PRO ARTSquare Artist Pastel Set, 72 Assorted Colors Wood Box, (Model: 3099)

I chose these pastels after doing a lot of research on various other pastels, including soft, semi-hard and others. I chose these based on the quantity of sticks, colors available, price, and the fact that it came in its own storage case. Initially, upon opening the case for the first time the day of its arrival, I was disappointed to find many of the chalks on one end were snapped in half and with a few crumbles inside the packaging. Two of the plastic holders inside were bent and looked like the box had been dropped on its end. The exterior of the wooden case, however, was flawless and seems of a higher quality than reflects the price of the entire unit. Anyway, once I started using the pastels, I realized my first instinct was to break each piece in half for better control, anyway, so I realized the broken pieces were not bothersome whatsoever. I did have to take sandpaper to a few pieces to remove a manufacturer's filmy substance which appeared to render the pastels unable to lay down color, but I didn't have to remove much to bring the stick to its full pigmented wonder. Before disregarding this set due to customers' complaints that some sticks were broken during transit, consider how they will be used in your craft and realize that broken sticks might actually be a good thing for you and your workflow.

Rich colors, great box. Mine came with only one cracked in half, all others were perfectly in tact. The pigments are really vibrant. I can't really offer a comparison, as these were my first pastels - but I bought them when other people commented that they were artist grade at student price. I have to agree that they are pretty amazing. Worth the money for anyone getting into pastels for the first time.I don't know how lightfast they are, so I can't say that I would use them on saleable works, but for sketching in prep for painting? Stellar buy.I actually wanted a handle on the box, so I was able to steal a nylon handle from one of my kid's old lunch boxes and screwed it in. Now, I have a portable box of pastels!

Since there is never enough white pastels in a kit so I bought these. They serve the purpose. They are very soft and work over a hard pastels. Some came broken but I don’t mind since I break them anyway.

None of mine arrived broken, so I think maybe earlier quality or packaging issues are gone. I wouldn't care about a few breaks anyway, as that happens during normal use, depending on how you hold them. These seem to have plenty of pigment and they handle well. This is my first set beyond an old Sennelier brand set of 12 colors I've had for years. The wooden box is a great addition to the value too, and there is a decent tray inside to keep the sticks organized. Artist Frank Webb says in one of his books that pastels teach you to make every mark count. I'm hoping to get that lesson internalized soon.

I very much like this set of pastels! The box is very cool, pretty solid, so far hasn't fallen apart yet. the pastels themselves are great, fell good int he fingers and look great on paper, yea theres a ton of dust but it's pastel... your gonna get dirty hehehLove it!

So nice to be able to buy just the needed color. Good quality.

The case is very nice colors are great however arrived with many of them broken

Ok. Wow. These are excellent. I'm not an expert. But I do know that for a natural skin tone, alcohol markers just don't do it. So, I have changed up my mediums. Used to be only alcohol markers. Now it's a mishmash alcohol markers, pastels, both chalk and soft oils, gel pens and colored pencils. Not sorry. My preference for coloring has changed as well. I think that that is normal for anyone who has a drive as an artist. From cartoon to more realism. A few photos. First is unfinished, but with the new pastels. The others are an idea of what I mean by expansion of work. And many are a mismash. I encourage you, if you are finding yourself stuck, doing the same thing....try gray scale. Find artists that challenge you. The first one is a simple, unfinished work. But gives you an idea of what you can do with skin tones. The rest are an example of harder work. Last one is an example of alcohol skin tones. It's from a beginner. But a good example of how hard it can be to get away from the streaks. I have learned to blend. My girl has not.

La persona para quien lo compre, un profesional de la pintura, dice que son excelentes

Very soft pastels. Very good coverage, but softer than I expected in this square format.

Beautiful colours , great coverage ,love them

Son excelentes no se gastan demasiado y el color perdura

Use this collection for high quality artwork