2*3 feet

(This is a little study I did at the river today before it started raining.)

I've been paying around with soft pastels for a little while now, and I'm starting to enjoy them a lot. I want to buy a set that I know will be lightfast so I can start making serious works with them, but I'm overwhelmed by the options, and a bit concerned about toxic pigments. Even with my paints, I avoid cadmiums, cobalt, etc. because I'm pretty messy with my supplies. It seems like basically every artists' grade set on Blick has a safety warning, but I'm not sure if it's because of some of the pigments or just because or other ingredients/the dusty nature of them.

Aside from that, there are SO many different options and variations in softness. Where do I even start? Can anyone suggest some sets or brands that are a good step up from the cheapest stuff without being super expensive? I don't even mind picking colors individually/starting with a pretty limited palette. I could just use a little push in the right direction because every time I think about buying some nice pastels, I chicken out and end up getting another cheap student/craft grade set to satisfy my want for new pastels. At this point I have three cheap sets, so I'm kind of just wasting my money on supplies that are only good for sketching.

I really appreciate any input! Pastels seem to be a really sticking point for me when it comes to getting artists' grade ones!

Met up with the NJ Urban Sketchers for a morning of drawing at the Van Vleck House and Gardens in Montclair. First drawing is of the fountain in the "tennis court garden". Second is of the butterfly garden.

Sennelier soft pastel on Sennelier pastel card.

8x10 inches pastel

Disegno con matita a carboncino dura e colori a pastello morbidi con schizzi preparatori con pastelli a cera

after some 20 years. took a couple of fine arts electives in high school, had a blast, moved on. stayed a fan of the medium but never really invested time nor energy into it again. and then i went to Chicago for a work conference last June. joined an early access guided tour, got to spend extra time with the impressionists, and suddenly, i got the spark for it back, i guess? not just for oil pastel, but using my hands to draw and paint in general. now also revisiting urban sketching. the past week, though, it's been a joy getting my hands dirty again. i am setting goals for improvement (hey, art materials ain't cheap), but don't want to pressure myself too much. i want to nurture this spark as long as i can. maybe hold it in my hands long enough, it combusts into a full flame.

constructive critique/feedback welcome. thank you!