Disappointed with the set. Too chalky, not enough pigment. Creates more dust than most. Not a great value. Shocked when box fell on grass and broke into many pieces.

I went in a year time through my first set of Birdsall's selection of Holbein hard pastels, and ordered them again. The set of colours is very well chosen, and I use each and every one of them. Because they come in a compact, shake-proof, box, they are superhandy for pleinair painting. Highly recommended!

I ordered these Stephanie Birdsall Holbein Pastels after watching her video on painting with pastels and I am very happy with them!

Holbeins look hard but require a light touch because they lay down like a medium soft pastel and are really rich in pigment. That quality and their shape and size make them easy to use for all types of mark making. The colors are pure and clear and these pastels are very easy to mix colors with. I tested them right away by painting a still life that has gotten great reviews, and am well pleased with my new Holbeins!!