Oil pastels Astra, 36 colors — set for drawing and blending

Astra oil pastels, 36 colors — a set designed for drawing, sketching and blending with consistently soft, pigmented sticks. The compact assortment includes a broad range of hues that layer smoothly and respond well to smudging and blending techniques. Suitable for use on paper and primed surfaces, this set supports mixed-media approaches where oil pastels are combined with pencil, ink or light washes. The format and color selection make the set practical for students, hobbyists and illustrators working on studies, plein air sketches and expressive artwork that requires vibrant, blendable color.

Advantages

The oil pastels feature a soft, creamy texture that delivers high pigment concentration and even coverage. Sticks maintain shape during normal use while allowing for effective layering and smooth transitions between tones. Colors retain saturation after blending and are compatible with common blending tools such as tortillons, fingers or soft cloth. The set’s compact packaging keeps the pastels organized and accessible for studio, classroom or outdoor use.

Suitable for

• Sketching and studies on paper
• Plein air and quick field sketches
• Expressive and illustrative artwork
• Mixed-media projects with primed surfaces
• Art education and practice for students

Key specifications

• Number of colors: 36
• Medium: oil-based pastel sticks
• Texture: soft, creamy, blendable
• Suitable surfaces: paper and primed supports
• Applications: layering, smudging, mixed-media use

How to use

Select a suitable paper or primed surface and arrange colors for easy access. Apply pastels directly for opaque coverage or use light strokes to build translucent layers. Blend tones with a finger, tortillon or soft cloth to achieve smooth gradients and subtle transitions. For detailed lines and highlights, work with the pastel edge or refine with compatible drawing tools. If combining with other media, test adhesion and compatibility on a scrap before applying to the main work.

Usage recommendations

Store pastels flat in their box to prevent crumbling and keep them protected from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Use fixative sprays specifically formulated for oil pastels if permanent protection is required, testing on a sample first. Clean blending tools between colors to avoid unintended color contamination.