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If you've ever stood in front of a display of colorful pastel sticks and felt both inspired and overwhelmed, you're not alone. Choosing the right pastels can change how your work looks, feels, and even how much fun you have while creating. From buttery soft pastels that blend like clouds to oil pastels that behave like paint, the right supply store can make the hunt painless and the purchase rewarding.
Before diving into stores, let’s clear up the pastel family. Knowing whether you want soft pastels, hard pastels, pastel pencils, or oil pastels will save time and money. Think of this like choosing a paintbrush: different tools do different jobs. Once you know the medium you prefer, you can pick the best retailer for the brands and formats you need.
Soft pastels are the classic, velvety sticks that layer and blend like a dream. They usually come in sticks roughly 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick and about 2 to 3 inches long in small sets, though professional sticks can be longer. Soft pastels are ideal for rich color and expressive marks, but they can be dusty and require fixative for long-term preservation.
Hard pastels and pastel pencils give more control and are perfect for details and underdrawing. Pastel pencils are typically about 7 inches long with a core diameter similar to a colored pencil, making them great for edges and fine textures. Combine these with soft pastels for both precision and painterly effects.
Oil pastels are creamy, waxy, and behave more like a cross between crayon and paint. They’re less dusty, more water-resistant, and can be blended with solvents or left as bold, textured marks. If you like vivid color that resists smudging, oil pastels are a good pick.
Now for the part you came for: where to buy them. Some stores specialize in art materials, offering deep selections and expert staff, while big-box and online retailers make convenience and price a priority. Here are dependable options across the US, with what each one does best.
Blick has a massive selection of pastels, from budget student sets to high-end brands like Sennelier and Unison. If you want variety and the ability to buy individual sticks or large numbered sets, Blick's online catalog and many brick-and-mortar locations make it easy. They also sell pastel papers and fixatives, so you can gather everything in one go.
Michaels is ideal for hobbyists and beginners looking for affordable sets and frequent coupon deals. You’ll find brand-name options like Prismacolor and their own store-brand pastels. Michaels often stocks pastel pencils and basic papers, and their sales can mean a big savings if you’re buying a starter kit.
Jerry’s is a favorite among both students and professionals who want competitive pricing on premium brands. They run tempting promotions, and their selection of single pastels, large sets, and bulk options is strong. If you’re comparing prices across brands, Jerry’s is one of the best places to shop online.
Hobby Lobby offers an accessible entry point with a mix of economy and mid-range pastel sets. The store is convenient for crafters who mix media and need a few pastel sticks or pencils without hunting specialty shops. Watch for their weekly sales if you want to stretch a budget.
Amazon is unbeatable for convenience and fast shipping. You can find everything from student-grade starter kits to professional sets and niche brands. Be mindful of seller ratings and product reviews—some items are sold through third-party vendors, so check that the product description matches what you expect before buying.
If you need basic pastel supplies quickly and affordably, Walmart and Target carry entry-level sets and pastel pencils suitable for beginners or school projects. Their selections aren’t as deep as specialty stores, but they’re perfect when you need a few sticks for a weekend experiment.
Cheap Joe’s is an art supply specialist with a loyal following for its curated selection and customer service. They often stock higher-end pastel brands and collectible limited-edition sets. If you want to compare artist-grade materials and find unique brands, Cheap Joe’s is worth a look.
Artist & Craftsman Supply is another solid regional option with knowledgeable staff and competitive pricing. If you prefer to buy in person and get hands-on advice about texture and tooth of paper, this store often provides the tactile experience that online shopping can’t match.
Picking a store is about matching goals to resources. Are you hunting for the richest pigment, the lowest price, or the most convenient pickup? Here’s a quick guide to aligning your shopping style with the right retailer.
Look to Michaels, Walmart, and Target for starter kits and deals. These stores offer affordable sets that let you experiment without committing to a large investment. Think of it as sampling flavors before ordering a whole cake.
