Pastels on sale. Direct colour, no fuss.

If you want immediate, expressive colour, pastels are hard to beat.

No mixing, no drying time, no setup. You are working with pure pigment straight onto the surface. The Art Shed EOFYS Pastels Sale includes oil pastels, soft pastels and water-soluble pastels, all at discounted prices.

What's included

Mont Marte Oil Pastels

Oil pastels have a creamy consistency that blends easily and produces strong, vibrant colour. They are easy to use, do not require fixative and work on most paper surfaces. A good option for bold, expressive work and beginners.

Mont Marte Soft Pastels

Soft pastels are dry and highly pigmented, giving that classic soft, luminous look. They blend easily with fingers or tools and are best used on textured paper. A fixative spray is recommended to protect finished work.

Mont Marte Water-Soluble Pastels

Use them dry like a pastel or add water to create a wash effect similar to watercolour. A flexible option for mixed media work and artists who want more control over blending and movement.

Which pastel type is right for you?

  • Want rich colour with easy blending? Oil pastels are the easiest place to start.
  • After a soft, layered, traditional pastel look? Soft pastels are the classic choice.
  • Want more control and flexibility? Water-soluble pastels give you both dry and wet effects.
  • New to pastels? Oil pastels are the most forgiving and require the least setup.

Use the right paper

Pastels rely on surface texture to hold pigment. Smooth paper will not grip the colour properly, especially with soft pastels.

Shop pastel paper and pads including toned paper options that help build depth and contrast.

Toned papers, such as grey or tan, are especially popular because they allow both highlights and shadows to stand out.

Consider a fixative

Soft pastels need fixing to prevent smudging. A light spray of pastel fixative will help protect your work and keep layers in place.

Shop fixatives and accessories to finish your work properly.

Stock up while it's on sale

Pastel sets and popular colours move quickly during EOFYS.

If you've been thinking about trying pastels or building your colour range, now is the time.

Don't overthink it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between oil pastels and soft pastels?

Oil pastels contain oil and wax, giving them a smooth, creamy texture that does not require fixative. Soft pastels are dry and powdery, making them easier to blend and layer but requiring a fixative to prevent smudging.

What are water-soluble pastels?

Water-soluble pastels can be used dry like traditional pastels or activated with water to create wash effects similar to watercolour. They are popular for mixed media and flexible techniques.

Do pastels need fixative?

Soft pastels require fixative to protect the artwork from smudging. Oil pastels generally do not need fixing because the binder holds the pigment in place. Water-soluble pastels may benefit from a light fix depending on the finish.

What paper is best for pastels?

Pastels work best on textured paper that can grip pigment. Toned papers such as grey or tan are popular because they enhance contrast and allow both highlights and shadows to stand out.

Are pastels good for beginners?

Yes. Oil pastels are especially beginner-friendly because they are easy to use, require no setup and blend easily. Soft pastels take a little more control but offer very strong visual results.

Can you mix oil pastels and soft pastels?

They are usually used separately because of their different binders. Some artists layer soft pastels over oil pastels, but results vary. Most work with one type at a time for consistency.

Does Art Shed ship pastels Australia-wide?

Yes. Art Shed ships pastels and art supplies to all states and territories across Australia from our Moorabbin warehouse.