Honsell Jaxell Soft Pastels – set of 12 grey soft pastel sticks

Jaxell Soft Pastels in Greys – 12 soft pastel sticks for shading and portraits

The Jaxell Soft Pastels in Greys set from Honsell contains 12 soft pastel sticks in graduated shades of grey. You can use them for shading, portraits, realistic drawings and monochrome subjects. The sticks are made to artists' quality and are highly pigmented, with a soft texture that lets you create gentle transitions.

Each stick measures 10 × 10 × 64 mm. The square shape gives you a choice: use the broad side to cover areas and backgrounds, and the edge for finer lines and details.

Working with greys

Start by laying in the area with the lightest grey, then build up the darker tones in layers on top. This keeps the transitions controlled and lets you bring out light and shade step by step. Blend the steps softly into one another with a finger, a paper stump or a cloth. Add the darkest tones last for outlines and accents. Pastel dust holds best on paper with some texture; you can protect a finished piece with fixative.

Choosing a set

This set deliberately sticks to grey, so it suits studies of tonal values and black-and-white subjects. If you need more colour or more shades, the Jaxell range includes further sets of 12, 24, 36, 48 or 60 sticks, as well as a 12-piece set in browns.

Jaxell Soft Pastels in Greys product details

• Brand: Jaxell, manufacturer Honsell
• Contents: 12 soft pastels in various shades of grey
• Size of each stick: 10 × 10 × 64 mm
• Quality: artists' quality, highly pigmented
• Use: drawings, shading, portraits, mixed media

You will also need: pastel paper or textured drawing paper, a finger, paper stump or cloth for blending; optionally fixative for finished pieces.