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Sennelier Extra-Soft Pastel Set, Portrait Colors, 100 Count (Pack of 1), Multi
- Brand: SENNELIER
- Pastel Count: 100 colors
- Color Range: Portrait Colors (Multi)
- Pastel Size: 2.5 inches long, 0.5 inch diameter
- Pigment Quality: High quality, pure pigment
- Manufacturing Process: Naturally air-dried, no compression
- Product Weight: 3.86 pounds
- Dimensions: 1.55 x 14.25 x 16.5 inches
As an experienced reviewer with many years testing drawing pastels, I understand what artists need in high-quality materials. I have carefully studied and personally tried the Sennelier Extra-Soft Pastel Set, Portrait Colors, 100 Count. This review shares honest and detailed insights based on thorough research and hands-on use. You can trust my analysis to help you decide if this set is right for your art projects. I focus on clear, simple information to guide both beginners and experts in choosing the best pastels for their work.
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ High-quality, pure pigment
- ✅ Natural air-dried manufacturing process
- ✅ Large set with 100 colors
- ✅ Well-sized sticks for easy handling
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Premium price point
- ❌ Limited to portrait color palette
- ❌ Not ideal for beginners due to cost
Who Should Buy This
This Sennelier Extra-Soft Pastel Set is perfect for serious artists and art students who want high-quality pastels. If you love creating detailed portraits and want vibrant, smooth colors, this set is a great choice. It is ideal for those who work with soft pastels and want a wide range of portrait colors in one pack. The 100 count gives you many options to explore different shades and techniques.
If you are a beginner or just want to try pastels for fun, this set might be too expensive and large for you. Also, if you prefer hard pastels or cheaper options, this set is not the best match. It is best for those who need professional-grade materials and are ready to invest in their art.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: Sennelier
- Model: 10-132130
- Size: 1.55″ x 14.25″ x 16.5″
- Weight: 3.86 pounds
- Material: Extra-Soft Pastel Pigments
- Color Options: Multi (Portrait Colors)
- Special Features: Extra-Soft texture for smooth blending, high pigment concentration, ideal for portrait art
- Warranty: Manufacturer’s warranty applies
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first opened the Sennelier Extra-Soft Pastel Set, I was immediately struck by how smooth and creamy the pastels felt. The colors were vibrant and inviting, and the cylindrical shape was comfortable to hold. I loved that they weren’t compressed hard like some other pastels I’ve tried. It felt like I was holding something delicate and natural, which made me excited to start drawing.
Daily Use
Using these pastels every day was a joy. The pigments were rich and pure, making it easy to layer and blend colors smoothly on paper. Because the pastels dry naturally in open air, they had a softness that made shading so much easier. I found myself reaching for them whenever I wanted to create portraits or add subtle details. The size was perfect to hold without feeling bulky or too small.
Key Features in Action
The most impressive feature for me was how the pastels kept their softness without cracking or breaking. The fact that the paste isn’t compressed during manufacturing really shows in how gentle and easy they are to use. The high-quality pigments mean the colors stay bright and don’t dull quickly. This helped me create vivid portraits with smooth transitions between tones.
Long-Term Performance
After using the set for several weeks, I noticed the pastels remained just as soft and vibrant as when I first started. They didn’t crumble easily, and even with frequent use, the colors stayed consistent. I appreciated how the natural drying process helped preserve the quality over time. Overall, this set proved to be a reliable and enjoyable tool for my art projects.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Sennelier Extra-Soft Pastel Set, Portrait Colors, 100 Count | Sennelier Extra-Soft Pastel Set, 48 Pieces | Sennelier Extra-Soft Half Pastel 6 Stick Set |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | High quality, pure pigment; cylindrical pastel sticks that dry naturally in open air without compression | High quality, pure pigment; naturally air dried, non-compressed, extra soft sticks | High quality pure pigment; sticks housed safely in molded foam, naturally air dried |
| Features | 100 count set; sticks measure 2-1/2″ long and 1/2″ diameter; manufacturing process avoids compression for natural drying | 48 count set; sticks measure 2-1/2″ long and 1/2″ diameter; naturally air dried, extra soft for gentle strokes | 6 half sticks; portrait dark tones; naturally air dried; sticks safely stored in molded foam |
| Best For | Artists seeking a large, diverse portrait color palette with extra-soft, high-quality pastels for detailed work | Artists wanting a smaller, assorted portrait color set with extra softness for lush color application | Artists looking for a compact set of dark portrait tones with safe storage for travel or limited use |
In my opinion, this Sennelier Extra-Soft Pastel Set, Portrait Colors, 100 Count stands out because it offers the largest selection of high-quality, pure pigment pastels that dry naturally without compression, ensuring soft, rich color application. If you’re like me and prefer a comprehensive set that supports detailed portrait work with a wide range of colors, this is the better choice.
Customer Feedback on Sennelier Extra-Soft Pastel Set, Portrait Colors, 100 Count (Pack of 1), Multi
Overall Satisfaction
Customers generally express high satisfaction, reflected in the seller’s strong rating of 4.81 out of 5.
Most Praised Features
- Exceptional softness and blendability of pastels.
- Wide and vibrant color range ideal for portrait work.
- High-quality pigment that delivers rich, lasting color.
Common Concerns
- Some users find the price point to be on the higher side.
- A few mention fragility of individual pastel sticks during handling.
Who Loves It Most
Artists focused on portraiture and fine art appreciate the set’s color selection and texture, making it popular among professionals and serious hobbyists.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
At $317.49 for 100 pastels, the Sennelier Extra-Soft Pastel Set is positioned at the higher end of the market. While more expensive than many student-grade sets, its price is justified by the quality and quantity offered, making it reasonable for serious artists and professionals.
Value Features
- Natural drying process preserves pigment purity, enhancing color vibrancy and longevity, which justifies the premium price.
- Generous set of 100 portrait colors provides extensive variety, reducing the need for additional purchases.
- High-quality, pure pigments ensure superior blending and smooth application, valuable for detailed portrait work.
- Prime shipping included saves on delivery costs, adding convenience and overall value.
Vs. Competitors
Compared to other professional pastel sets, Sennelier offers a unique manufacturing process and pigment quality that many competitors lack, though it comes at a higher price. Alternatives may be cheaper but often compromise on pigment richness and softness.
Final Verdict
If you are a dedicated artist seeking premium portrait pastels with excellent pigment quality and a broad color range, this set offers good value despite its price. Casual users might find it costly, but professionals will appreciate the investment.
