Paul Rubens Soft Pastels, 48 Vibrant Colors Chalk Pastel, Fine Pigments, Smooth ... Review
Introduction
The Paul Rubens Soft Pastels, 48 Vibrant Colors Chalk Pastel, Fine Pigments, Smooth ... is a soft pastel set that has gained attention among artists and illustrators. Designed for blending and layering, it offers a versatile medium for creating expressive artwork. In this comprehensive review, we'll examine its pigmentation quality, blending capabilities, and overall value to help you determine if it's the right choice for your artistic needs.
Performance & Quality
Colour Quality: The pastels deliver good pigmentation with colours that apply smoothly to appropriate pastel paper. The soft texture allows for easy blending and layering, making them suitable for various pastel techniques. Blending Performance: These pastels blend well, allowing artists to create smooth gradients and subtle colour transitions. The consistency is appropriate for the price point, though professional artists may notice differences compared to premium brands.
Usability & Comfort
Application Feel: The pastels have a comfortable texture that applies evenly without excessive crumbling. The stick size is practical for both broad strokes and more detailed work. Dust Management: As with all soft pastels, some dust is produced during use. Working on appropriate paper and using fixative will help preserve your finished artwork.
Value for Money
At £29.99, the Paul Rubens Soft Pastels, 48 Vibrant Colors Chalk represents mid-range value in the pastels market. Smooth blending quality, making it a solid choice for artists seeking quality materials at this price point.
Pros
- Excellent blending capabilities
- Rich, vibrant pigmentation
- Smooth application on paper
- Good colour selection
- Suitable for layering techniques
Cons
- May require quality paper for best results
- Some colours may vary from display
- Professional artists may prefer higher-end options
Final Verdict
The Paul Rubens Soft Pastels, 48 Vibrant Colors Chalk offers a solid option for artists looking for quality pastels. With smooth blending quality, it represents good value in the mid-range category. Whether you're a beginner exploring pastels or an experienced artist adding to your collection, this set deserves consideration.
About the Reviewer
Every Big Red Illustration review is written by illustrator and agent Jamie Conner, drawing on over 30 years of combined professional experience in traditional art, digital tools, and the wider creative industry.
Here's what he has to say…
I'm Jamie Conner, a UK-based illustrator and illustrator agent with a background in character-focused and expressive artwork. My training began at Newcastle-under-Lyme College and continued at Nottingham Trent University, where I developed a strong foundation in illustration.
I now split my time between creating my own work and representing artists, supporting them with commissions, opportunities, and navigating the wider creative industry. I also review digital and traditional art products, offering clear, practical insights to help artists choose tools that suit their workflow.
Whether I'm illustrating, advising artists, or reviewing products, my work is driven by a genuine commitment to the craft of illustration and to the wider creative community.