Best Paper Drawing Pastels of 2025

Ann Hale Avatar
Ann Hale
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

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Paper drawing pastels are a versatile and vibrant medium for artists of all skill levels. Made from a blend of pigment, chalk, and binder, these soft pastels are perfect for creating a range of effects on paper. They come in a variety of colors and can be blended together to create unique shades and tones. Paper drawing pastels are easy to use and can be applied to a range of textured paper surfaces. Whether you're a professional artist or just starting out, these pastels are a great addition to any art supply collection.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

CANSON Mi-Teintes Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors Cover #TOP 1
CANSON Mi-Teintes Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Ohuhu 72 Long Chalk Pastels Set Cover #TOP 2
Ohuhu 72 Long Chalk Pastels Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Pentel Oil Pastels and Paper Pad Set Cover #TOP 3
Pentel Oil Pastels and Paper Pad Set
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Paper Drawing Pastels

#TOP 1

CANSON Mi-Teintes Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors

100510864
White
9"X12"
CANSON Mi-Teintes Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors Cover
Canson Artist Series Mi-Teintes Pastel Paper, Assorted Colors, Foldover Pad, 9x12 inches, 24 Sheets (98lb/160g) - Artist Paper for Adults and Students

The CANSON Mi-Teintes Pastel Pad is recognized worldwide as the preferred paper for pastel, drawing, and paper craft. The 50% cotton, gelatin-sized papers come with dual-surfaces, one with a heavy texture and the other with a lighter texture. This light-fast paper is colored at the pulp level and comes with 24 sheets of 9 x 12 inch acid-free 98 pound/160-gram paper.

What We Like
Preferred paper for pastel, drawing, and paper craft
Dual-surfaced heavy and light texture
Light-fast paper colored at the pulp level
#TOP 2

Ohuhu 72 Long Chalk Pastels Set

Y30-80700-39-ywtsus
Assorted Colors
Ohuhu 72 Long Chalk Pastels Set Cover
Ohuhu 72 Long Chalk Pastel Set: 72 Soft Pastels Markers For Artists 4 Fluorescent Colors With 6 Pastel Papers Included for Drawing Blending Layering Shading Pastels Set for Adults Teenagers Beginners

The Ohuhu 72 Long Chalk Pastels Set includes 72 vivid colors that are suitable for all pastel techniques. The soft pastels sticks are ideal for adult, teens, professionals, and kids, and perform well on any pad, textured paper, or canvas. The set is made from non-toxic and eco-friendly materials that are highly lightfast and fade-resistant. Moreover, the set includes four fluorescent colors for luminous effects and six bonus sheets. It can be the perfect gift for beginners or experts, hobbyists or professionals, on birthdays, Christmas, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, or Halloween's Day.

What We Like
Includes 72 vivid colors suitable for all pastel techniques
Ideal for adult, teens, professionals, and kids
Made from non-toxic and eco-friendly materials that are highly lightfast and fade-resistant
#TOP 3

Pentel Oil Pastels and Paper Pad Set

0650079524503
Assorted Colors
Pentel Oil Pastels and Paper Pad Set Cover
The Mega Deals Oil Pastels 50 Colors Soft oil Pastels, Oil Pastels for Artists and Kids, Oil Crayons and Oil Pastel Paper Pad 9"x12" Spiral Bound 30 Sheets, Oil Pastels Art Supplies

The Pentel Oil Pastels and Paper Pad Set includes 50 vivid assorted colors of oil pastels and a 30-sheet spiral-bound pastel paper pad. The non-breakable, soft texture of the oil pastels makes them perfect for all ages and stages of art. These oil pastels apply smoothly and blend easily for subtle shades, tints, and mixtures. They are also easy to blend with other colors by simply using your finger. The included acid-free and smooth surface pastel pad is ideal for soft pastel, oil pastel, crayons, and more.

What We Like
50 vivid assorted colors included
Soft texture makes them perfect for all ages and stages of art
Blend easily with other colors using just your finger
#TOP 4

GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel

GR768434258588
GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Cover
GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9x12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper

GR DZPLUS 9x12 Pastel is a set of 30 acid-free, heavyweight drawing paper sheets measuring 9 x 12 inches and weighing 123 lb/200g. Suitable for both hard and soft pastels, as well as oil pastels, this paper can also be used with graphite pencils, colored pencils, charcoal, and sketching sticks. The dual-surfaced sheets offer a heavy texture on one side and a lighter texture on the other, providing versatility for various artistic techniques. Enjoy the convenience of experimenting with different media on this high-quality paper.

What We Like
Acid-Free
Heavyweight Paper
Versatile Usage
#TOP 5

SEN Oil Color Pastel Pad

10-136760
White
1 Count (Pack of 1)
SEN Oil Color Pastel Pad Cover
Sennelier Oil Color Pastel Pad, 6.25" x 9.5", White, 1 Count (Pack of 1)

SEN Oil Pastel Pad is a high-quality drawing pad designed specifically for oil pastels. The machine-made, bright white paper provides a smooth and durable surface for your artwork. The acid-free composition ensures that your creations will not fade or deteriorate over time. With its heavyweight textured surface, this pad offers excellent grip and control, allowing you to easily blend and layer your oil pastels. Whether you are a beginner or a professional artist, this pad delivers unsurpassed performance for oil pastel techniques. Experience the convenience and superior results that the SEN Oil Pastel Pad has to offer.

