The best pastel drawing books you can buy

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The best pastel drawing books you can buy

AI-generated summary · updated September 8, 2026 · verify details before purchase.

1 Best overall Watson-Guptill
Pastel Painting Atelier: A Complete Course in Pastel Painting

4.4/5 $14.62

Comprehensive course covering techniques, color theory, and composition, ideal for serious learners.
- Step-by-step instructions
- High-quality images
- Expert guidance
- Requires some prior art knowledge
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2 Best reference Chartwell Books
The Pastel Artist's Bible: An Essential Reference for the Practicing Artist

4.5/5 $22.52

Compact reference filled with techniques, tips, and step-by-step demonstrations for all skill levels.
- Concise and full of tips
- Covers many subjects
- Easy to carry
- Fewer detailed projects
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3 Best budget pick Search Press
Landscapes in Pastel (Step-by-Step Leisure Arts)

4.3/5 $33.03 Only 1 left

Affordable guide focusing on landscape pastel painting with clear step-by-step projects.
- Easy to follow
- Good for beginners
- Inexpensive
- Limited scope
- Few techniques
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4 Best for beginners David & Charles
Pastel Workbook: A Complete Course in 10 Lessons

4.6/5 $15-$20

Structured 10-lesson workbook that builds skills progressively, perfect for self-study.
- Structured lesson plan
- Hands-on exercises
- Encourages practice
- Some exercises may be basic for advanced artists
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5 Best for inspiration
Pastel Artistry: 50+ Projects to Inspire Creativity

4.3/5 $18-$25

Collection of over 50 projects covering various subjects, ideal for sparking creativity and trying new styles.
- Lots of project ideas
- Diverse subjects
- Encourages experimentation
- Less in-depth technique instruction
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6 Compact guide Pelican Publishing Company
The Art of Pastel Painting

4.4/5 $29.95 Only 1 left

Concise introduction to pastel painting covering tools, techniques, and simple projects for beginners.
- Clear explanations
- Good quality images
- Great for beginners
- Short book
- Limited depth
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7 Best for intermediate artists Watson-Guptill
Mastering Pastel: A Comprehensive Guide to Painting with Pastels

4.2/5 $19.32

In-depth guide for intermediate artists looking to refine techniques and explore advanced concepts.
- Advanced techniques
- Detailed color theory
- Professional insights
- May be overwhelming for beginners
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8 Best for diverse styles
Pastel Painting Techniques: 17 Pastel Artists Share Their Secrets

4.5/5 $20-$28

Features 17 artists demonstrating unique techniques, offering a wide range of styles and approaches.
- Multiple artist perspectives
- Variety of techniques
- Beautiful visuals
- Less structured learning path
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Buying advice

Consider your skill level and goals when choosing a pastel book. Beginners benefit from structured workbooks like 'Pastel Workbook' or affordable guides like 'Landscapes in Pastel'. Intermediate artists may prefer comprehensive courses like 'Pastel Painting Atelier' or 'Mastering Pastel'. If you seek inspiration, 'Pastel Artistry' offers many projects. Check ratings and reviews on Amazon to confirm fit, and remember that most of these books also have digital versions if you prefer e-reading.

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The best pastel drawing books you can buy

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