Colored pastel halves set KOH-I-NOOR 8546 Toison D'or — 48 colors

Set of 48 dry pastel halves from KOH-I-NOOR Toison D'or (model 8546) offers a compact collection of soft, highly pigmented pastel sticks in a half-stick format. The assortment covers a broad palette of pastel hues suitable for layering, blending and fine-detail work. The half-stick design makes the set space-efficient for storage and convenient to carry for outdoor sketching or studio use. Dry pastels in this set deliver rich color payoff and matte finish appropriate for illustration, study and mixed-media techniques.

Advantages

The half-stick format reduces breakage and saves workspace while still providing ample surface area for direct application and blending. High pigment concentration gives strong color intensity and good coverage, enabling smooth gradations and transitions. The compact tin or case arrangement keeps the pastels organized and readily accessible; individual halves are easy to replace or supplement. Suitable for both detailed work and broad strokes, these dry pastels respond well to smudging, layering and fixative application when required.

Suitable for

• Figure drawing and portrait studies
• Landscape sketches and plein air work
• Illustration and concept art
• Mixed-media projects combining pencil, ink or watercolor
• Art education and practice exercises

Key specifications

• Quantity: 48 half-size dry pastels
• Color range: wide palette of pastel hues for layering and blending
• Format: half-stick (compact, reduced length compared to full sticks)
• Finish: matte, rich pigment delivery suitable for detailed and broad application
• Compatibility: works with pastel papers, textured supports and mixed-media surfaces

How to use

Select the desired color and apply directly to a prepared support such as textured pastel paper, watercolor paper or toned board. Build up layers from light to dark or vice versa, using the half-stick edge for strokes and the flat side for broader coverage. Blend transitions with fingers, blending stumps or soft cloth, and refine edges with a sharpened pastel knife or sandpaper block if needed. For mixed-media work, combine with graphite, ink or light washes, allowing each layer to dry before applying pastels over wet media.

Usage recommendations

Work on properly primed or textured paper designed for pastels to maximize adhesion and minimize dust loss. Fix gently with an appropriate workable fixative between layers when building delicate details or when preparing a final composition for transport or display.