Set of 96 Caran D’Ache Neopastels

• Ultra High Quality oil pastels for professionals.
• Water-resistant; can be dissolved in white spirit.
• Soft and velvety texture but does not crumble.
• Highly concentrated pigment, superior covering power.
• Excellent light resistance.
• Pastels measurements: 64 mm in length and, 9.5 mm in diameter.
• Permanent pigments.
• ASTM D4236 compliant.

Caran D’Ache Neopastels are high-quality oil pastels designed for both professional and amateur artists. Manufactured in Geneva, Switzerland, these pastels are characterized by their soft, velvety texture and excellent lightfastness, making them suitable for a wide range of artistic applications.

Key Features

Composition and Texture: Neopastels are made from extra-fine pigments and inert oil, providing a creamy, buttery feel that allows for smooth application and blending. They do not crumble or dry out, ensuring durability during use.
Physical Dimensions: Each pastel measures approximately 10 mm in diameter and 68 mm in length, featuring a round shape that facilitates various techniques, including shading and blending.
Colour Range: The Neopastel line includes 96 brilliant colours, all rated for lightfastness according to the Blue Wool Scale, ensuring that artworks maintain their vibrancy over time.
Versatility: These pastels can be used on various surfaces, including paper and canvas. They are water-resistant and can be dissolved in solvents like turpentine or white spirit, allowing for diverse artistic techniques.
Application Techniques: Artists can utilize the pastels for detailed work or broader strokes, and they can be blended easily with fingers or blending mediums. This flexibility makes them suitable for mixed media applications.

Caran D’Ache Neopastels are versatile oil pastels known for their creamy texture and vibrant colors. Here are some effective techniques to maximize their use:

1. Layering and Blending
Layering: Start with a base layer of colour and gradually build up additional layers. Neopastels are highly pigmented, allowing for rich color saturation without overwhelming the surface.
Blending: Use your fingers, a blending stump, or tools like Colour Shapers to blend colours smoothly. Their buttery texture makes it easy to create soft transitions and gradients.
2. Application Techniques
Broad Strokes: Utilize the side of the pastel for broad strokes and to cover larger areas quickly. This is ideal for backgrounds or base layers.
Fine Details: Use the tip for detailed work. The cylindrical shape allows for precision in smaller areas, making it suitable for intricate designs.
3. Mixed Media
Combining with Other Materials: Neopastels can be effectively used with other mediums. They work well with soft pastels and can be layered under or over traditional oil paints. However, be cautious with water-based paints, as they may resist application on top of the Neopastels.
Using Blending Mediums: Experiment with blending mediums to thin the pastels for smoother applications. This can enhance the pastel’s application on various surfaces, including canvas and textured papers.
4. Surface Selection
Paper Types: Choose the right paper for your project. Smooth papers like hot-pressed watercolour paper allow for fine detail work, while textured papers can add interesting effects to your artwork. The choice of paper can significantly affect the outcome of your work with Neopastels.
5. Preservation and Storage
Protecting Your Work: Once completed, consider using a fixative to preserve your artwork, as Neopastels can smudge easily. Store the pastels in a secure container to prevent breakage and contamination from other materials

Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pad 30cm x 40cm: PAD 1
Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pad 30cm x 40cm: PAD 2
Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pad 30cm x 40cm: PAD 3 White
Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pad 30cm x 40cm: PAD 4
Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pad 30cm x 40cm: PAD 5
Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pad 30cm x 40cm: PAD 6 Anthracite