Pastel pencils are a versatile medium, offering precision and vibrant color for artists who wish to combine the characteristics of traditional pastels with the control of a pencil. Two of the most popular brands in the pastel pencil market are Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils and Carbothello Pastel Pencils. Both brands have a loyal following and are used by artists across the world, but they differ in terms of their composition, performance, and suitability for specific artistic needs. Below is a comprehensive comparison between these two highly regarded products.
1. Brand Reputation and History
Faber-Castell is one of the oldest and most prestigious names in the art materials industry, with a history spanning over 250 years. Known for their high-quality, innovative products, Faber-Castell's Pitt Pastel Pencils are part of a long tradition of excellence. Their products are designed with professional artists in mind but are also accessible to hobbyists.
Carbothello, on the other hand, is a brand produced by Schwan-Stabilo, a company well-known for its art materials and writing tools. Carbothello Pastel Pencils are also highly regarded by artists, particularly those who favor a more controlled, less dusty approach to pastel work. Schwan-Stabilo has a strong reputation in the pastel world, though it may not have the same long-standing history as Faber-Castell.
2. Composition and Quality
Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils:
- These pencils are known for their soft, rich pigments and excellent lightfastness. The pigments are embedded in a soft, wax-based core, which provides a smooth and creamy application.
- They are designed to be used for both drawing and layering techniques, allowing for subtle blending and rich color transitions.
- The consistency of the color is uniform, and they are easily blendable, although they maintain their shape well for fine details.
- The range of colors is extensive, providing artists with an impressive selection to work with.
Carbothello Pastel Pencils:
- Carbothello Pastel Pencils are also soft but are designed with a harder, oil-based core. The result is a pencil that is slightly firmer than Faber-Castell's offerings.
- These pencils are especially good for artists who prefer a dry application with minimal smudging. While they are less creamy than Faber-Castell's pencils, they still offer excellent color payoff and blending ability.
- The oil-based composition gives Carbothello pencils more durability and prevents them from breaking easily during use, making them ideal for detailed work.
- Carbothello Pastel Pencils are available in a good range of colors, though their palette may not be as expansive as Faber-Castell’s.
3. Texture and Application
Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils:
- The smoothness and softness of the Pitt pencils make them ideal for large applications and creating smooth gradients. The color layers easily, and artists can achieve a velvety, soft finish with subtle transitions.
- Due to the softer core, Pitt Pastels are excellent for blending with fingers, brushes, or blending tools. They are perfect for creating soft textures and light layers in portrait or landscape drawings.
- However, they can be a bit more fragile compared to Carbothello pencils, so artists may need to handle them more delicately.
Carbothello Pastel Pencils:
- The Carbothello Pastel Pencils’ slightly firmer core makes them better for precision work, such as creating detailed textures or drawing fine lines. The harder texture allows for more controlled marks.
- These pencils are less prone to smudging than the Pitt Pastels, which makes them a good choice for artists who prefer sharper edges and cleaner lines.
- While they blend well, the application is generally drier and less creamy than Pitt Pastels. This makes them less ideal for large areas of smooth color but excellent for achieving detailed, defined marks.
4. Durability and Handling
Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils:
- The softness of the Pitt pencils means that they can be more prone to breakage, especially if they are dropped or pressed too hard during use.
- The pencils are coated with a protective layer to prevent them from breaking too easily, but artists should be mindful when sharpening or applying pressure.
- The lightfastness of Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils is one of their standout features, ensuring that colors stay vibrant over time, even when exposed to light.
Carbothello Pastel Pencils:
- Carbothello pencils are generally more durable than their Faber-Castell counterparts due to the harder oil-based core. This makes them less likely to break during normal use, and they handle pressure better.
- The pencils’ firm consistency also means they do not wear down as quickly, making them a good choice for artists who do not want to sharpen their pencils too frequently.
- Carbothello pencils are also known for their excellent lightfastness, making them suitable for works that will be displayed or sold.
5. Price
In general, Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils tend to be slightly more expensive than Carbothello Pastel Pencils. This price difference is often justified by the larger color range, the softer texture, and the higher premium associated with the Faber-Castell brand. However, Carbothello pencils offer great value for artists seeking durability and precision at a more affordable price point.
6. Where to Buy
Both Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils and Carbothello Pastel Pencils are widely available through various online retailers and art supply stores. Here are some places where you can find them:
- Amazon Canada: Amazon offers both brands, often with discounts or multi-pack options, and has customer reviews to help guide purchasing decisions.
- Jackson's Art Supplies: This UK-based supplier is a great option for purchasing professional-grade art supplies online. They offer both Faber-Castell and Carbothello products.
- Blick Art Materials: Blick is one of the largest suppliers of art materials in the U.S. and carries both Faber-Castell and Carbothello pastel pencils.
- Michael's: In Canada Michael’s is a widely accessible option for purchasing Faber-Castell products in-store or online.
- Endeavours: A Fredericton company with excellent in-store service, that carries a wide range of materials for artists, including many different soft pastel options,
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