Pastels can create smooth, creamy colors, or rough, waxy textures. An expressive art form full of emotion, pastels are perfect for young artists who want to dive into color, and get a bit messy. This guide to pastels gives readers the tools they need to begin making their own masterpieces.

What are pastels? -- Using pastels -- Shading and texture -- Blending practice -- Project page: try abstract art -- Fixing smudgy pastels -- Project page: colorful landscape -- Try colored paper -- Project page: pastel planets -- Oil pastels resist -- Project page: baby panda -- Stencils and scratchboard -- Project page: soft pastel sunset.