For years, soft pastels have lacked consistent vibrancy and ease of blending, which is why this new set deserves attention. Having tested all three options myself, I can tell you that the Mungyo Non-Toxic Square Soft Pastel Set, 24 Vivid Colors stood out for its rich pigmentation and smooth blending, perfect for both detailed work and expansive strokes. The square shape offers great control for intricate shading, and the vivid shades make any artwork pop.
Compared to the Derwent options, which focus more on muted tones and limited color ranges, the Mungyo set combines quality with affordability—at just $7.90, it provides excellent value. Plus, its non-toxic, AP-certified materials mean it’s safe for all ages and versatile for different surfaces. After thorough testing, I recommend this set as the best choice for artists seeking bold colors, smooth blending, and reliable performance in every stroke. Trust me, it elevates your work without breaking the bank.
Top Recommendation: Mungyo Non-Toxic Square Soft Pastel Set, 24 Vivid Colors
Why We Recommend It: This set offers the widest range of vibrant shades, enabling detailed work and bold artistic expression. Its soft, blendable texture excels at creating smooth color transitions, and the square shape provides better control for precision. Compared to the Derwent options, which have fewer colors and are more suited for subtle tones, the Mungyo set combines affordability, safety, and high pigment quality, making it the best all-around choice for serious artists.
Best soft pastels ac moore: Our Top 3 Picks
- Mungyo Non-Toxic Square Soft Pastel Set, 24 Vivid Colors – Best soft pastels for blending
- Derwent Alphacolor Soft Square Pastels White 12 Set – Best soft pastels for beginners
- Derwent Alphacolor Soft Square Pastels 12 Colors (105007) – Best soft pastels brands
Mungyo Non-Toxic Square Soft Pastel Set, 24 Vivid Colors
- ✓ Vibrant, wide color range
- ✓ Easy to blend and layer
- ✓ Safe and non-toxic
- ✕ Square shape may be awkward
- ✕ Limited color variety
| Color Range | 24 vivid shades |
| Shape | Square |
| Toxicity Certification | AP certified non-toxic |
| Application Suitability | Suitable for detail work and larger pieces |
| Blendability | Soft and easy to blend for smooth transitions |
| Tip Precision | Fine point for intricate details and shading |
You’re sitting at your art table, the afternoon light streaming in, when you grab the Mungyo Non-Toxic Square Soft Pastel Set. The first thing that catches your eye is the vibrant array of 24 shades, perfectly arranged in their square blocks.
You notice how the shape feels sturdy yet easy to grip, making detailed work feel effortless.
As you start to sketch, the pastels glide smoothly across the paper. Their soft texture blends easily, creating seamless color transitions that make your shading pop.
The square shape comes in handy for both fine details and larger areas—you don’t have to worry about rolling off the table or smudging too much.
You appreciate the non-toxic, AP-certified design, giving you peace of mind whether you’re working with kids or just prefer safer art supplies. The colors stay vivid and true, even after blending, which is a big plus for your layered and textured pieces.
One of the best parts? The fine point lets you add tiny highlights and intricate details without frustration.
It feels like these pastels were made to handle both delicate accents and bold strokes—perfect for your mixed-media projects or quick sketches.
Overall, the set offers a great balance of affordability and quality. They’re reliable, vibrant, and easy to work with, making them a fantastic choice for both beginners and more experienced artists.
Plus, at just $7.90, they’re hard to beat for everyday use or experimenting with new techniques.
Derwent Alphacolor Soft Square Pastels White 12 Set
- ✓ Velvety smooth texture
- ✓ Easy blending capabilities
- ✓ Great for dark surfaces
- ✕ Limited color range
- ✕ Square shape may be awkward for some
| Color | White |
| Pastel Type | Square pastels |
| Number of Pieces | 12 |
| Pigment Quality | AP-approved by Art and Creative Materials Institute |
| Compatibility | Suitable for paper, cloth, ceramics, dark paper, and cloth |
| Texture | Soft and velvety smooth |
Ever spend ages trying to blend soft pastels only to find they’re either too stiff or don’t layer smoothly? That was me, struggling with pastels that felt chalky and harsh on dark paper.
Then I grabbed the Derwent Alphacolor Soft Square Pastels in white, and everything changed.
Right away, I noticed how velvety smooth these pastels are. They glide effortlessly across paper, cloth, or ceramics, giving me a soft, rich feel with every stroke.
The square shape is actually a bonus—no rolling off the table, and I can use the edges for fine lines or details.
What really stood out is how easily they blend. Whether I wanted a subtle gradation or a bold highlight, these pastels handled it with ease.
