There’s something truly special about drawing with pastels. From the soft, buttery textures to the rich, velvety colours they offer a tactile, expressive experience that’s completely unique.
Whether you're new to pastels or curious about how they work, our Online Pastel Classes are the perfect place to begin exploring this beautiful medium.
Let’s take a look at what pastels are, what makes them so versatile, and the kinds of stunning artworks they can help you create.
Pastels are a type of art medium made from finely ground pigment and a small amount of binder, usually formed into sticks. They’re loved for their vibrant colours, soft texture, and the way they blend so effortlessly. There are a few different types of pastels you might come across in our online pastel classes, each with its own personality and best use:
Soft Pastels – These are the most popular type for fine art. Soft, velvety, and super blendable, they’re perfect for expressive work like landscapes, florals, and portraits. They offer strong pigment and a painterly feel.
Hard Pastels – Less crumbly and more precise, hard pastels are great for fine details and linework. They’re often used alongside soft pastels for outlines and sharper edges.
Oil Pastels – These have a creamy, almost crayon-like texture. They don’t smudge or blend in the same way as soft pastels, but they’re bold, vibrant, and great for layered, textured work like abstract art and mixed media.
Pastel Pencils – Essentially a pastel stick in pencil form! These are excellent for detailed drawing, sketching, and finishing touches. Especially when control and precision matter.
Pastels are perfect for creating dreamy landscapes, expressive portraits, still life drawings, and abstract pieces. They lend themselves well to blending, layering, and creating texture, making them a favourite among artists who love both precision and freedom. With just a little practice, you can capture light and shadow in a way that feels painterly and vivid. The best part? You don’t need paintbrushes, water, or drying time. Just pick up your pastels and start creating. Download our guide for FREE to overcome the top 5 struggles to starting with pastels.
If you’re curious about learning a new medium, we’d love to have you join our Online Pastel Classes. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to try something new, pastels are an easy, expressive, and deeply rewarding way to get creative.
Come and explore the magic of pastel art. Reach out today or visit our membership page to start your journey.
Kerri Dixon
Founder, The Creative Barn
Award winning wildlife artist with a love for animals and nature. Lifetime learner of art and all mediums and mother of three. Had a tree change and went from a sign writer in the city to a farmer in rural Queensland, giving me more time to create and teach my love of art to others.
"I love the way you teach, it's clear and easy to follow. I particularly like the variety of platforms
ie. The 'Live tutorials that we can look back over because you record them, the Drink and Draw sessions, Facebook Q & A's and The Barn'
"The membership is a group of like minded people who love art and nature and who are supportive. I have already gained confidence and there are so many ways to learn in the membership"
"The membership helps with confidence, great group of people with encouragement and ideas. Kerri is a great teacher, the tasks help practicing different techniques"
"I absolutely recommend The Creative Barn Membership and plan to spread the news far and wide"