For artist-grade pastels and specialty brands, Blick, Jerry’s Artarama, Cheap Joe’s, and Artist & Craftsman Supply serve pros with single-sticks, large professional sets, and archival supplies. These stores often carry papers that have the right tooth and weight to hold layers of pastel pigment.
Amazon is your friend when time is tight. Same-day or next-day shipping options make it easy to restock or grab a missing color before a demo. Just be careful with unverified sellers and check product reviews carefully.
Pastels are only as good as the surface they’re put on. Pairing the right pastel paper or board with your sticks can amplify color intensity and blending potential. Here’s what to add to your shopping list when you buy pastels.
Choose paper with tooth to grab pigment—Canson Mi-Teintes and Pastel Premier sanded papers are popular. Sheets often come in sizes like 9 x 12 inches, 12 x 18 inches, or larger, so pick one that fits your typical composition. Sanded pastel boards hold lots of layers without losing texture.
Fixative helps set pastel layers but use it sparingly—light mists reduce dust and protect the surface. For oil pastels, a final varnish or protective spray designed for oil-based media is a better fit. Remember: fixatives will change the appearance slightly, so test on scraps first.
Tortillons, chamois cloths, and kneaded erasers are your blending and correction toolbox. Blending stumps come in lengths around 4 to 8 inches and help refine edges. Kneaded erasers can be shaped and softened in your hands for selective lifting of pigment.
Buying pastels doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few strategies, you can build a high-quality kit without overspending.
Rather than buying multiple pre-packed sets, consider buying singles from Blick or Jerry’s. That way you get the pigments you use most and avoid duplicates. Think of this like building a custom wardrobe instead of buying a full outfit off the rack.
Student-grade pastels are fine for exploration, and sales at Michaels or Blick can drop prices dramatically. Sign up for newsletters from your favorite stores to catch seasonal sales and coupons.
Cost-per-stick is a helpful metric for larger sets. Divide the set price by the number of sticks to see value. For example, a 48-stick set at $48 equals $1 per stick; individual artist-grade sticks might cost several dollars apiece but offer richer pigment and higher lightfastness.
Brand matters, but so does how a pastel feels in your hand. Trusted names include Sennelier, Unison, Rembrandt, Faber-Castell, and Prismacolor. Each has different formulations—some are softer, some more powdery, some denser—so sampling is key.
Many stores offer small introductory sets. Pick up a 12-color or 24-color sampler to test how a brand blends and layers. This saves money and helps you discover your preferences before buying full professional sets.
If you’re planning to sell or exhibit work, choose pastels with higher lightfastness ratings. Manufacturers often list these ratings on the label or online product description. This is like checking a battery’s lifespan before committing to a gadget.
Here’s a short checklist to bring with you—whether you’re shopping online or in person—so you don’t leave without essentials:
- Decide on pastel type (soft, oil, pencil). - Pick a starter size: 12, 24, or 48 colors is common. - Choose paper size: 9 x 12 inches to 18 x 24 inches based on your work. - Add fixative and blending tools. - Consider buying a few single sticks of high-use colors.
If you prefer testing materials first, visit local art supply stores like Artist & Craftsman Supply or Blick, which often have sample pads or open displays. Community art centers and workshops sometimes provide materials for classes, giving you a hands-on way to compare brands and textures without committing financially.
Think about long-term needs: are you building a portable kit for plein air work, or creating studio-scale pieces that need archival quality? Portable kits favor oil pastels and smaller paper sizes, while studio work benefits from sanded boards and artist-grade soft pastels. The store you choose should match those priorities—convenient, affordable, or specialized.
Buying pastels is a rewarding hunt: the right store, brand, and surface can lift your work to new levels. Whether you’re a beginner hunting bargains at Michaels or Walmart, a serious artist shopping Blick or Jerry’s Artarama, or an experimenter ordering from Amazon for speed, the US market has options to match your needs. Keep a checklist, try small sets first, and don’t be afraid to mix and match brands. After all, art is about exploration—let your shopping be part of the creative process.
| Pastels | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Rembrandt Soft Pastel Wood Box Set 150 Stick | $ 667,46 |
