Caran dAche Classic Neocolor II Water-Soluble Pastels, 15 Colors

Upon careful opening, 5 were broken either due to poor packaging or poor delivery. This is a high end product, so should be delivered in perfect condition

Admittedly, I just got these today and have only started experimenting with them. Admittedly, I am a sucker for new art supplies. But these dont seem as exciting to me as suggested by most of the reviewers and in some ways are downright disappointing. I am writing this review in the event that perhaps others can help me see what I am missing out on. I will gladly modify my review if advice or experience enlightens me to their superior value. First, packaging is excellent. Delivery was on time. But Im wondering what surface the crayons (or are they pastels?) are really made for. The claim that they can be used on glass is misleading - drawing on a scrap of glass made faint marks; adding water essentially washed the pigment off -- so dont count on that. Regarding paper surfaces, they draw best on smoother, less absorbent surfaces (such as Yupo) but dampen them and you have a watery mess. On watercolor papers they respond well, blending in a watercolor sort of way. About the same on Cansons Mi-Teintes Pastel paper. Colors were very rich and blended well with water on PastelMat - my favorite so far. However, on these heavier and more absorbent surfaces, they looked unattractive without water - color not that vibrant and not soft enough to fill in the tooth of the paper. They also do not blend without water like a traditional pastel would (not that anyone claimed they would). I havent tried other surfaces yet. I also havent tested all of the colors yet but I especially found the gold disappointing - more of a yellowish green. I was looking forward to having a good gold and did not get one. So basically it seems that I have bought a watercolor medium that comes in a crayon-shaped form. Given that I am not a watercolor artist, I wasnt really looking for that. I already have a set of Derwents Inktense and they strike me as more versatile. I think the fact that they are called pastels let me to expect them to have the qualities of typical pastels but better blending with water.

I’ve wanted these for quite awhile and finally got them with birthday gift certificates. They’re long lasting, vibrantly colored, easy to disperse with water, and so much fun to play around with! A lot like using crayons when you were a kid. They’ll bring a smile to your face and take you down memory lane lol! Pricey because they’re Caran D’Ache but good lightfastness and quality.

These oil pastels are amazing. I like this brand a lot they have quality items.

I use these for screenprint monotypes. Every screenprinter’s dream! Break easily but that doesn’t mean they can’t be used ya know.

I love these. They have been my favorite for years. As you probably know by now, they can be used like a regular crayon (but with much nicer and more intense colors.) But what makes them kind of pricey but justifies the price, they are water-soluble. They can be used dry and then gone over with a damp brush, which makes a lovely effect - actually much more intense and beautiful that the dry color. Or you can dip the tip directly into water and then draw with them (for short distances). Or, you can rub a wet paintbrush against the tip or side of the crayon and voila! You have watercolor on your brush! So they are very versatile as well as having lovely clear colors. The 5 stars is for the wet-usage. The dry usage I would only give them a 4. (Because theyre not as intensely pretty when dry). I suggest traveling with them and carrying one of those travel brushes whose handle fills with water.

pigment saturated, smooth laydown, I just love these! They are richer than watercolor pencils and there are a great number of natural colors included. Definitely makes me want the larger set.

Its definitely more than a crayon. Ive had time to use it only briefly so far. Used it on my daughters leg to try it for body art. Seems to work fine. Needed her leg to be wet. Will try with a paint brush next.

I bought these after seeing them used for body art on pinterest. Just dip the tip in some water and draw directly on the skin. Totally not the intended purpose but my kids and I have had a lot of fun with these.

Used these on a large watercolor project. They worked equally well scribbled then activated with water as just using wet brush to touch the stick and create instantly creamy paint.