What We Like
Machine-made bright white paper
Acid-free composition
Heavyweight textured surface
#TOP 6

Soft Pastels Set for Drawing and Painting

MARJAQE
TXD-AP1
12Pcs
Soft Pastels Set for Drawing and Painting Cover
Non Toxic Artist Pastels,Square Soft Pastels Set,Chalks 12/24/36/48 Colors Soft Dry Pastel Artist Chalk Pastel Sticks for Office School Art Drawing Painting Supplies Professional Art Pastel (12Pcs)

This set includes 12/24/36/48 soft pastels for drawing and painting. The pigments used are multi-screened for high light fastness and stability. The texture of the square artist pastels are soft, moderate, fine and even, and easy to use. Non-toxic and suitable for children to use. It can be used for pastel painting, graffiti, sketching, disposable hair dyeing, doll hand coloring, and more.

What We Like
Comes in a range of color options
Soft texture for easy use
Non-toxic and suitable for children
#TOP 7

HA SHI Soft Chalk Pastels

mps-64
64 colors Short
HA SHI Soft Chalk Pastels Cover
HA SHI Soft Chalk Pastels, 64 colors with additional 2pcs, Non Toxic Art Supplies, Drawing Media for Artist Stick Pastel for Professional, Kids, Beauty Nail Art, Pan Chalk Pastels

HA SHI Soft Chalk Pastels are a set of 64 non-toxic pastels with high-quality pigments that are easy to mix and have a soft texture. The set includes two additional long white and black pastels, and a plastic cap that reduces the risk of breakage. They can be used on various surfaces, including paper, blackboards, and sidewalk blocks, and are suitable for blending, gradation, and dry wash. In addition, the pastels can be mixed with acrylic powder for nail art. The narrow side of the pastel is good for delicate touches, while the wide side is suitable for bold touches.

What We Like
Non-toxic pastels that can be used by everyone from children to experts
High-quality pigments that are easy to mix and have a soft texture
Can be used on various surfaces and suitable for blending, gradation, and dry wash
#TOP 8

Artecho Oil Pastels Set

ATO-OP4801
Multicolor
Artecho Oil Pastels Set Cover
Artecho Oil Pastels Set of 48 Colors, Soft Oil Pastels for Art Painting, Drawing, Blending, Oil Crayons Pastels Art Supplies for Artists, Beginners, Students, Teachers (10 x 70 mm)

Artecho Pastels Set includes 48 vibrant colors with high-quality pigments, allowing for brilliant artwork. The soft touch of these oil pastels makes blending and shading easy, perfect for various drawing techniques like illustration and stenciling. The pastels come in a humanized size design, making them portable and convenient to carry around. Each pastel has its own paper sleeve for protection against breakage. This set is a fabulous gift for painting enthusiasts, ideal for art projects for kids, beginners, students, and experienced artists.

What We Like
Vibrant colors
Easy blending
Portable packaging
#TOP 9

COLOUR BLOCK 100pc Wooden Case Soft Pastel Art Set

CB01E-100
Multicolor
COLOUR BLOCK 100pc Wooden Case Soft Pastel Art Set Cover
COLOUR BLOCK 100pc Wooden Case Soft Pastel Art Set for Beginners and Experienced Artists I Colors Square Chalk Pastels Art Supplies for Drawing, Blending, Gift

COLOUR BLOCK Pastel Art Set is a 100-piece set of square chalk pastels that comes in a sturdy and lightweight wooden box. The set includes 100 vivid and brilliant colors that are well-chosen to satisfy your color pastel chalks needs. The set is easy to use and clean, with 2 ½” standard size soft pastels that are easy to hold for both kids and adults. The nicely wrapped paper ensures that you can create freely without smudging your unique artworks. This set is an ideal gift choice for everyone, from beginners to experienced artists. The set allows for blending, layering, shading, scumbling, dusting, and gradation, with all pastel painting techniques applied easily. The pastels are made with non-toxic and eco-friendly ASTM-D4236 approved pigment powder, ensuring that you can create safely and happily.

What We Like
100 vivid colors
Easy to use and clean
Ideal gift choice
#TOP 10

Pentel Arts Oil Pastel Set 25

PHN-25
Assorted Colors
Pentel Arts Oil Pastel Set 25 Cover
Pentel Arts Oil Pastel Set, Assorted Colors, Set of 25 (PHN-25)

The Pentel Oil Pastels Set offers vibrant colors that glide on smoothly, allowing you to create beautiful art with ease. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, these pastels are designed for everyone. They blend effortlessly, giving you the ability to achieve subtle shades and unique color mixtures in your artwork. Plus, being acid-free, they are perfect for use on various surfaces like paper, board, or canvas, ensuring your creations last longer without fading. With better humidity resistance than chalk pastels, your drawings will maintain their brilliance over time.

What We Like
Vibrant color application
Easy blending for shading
Acid-free for longevity
Works on multiple surfaces
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is drawing paper good for pastels?

If you're just starting out with pastels, I'd recommend you try Canson Mi-Teintes Drawing Paper because it's cheap and versatile. It's textured enough for pastels but is also suitable for a range of other media (a handy trait when you're on a budget).

2. Can oil pastels be used on drawing paper?

If you think that using just any kind of paper when drawing with oil pastels will yield the same results, then you need to think again. There are paper types that have rough and coarse surfaces. Others, on the other hand, come with smooth surfaces. The good news is that you can use oil pastels on both types of paper.

3. What paper is best for chalk pastels?

Best Paper For Soft Pastels: 5 Picks. Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad.Mi-Teintes Pastel Pad by Canson.Hahnemuhle Velour Trial Pack.

Editor's Notes

During our paper drawing pastel research, we found 24 paper drawing pastel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 148,232 customer reviews through our big data system to write the paper drawing pastels list. We found that most customers choose paper drawing pastels with an average price of $13.40.

The paper drawing pastels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of paper drawing pastels, including Canson, Ohuhu, The Mega Deals, GR DZPLUS, SENNELIER. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 248 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Ann Hale Avatar

Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.