Welcome to PanPastel Artist Pastels

The unique pan format of these pastel colors allows them to work in ways that traditional soft (stick) pastels don't, while the wide array of Sofft Tools let artists create a variety of marks.

At first, this way of applying color can feel a bit unfamiliar - but once you try it out you'll see it's quite easy and intuitive. Start with this intro video and try the techniques below to get acquainted with PanPastels.

1) Apply PanPastel with a Sofft Sponge to quickly and easily block in uniform areas of color while generating very little dust. Swipe one of the sponge bars over the pan one or two times to load the sponge with color, then apply it to your surface.

More textured surfaces quickly pull PanPastel from the Sofft sponge creating dense, opaque marks, while smoother surfaces make it easier to create longer, more transparent passages.

2) Apply another PanPastel color next to the marks you just made. Use the Sofft Sponge to pull the darker color into the lighter one. PanPastels can be mixed and blended - like painting with dry pigment. Color mixes and subtle gradients and shading are easily achieved with PanPastel. To transition between colors, clean your Sofft tools by wiping on a dry paper towel.

Now that you have a feel for how to apply and blend PanPastel, use the included Sponge Bars and Mini Applicators to explore the variety of marks you can make. Try using stick pastels, colored pencils or markers over PanPastel to add lines and details. PanPastels are blendable, erasable, generate very little dust and work well with a variety of other drawing media.

Check out the Videos & Tutorials page on PanPastel.com for more ideas.

Did you know GOLDEN Artist Colors acquired PanPastel and Sofft Tools in November 2022? Click to learn more.

We're excited to share news like this, as well as the latest information on products, applications, and techniques from our employee-owned company. Sign up below to stay connected!

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