Pros

  • Excellent quality for studenevel oil pastels, making them suitable for art education.
  • Blends easily and applies smoothly, akin to 'laying on butter.'
  • Offers great value for beginners and casual artists looking for affordable oil pastels.
  • Ideal for those new to oil pastels, outperforming more expensive brands for learning purposes.
  • Bright and vibrant colors provide excellent coverage.
  • Recommended for use on regular construction paper or light gray paper for better results.
  • Works well alongside professional brands such as Van Gogh and Holbein.

Cons

  • Some colors do not perform well on darker or heavily textured paper.
  • The product has a strong odor reminiscent of gasoline, potentially causing headaches or dizziness.
  • Colors are not lonasting and may fade, making them unsuitable for commission works.
  • Limited layering ability compared to other brands.
  • Requires managing crumbs created while using, which can be messy.

Bottom Line

The Pentel Arts Oil Pastel Set (PHN-25) is an excellent choice for beginners and casual artists, offering vibrant colors and easy blending at an affordable price. However, professionals might find the longevity and the strong odor a drawback for more serious projects. Ideal for educational purposes and personal sketchbooks, this set balances quality and cost effectively. While not recommended for commission or professional work due to fading issues, it makes a wonderful starter set for those transitioning into the world of oil pastels.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$4.16 at Amazon
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