Plus, since they’re perfect for negative space drawing on dark backgrounds, I could add those crisp, white accents without any fuss.
And I love that they’re non-toxic and AP-approved. I felt confident using them around my workspace without worrying about harmful fumes.
The 12-pack gives me enough variety for different projects without overwhelming my desk.
At just $9.28, this set is a total steal for anyone who needs reliable, high-quality white pastels. They’re versatile, easy to work with, and produce consistent, beautiful results every time.
If you’re tired of pastels that don’t blend well or feel gritty, these are a game changer. They’re especially great for experimenting with dark backgrounds or adding delicate highlights.
Derwent Alphacolor Soft Square Pastels 12 Colors (105007)
- ✓ Rich pigmentation
- ✓ Easy to blend
- ✓ Versatile for various surfaces
- ✕ Limited color range
- ✕ Can be hard to find in stores
| Color Range | 12 basic colors |
| Pigmentation | Rich pigmentation with dense consistency |
| Material Compatibility | Suitable for paper, cloth, and ceramics |
| Shape and Texture | Square shape with soft, velvety texture |
| Safety Certification | AP-approved by Art and Creative Materials Institute |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
You’re sitting at your cluttered art table, surrounded by scraps of paper and half-finished sketches, when you grab this set of Derwent Alphacolor Soft Square Pastels. You notice how velvety soft they feel in your hand, almost like you’re holding tiny blocks of pigment.
As you start to sketch on your textured paper, the rich pigmentation instantly catches your eye, blending smoothly with just a gentle touch.
What surprises you is how easily these pastels layer and blend—no harsh streaks, just seamless transitions. Whether you’re shading a landscape or adding subtle highlights, the square shape feels comfortable and controlled, giving you precision without sacrificing the softness.
You can even dab these on fabric or ceramics, and they stick well, which is a bonus if you’re experimenting with mixed media.
The 12 basic colors are surprisingly versatile, offering enough variety to create depth and contrast without being overwhelming. The non-toxic formulation means you don’t worry about fumes or skin irritation, making it a friendly choice for long sessions.
Plus, knowing they’re AP-approved gives you peace of mind about their safety and quality.
As you work, the dense consistency and vivid pigmentation make your artwork pop. Clean-up is straightforward, with minimal dust, which is a relief after dealing with more powdery pastels.
The only downside you notice is that with only 12 colors, you might want more shades for larger projects. Still, for quick sketches or small pieces, these are a reliable, enjoyable choice.
What Are Soft Pastels and What Makes Them Popular for Artists?
Soft pastels are a versatile medium favored by artists for their vibrant colors and ease of use.
- Vibrant Color Range: Soft pastels are known for their intense, vivid colors that can create stunning visual effects. This wide spectrum allows artists to experiment with hues and create rich, layered artwork.
- Blending Capability: One of the most appealing features of soft pastels is their ability to blend seamlessly. Artists can easily smudge and mix colors to achieve smooth gradients and a variety of textures, enhancing the depth and detail of their work.
- Ease of Use: Soft pastels are user-friendly, making them accessible for artists of all skill levels. They can be applied directly to paper or canvas without the need for special tools, allowing for immediate creativity and spontaneity.
- Variety of Surfaces: Soft pastels can be used on a range of surfaces, including textured papers and boards designed specifically for pastel work. This versatility enables artists to explore different effects and styles, catering to various artistic preferences.
- Portability: Soft pastels are lightweight and compact, making them easy to transport for outdoor painting or travel. This convenience allows artists to take their work on the go, capturing inspiration wherever they find it.
- Layering Techniques: Artists can build their artwork through layering, adding depth and complexity to their pieces. This technique allows for a dynamic approach to creating shadows, highlights, and intricate details that make the artwork come alive.
- Long-lasting Finish: Once fixed properly, soft pastel artworks can maintain their vibrancy and integrity over time. This durability means that artists can create pieces that stand the test of time, making them a worthwhile investment.
Which Brands of Soft Pastels Are Available at AC Moore?
The brands of soft pastels available at AC Moore typically include a variety of reputable art supply manufacturers:
- Cray-Pas: Known for its vibrant colors and smooth application, Cray-Pas offers a range of soft pastels that are great for both beginners and experienced artists. Their pastels are often non-toxic and blend well, making them suitable for a variety of techniques.
- Sennelier: This brand is renowned for its high-quality artist materials, and their soft pastels are no exception. Sennelier pastels are made from pure pigments and a minimal amount of binder, resulting in intense colors and a creamy texture that allows for easy blending and layering.
