically begging for you to blend them into something glorious! If you’ve ever tried to make your artwork look like it was created with dreams and dash of whimsy, then soft pastels are for you. Soft pastels are the large cylinder shaped pastel sticks and there are many different brands of them out there.
Hard Pastels: These guys are more like the responsible older sibling. Less smooshy, more structured. Hard pastels are perfect for fine lines, details, and all those little bits that don’t involve making a big pastel mess. If soft pastels are the fun, spontaneous party guests, hard pastels are the ones who arrive on time, bring their own snacks, and stick to a schedule. Hard pastels are your pastel pencils, and those hard square sticks. Many different brands here I really love the faber castell hard pastels.
Soft Pastels: The Artistic Equivalent of a Big Hug
Imagine wrapping your artwork in a soft, warm blanket. That’s what soft pastels feel like. They glide across the paper like butter on toast. You can deposit a ton of color at once or slowly build your layers with a more gentle touch.
Why do artists love them? Because they make life easier, that’s why! Want to blend that perfect sunset sky? Bam. Soft pastels. Want to create smooth transitions between colors? You guessed it—soft pastels. You might even think soft pastels are so amazing that it’s like cheating. But guess what? There’s no such thing as cheating in art—just smart work.
Soft pastels are also perfect for creating texture. Want to make your fur drawings look like they might actually pounce out of the paper and attack you? Soft pastels will help you make that happen. It's like magic, but with pigment instead of power.
Downside (to some but not me): They’re a bit messy. Your hands will be covered in pigment. Which I think is a very intimate way to create art and I love it. But some people really dislike it and if that’s you then this is not the right medium for you, unless you want to wear those creepy dr gloves and make art.
Hard Pastels: The “Get Your Details Right” Sidekick
Now, let’s talk about hard pastels. These little guys might not win any awards for "Most Fun to Play With," but they sure win the "Most Reliable" award. They’re dense, they’re firm, and they’ll help you with those small, controlled strokes you need to bring your vision to life.
Hard pastels are the go-to tool when you're sketching out the foundation of your masterpiece. They allow you to draw fine lines with precision. If you're working on a detailed portrait of your cat, hard pastels will help you lay down those wispy whiskers. They give you the control you need for sharp outlines and defined edges, making them ideal for precision work. You’ll feel like a surgeon with a scalpel, but with art supplies. I also use them to push around the pigment I’ve laid down with soft pastels.
Downside: They’re not as forgiving as soft pastels. You can’t blend them as easily, and if you press too hard, you’re going to break your pastels or ruin your paper. You can press a really hard line into your paper that will be a butt pain to cover. It’s a fine line—literally.
Which One Should You Choose?
Now that we’ve gone over the basics, you’re probably wondering: “Which one should I pick?”
Soft Pastels are ideal for blending, creating rich color transitions, and getting that bold, vibrant look. They’re for the artists who love to get messy and work fast.
Hard Pastels are better for detail, precision, and getting sharp lines. If you want to take control of every line and you’re not afraid of a little bit of pressure (in both the artistic and personal sense), hard pastels are your go-to.
Pro Tip: Why Not Both?
Let’s be real for a second. There’s no rule that says you have to choose just one. In fact, mixing hard and soft pastels in your artwork is a killer combo. Use soft pastels to lay down the color, and then use hard pastels to sharpen up the details. It’s like peanut butter and jelly—but way more artistic and, you know, less edible. I use many different types of pastel when making my art and I find both hard and soft pastels equally necessary for the process.
Conclusion: It's All About Finding Your Groove
In the end, whether you go for hard pastels, soft pastels, or a little mix of both, the key is to find what works for YOU. There’s no right or wrong way to use pastels, just like there’s no wrong way to draw your favorite animal.
So, grab your pastels, unleash your creativity, and let the pastel battle rage on! No matter which side you choose, you’re already a winner in the art world. Keep it colorful, keep it fun, and as always—embrace the mess!
