Paul Rubens Oil Pastels Set 72 Vibrant Colors - Smooth Blendable

Our review of the Paul Rubens Oil Pastels set finds it a versatile kit for artists and students who want an extensive, easy-to-blend color range without fuss. The set's single biggest strength is the combination of 72 richly pigmented hues and an ultra-soft, creamy texture that makes layering and gradation straightforward. For those who work on mixed surfaces or experiment with blending and scraping techniques, these pastels deliver vivid results and reliable coverage, though some users should be aware of a notably oily feel on certain papers.

Key Features

• 72 Vibrant Colors: A broad palette provides a wide range of hues for complex illustrations, detailed works and smooth transitions between tones.
• Ultra-Soft Texture: The creamy consistency glides on smoothly for easy layering and quick color application without excessive pressure.
• Easy to Blend: Colors blend predictably and allow for subtle gradations and mixing directly on the surface for painterly effects.
• Bullet Head Design: The rounded 11 mm diameter bullets enable controlled strokes and fine textured details when used on edges.
• High-Quality Materials: Pigments and binders are formulated to produce vivid, long-lasting color that retains visual impact over time.
• Versatile Use: Works well on standard pastel papers, mixed-media boards and other surfaces for sketching, drawing and painting techniques.

Who It's For

The Paul Rubens 72-color oil pastels suit students, hobbyists and practicing artists who want a large, ready-made palette for experiments in blending, layering and scraping. The set is especially handy for classroom use and travel because the full color range removes the need to mix limited shades.

Those who prefer extremely dry or waxy pastels, or who need ultra-fine point detail work, may want to look elsewhere; the sticks are noticeably soft and can feel oily on some papers, which affects handling for certain techniques.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Rich, strongly pigmented colors that show up well on a variety of surfaces.
• Buttery soft, smooth texture that makes blending simple and enjoyable.
• Bullet head shape provides controlled application for both broad and finer marks.
• Great value for an extended 72-color selection suitable for many projects.

Cons

• Several users report an oily feel to the pastels which can affect drying and handling on some papers.
• The soft sticks can wear down faster with heavy use compared with harder pastels.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Paul Rubens 72-color oil pastels are a compelling choice for artists who want a wide, vibrant palette and effortless blending at a reasonable cost. They excel for expressive, painterly work and student projects, offering strong pigment and a pleasant creamy feel; buyers who dislike oily mediums or need extremely fine points should consider alternatives, but for most users this set represents solid value and creative flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these oil pastels easy to blend?
Yes, the ultra-soft, creamy texture blends smoothly for gradations and mixing on the surface.

What surfaces can be used with these pastels?
They perform well on pastel paper, mixed-media boards and other textured drawing surfaces.

Do these pastels dry quickly?
They do not dry like paint; some users note an oily feel which can remain on the surface depending on paper and application.