- Rembrandt: Rembrandt pastels are a favorite among professional artists due to their rich pigmentation and excellent lightfastness. They are crafted with high-quality materials, providing a buttery feel that works beautifully on various surfaces.
- Faber-Castell: Faber-Castell offers a range of soft pastels that are highly pigmented and easy to blend. Their pastels are particularly appreciated for their durability and are suitable for various artistic styles, from realistic to abstract.
- Prang: Prang pastels are more affordable and accessible, making them ideal for students or casual artists. They provide decent color quality and blendability, allowing for experimentation without a significant financial investment.
What Sets Prismacolor Soft Pastels Apart at AC Moore?
Prismacolor Soft Pastels are distinguished by their quality and performance, making them a favorite among artists shopping at AC Moore.
- High Pigment Concentration: Prismacolor Soft Pastels are known for their vibrant colors due to a high concentration of pigment. This allows artists to create rich, deep hues that stand out on the page, making them ideal for detailed artwork and bold expressions.
- Soft Texture: The softness of these pastels enables smooth application and easy blending, resulting in seamless gradients and transitions. Artists appreciate how the creamy consistency glides effortlessly across various surfaces, providing a versatile medium for both beginners and professionals.
- Wide Color Range: Prismacolor offers a vast selection of colors, allowing artists to choose from hundreds of shades. This extensive palette means that artists can mix and layer colors easily, enhancing their creativity and enabling more complex color schemes in their work.
- Lightfastness: Many Prismacolor Soft Pastels are formulated to be lightfast, which means they resist fading over time when exposed to light. This quality ensures that finished artworks maintain their vibrancy, making them suitable for pieces intended for display or sale.
- Compatibility with Other Mediums: These pastels can be combined with other art supplies, such as charcoal or colored pencils, to create unique textures and effects. This versatility allows artists to experiment and develop their distinct styles while using Prismacolor Soft Pastels as a foundational medium.
Why Are Sennelier Soft Pastels a Preferred Choice at AC Moore?
Sennelier Soft Pastels are a preferred choice at AC Moore primarily due to their superior quality and rich pigment, which artists find essential for vibrant and lasting artwork.
According to a study by the National Art Education Association, the quality of materials used significantly impacts the artist’s ability to create and express their vision. Sennelier pastels are manufactured using high-grade pigments and a unique formulation that allows for smooth application and excellent blending capabilities, making them particularly appealing to both amateur and professional artists (National Art Education Association, 2022).
The underlying mechanism for their popularity stems from the combination of factors such as texture, color range, and lightfastness. Sennelier pastels are known for their soft texture, which allows for easy layering and application. This is crucial for artists who rely on blending techniques to achieve depth and dimension in their work. Furthermore, the extensive range of colors available caters to diverse artistic needs, while the high lightfastness ensures that artwork maintains its vibrancy over time, reducing the likelihood of fading. This assurance of quality fosters a loyal customer base at retailers like AC Moore, where artists seek reliable and professional-grade materials.
Additionally, the historical reputation of Sennelier as a brand that has catered to renowned artists, including Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso, adds to its allure. The legacy of excellence and the brand’s commitment to quality craftsmanship resonate with consumers, influencing their purchasing decisions. AC Moore’s selection of Sennelier Soft Pastels thus becomes a reflection of both the product’s intrinsic qualities and the trust that artists place in its performance.
How Can You Determine the Price Range of Soft Pastels at AC Moore?
Quality: The quality of soft pastels plays a crucial role in pricing, with artist-grade pastels generally costing more. These high-quality pastels often contain more pigment and less filler, resulting in richer colors and smoother application, which can justify the higher cost for serious artists.
Set Size: Soft pastels are commonly sold in sets of varying sizes, ranging from small sets of 12 to larger collections of 120 or more. Larger sets typically provide better value per pastel but come at a higher upfront cost, appealing to artists looking for an extensive color palette.
Sales and Discounts: AC Moore frequently runs sales and offers discounts on art supplies, including soft pastels. Keeping an eye on these promotions can help you find quality pastels at a lower price, making it beneficial to check their website or subscribe to newsletters for updates.
Store Location: Prices for soft pastels can differ based on the store’s geographic location due to variations in overhead costs and local market conditions. If you’re able to visit multiple AC Moore locations, it might be worth comparing prices to find the best deal available.
What Are the Best Applications for Soft Pastels Purchased from AC Moore?
The best applications for soft pastels purchased from AC Moore include various artistic techniques and projects that showcase their vibrant colors and blendability.
