The colors in the portrait set are also great for landscapes!

These colors and texture of the sticks is so soft and rich.

I purchased this portrait set upon the recommendation of a customer service associate at Dakota Pastels. She said she was certain I would be happy with them and she was right. I had a commission portrait to start right after I received this set, so I started working with them immediately. I am quite pleased with the quality and versatility in the range of colors this 30 piece set offers. It is going to be a wonderful addition to the pastels I am currently using for my portrait work.

Amazing pastels. Soft enough to blend nicely, firm enough to give you good control.. Lovely, rich, subtle colors. Since the stick is square it makes a nice mark whether you use the side or end. Since they are also quite pricey I am slowly building my collection (asking for them for xmas) and supplementing them with Schmincke and Sennelier half-sticks. Should all work well together. The sennelier half-sticks are firmer than the whole sticks. As far as I am concerned Ludwigs are the holy grail of soft pastels.

When I buy a box of terry ludvig pastels I look forward to when I can open the box to see the beauty of the colors. I love how they are squared to allow for sharpe edges while flat enough for broad strokes. They are soft enough to create layers on my favorite paper, pastel mat by Claire Fontaine.