Sennelier Soft Pastels Half Stick Set 80 - Plein Air Landscape

In this review of the Sennelier Soft Pastels Half Stick Set 80, the bottom line is simple: plein air painters and landscape sketchers who want a portable, richly pigmented set will appreciate these half sticks. The set is aimed at artists who value maximum color payoff and a buttery, soft application; the naturally air dried, non-compressed sticks lay down intense color with minimal pressure, making them ideal for quick plein air studies or layered studio work. This review examines usability, pigment quality, and travel convenience so you can decide if these pastels fit your kit.

Key Features

• Extra soft, air dried sticks: The naturally air dried, non-compressed formula produces a creamy, buttery feel that deposits lush color even with a light stroke.
• Half-stick format: Compact half-sticks make the set easier to carry and handle outdoors, reducing weight and space for plein air sessions.
• Careful color selection: The 80 colors have been chosen to mix well for a broad range of landscape tones, enabling nuanced skies, foliage, and terrain.
• High quality pigment: Made with pure, high-quality pigments for vibrant, long-lasting hues that retain intensity on paper.
• Historical pedigree: From a brand used by plein air masters, the formulation reflects over a century of pastel craftsmanship for serious artists.

Who It's For

These pastels are best for plein air painters, landscape artists, and sketchers who need a travel-friendly set that still offers a broad palette and high pigment load. The half-stick sizes make them convenient for field work and for artists who like to build color quickly with soft, blendable strokes.

Less suitable users include those who prefer very hard or pencil-like drawing media, or artists who require compressed pastels that produce less dust and firmer edges; similarly, if you need a tiny sampling of colors for occasional hobby use, a smaller set may be more economical.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptionally soft feel and buttery application that make blending and layering effortless.
• Wide, carefully chosen color range tailored to landscape mixing and subtle shifts in tone.
• High-quality, pure pigments that yield rich, vibrant results and strong color payoff.

Cons

• Soft, air dried sticks can be fragile for some users and reports vary on breakability and crumbling.

Specifications

Product name	Sennelier Soft Pastels Half Stick Set 80
Format	Half sticks
Number of colors	80
Stick type	Naturally air dried, non-compressed
Intended use	Plein air and landscape painting
Pigment quality	High quality, pure pigment
Heritage	Brand used by plein air masters since 1887

Our Verdict

The Sennelier 80 half-stick plein air set is an excellent pick for landscape artists who need portable, intensely pigmented pastels that blend beautifully. While the extra softness can make sticks delicate for some handling styles, the color range, pigment quality, and convenient half-stick format make this set a strong value for serious plein air work and layered studio pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these pastels suitable for plein air travel?
Yes, the half-stick size reduces bulk and weight, making the set practical for outdoor painting sessions.

Do the sticks crumble easily?
Reports vary: many users praise the construction, while some note breakability with rough handling; treat them gently and use proper storage.

Will these colors mix well for landscapes?
Yes, the 80 colors are selected to mix into a broad range of landscape tones, from skies to foliage and earth.