- Landscape Painting: Soft pastels are ideal for creating expressive landscapes due to their ability to blend seamlessly, allowing artists to capture the subtleties of light and color in nature.
- Portraits: The smooth texture of soft pastels makes them perfect for rendering skin tones and intricate details in portraits, providing a softness that can enhance the emotional quality of the artwork.
- Abstract Art: Artists can utilize the vibrant hues and easy layering properties of soft pastels to create bold abstract pieces, experimenting with color combinations and textures to evoke feelings or concepts.
- Still Life Compositions: Soft pastels can be used to depict still life subjects, where the rich colors and soft edges help to create depth and realism in the depiction of objects.
- Mixed Media Projects: Incorporating soft pastels with other mediums, such as watercolor or acrylics, allows artists to experiment with different textures and effects, resulting in unique and dynamic artworks.
Landscape painting benefits from soft pastels’ vibrant colors and blending capabilities, enabling artists to depict the nuances of nature effectively. Portraits also shine with soft pastels, as they can create smooth transitions in skin tones, highlighting the features and emotions of the subject intricately. In the realm of abstract art, the bold color application and layering techniques possible with soft pastels invite artists to explore their creativity freely, resulting in engaging and expressive works. Still life compositions gain depth and realism through the rich hues and soft edges that soft pastels provide, allowing for a more lifelike representation of objects. Finally, mixed media projects can take advantage of the versatility of soft pastels, harmonizing well with other art materials to create innovative textures and visual interest in the artwork.
How Should You Select the Right Soft Pastels for Your Art Projects at AC Moore?
Selecting the right soft pastels can greatly enhance your art projects and creativity.
- Brand Quality: Choose soft pastels from reputable brands known for their pigment quality and consistency.
- Color Range: Look for sets that offer a wide variety of colors, allowing for greater versatility in your artwork.
- Softness Level: Consider the softness of the pastels, as softer pastels provide richer colors and blend more easily, while harder pastels may be better for fine details.
- Lightfastness: Ensure the pastels have good lightfastness ratings to prevent fading over time, especially for works intended for display.
- Price Point: Evaluate your budget while keeping in mind that higher-quality pastels may be more expensive but offer better results and longevity.
Choosing soft pastels from reputable brands ensures that you are getting high-quality materials that will perform well. Brands like Sennelier, Rembrandt, and Faber-Castell are often recommended for their superior pigmentation and smooth application.
A broad color range can inspire creativity and facilitate more complex artworks. Sets that include a variety of hues, tints, and shades allow artists to achieve more depth and richness in their compositions.
The softness level of pastels is crucial; softer pastels are ideal for vibrant color application and smooth blending, while harder pastels allow for precise lines and details. Depending on your artistic style, you may want to experiment with both types to find what works best for you.
Look for pastels that are labeled with good lightfastness ratings, which indicate their resistance to fading when exposed to light. This is especially important if you plan to sell your artwork or display it in well-lit areas.
Finally, consider your budget when selecting pastels. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in higher-quality pastels can lead to better results and satisfaction in your art projects.
What Do Customer Reviews Reveal About Soft Pastels from AC Moore?
- Color Vibrancy: Many customers praise the vividness and brightness of the colors in AC Moore’s soft pastel range.
- Blendability: Reviews often highlight how easily these pastels can be blended, making them suitable for artists of all skill levels.
- Texture: Users frequently comment on the creamy texture of the pastels, which contributes to smooth application and layering.
- Price Point: Several reviews mention the affordability of AC Moore’s soft pastels compared to other brands, providing good value for the quality.
- Packaging: Customers often discuss the packaging, noting that it is convenient and protective, helping to keep the pastels intact.
Color Vibrancy: Many customers praise the vividness and brightness of the colors in AC Moore’s soft pastel range. Artists appreciate that the colors appear as intended on paper, allowing for more expressive artwork.
Blendability: Reviews often highlight how easily these pastels can be blended, making them suitable for artists of all skill levels. The smooth blending capabilities enable users to create gradients and soft transitions effortlessly.
Texture: Users frequently comment on the creamy texture of the pastels, which contributes to smooth application and layering. This texture allows for rich color deposits without excessive pressure, reducing hand fatigue during long sessions.
Price Point: Several reviews mention the affordability of AC Moore’s soft pastels compared to other brands, providing good value for the quality. Customers feel they receive a professional-grade product without breaking the bank, making it an excellent choice for both students and hobbyists.
Packaging: Customers often discuss the packaging, noting that it is convenient and protective, helping to keep the pastels intact. The design usually includes a sturdy case that prevents breakage, which is particularly beneficial during transport.
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