Soft, powdery sticks or pencils sharpened to a fine point - pastels come in many different shapes and sizes. They are an extremely versatile medium you can use to create just about any sort of picture. Minute representations of realistic scenes, as well as purely abstract ideas, can be executed with equal ease. Still, there is one important thing to remember - you won't achieve much with shoddy materials. Good art supplies are well worth investing in, especially if you want to unleash the full potential of your creativity.

Depending on your level of skill and experience, once you start drawing, you may realize that you are sorely missing in the department of anatomy or perhaps color. These problems can be remedied in a matter of months - with just a bit of diligent study and commitment. If you don't have access to a teacher or cannot afford private tutoring - an online course could help you learn practical skills and genuinely improve your art. Try, for example, SkillShare. You'd be pleasantly surprised by the number of awesome teachers there.

Practice makes perfect but, when it comes to traditional media, you won't always be able to haul all of your supplies with you. Hard and soft pastels require special protection, paper can be cumbersome - not to mention an easel. If you're eager to keep your hand limber - why not try an app instead? Finding a digital alternative that mimics the characteristics of pastel is not too difficult and it could help you stay in touch with your creative side even when on the go. Convenient, isn't it? Take full advantage of modern technology because none of the Old Masters had at their disposal.