The Most Expensive Pastels in the World! Henri Roche' Soft Pastels - Plus Tutorial

I was recently asked by a patron of mine on my Patreon page, if I had ever tried Henri Roche' pastels, as they are known for perhaps being the most expensive pastels in the world.
Are they worth the price that is so much more than many other professional brands of soft pastels? Could their performance justify their extreme price?
Well, check out my review and demo along with a full painting tutorial in this video lesson.
I had never purchased or used Henri Roche' soft pastels, so I became instantly curious as to why they were so expensive... and if their performance justified the price that is so much more than many other quality professional soft pastel brands.
And included is a full painting tutorial of some lovey red flowers in the sunshine.
Reference Image- this is a personal reference image of mine that will be available for my patrons on my Patreon page. / susanjenkins
Products mentioned in this lesson:
Henri Roche' Half Stick Set (Vivid Colors): www.fineartsto...
Neocolor II Wax Pastels (3 quantities available from this link): amzn.to/3uYSyel
Golden Airbrush Medium: amzn.to/3uZoL5a
Fisher 400 Sanded Pastel Paper: www.proartpane...
My Product Review of Sennelier "Paris Collection" pastels:
www.amazon.com...
My Product Review Video of Neocolor II Pastels:
www.amazon.com...
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[@monetcafe]

It was exciting to try the most expensive pastels in the world! I couldn't get more than a small half stick set, but it was fun to see if these pastels were worth the price that is so much more than many other professional soft pastel brands. So check it out!

[@susiesue9901]

Hi Susan I love your videos they are warm and happy and beautiful and very inspiring thank you I wanted to share this video about these pastels and the two ladies that create them hope you will enjoy Watch ""The Feel of Color" Pierre Boncompain and La Maison du Pastel" on KZbin kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3ykdZ-koduKaNE

[@corgan0759]

Susan, just received my set and am in love with them! They are special and I cherish each mark I make with them ❤️

[@kevinmorrice]

had a german art teacher who only used these for her personal work, she swears by them, her words were "when you buy roche, you are guaranteed perfection, other brands tend to add bits and pieces to improve quality, but the roches are purely simplistic, they dont need anything other than an artist to use them"

[@berolinastrassmann]

The Henri Roché company has a lovely Instagram page, where they show how they are hand made (I love how they cut and stamp them!) They regularly show the original recipe book, and papers they discover as they continue to go though the belongings of the Roché family. So nice to see a company pay so much attention to detail and keep on going after centuries, wars and so many challenges. I would buy a small of 6 or 12 set just to experience that history in my fingers. Many thanks for the reviiew, I enjoyed your references to focal point as well. I will check your previous videos on this topic, as it got me intrigued.

[@jpan7071]

As far as I’m concerned, you are the most talented, prolific, and kind pastel artist (or just artist, period). Every piece is just gorgeous. These companies should be gifting you these pastels so you show the world, as you do, how special and unique pastels are. My favorite thing about you is your unbridled passion for the medium and your generosity. I just wish I could win the mega millions lottery so I could afford to gift you that set of French pastels. God bless you, always.

[@monetcafe]

You made me smily BIG TIME!!! and if you won mega millions I'd want you to fly to meet me so we could paint together!!! Your words mean so much to me.... truly. Just wow!! Love your sweetness and I can feel you have a beautiful heart.

[@rosaliefunk1629]

I love the brightness of the flowers. Thank you for a great lesson.

[@monetcafe]

Glad you like them!

[@dstaud99]

Did you notice that the "Tastiest" sampler at the Fine Art Store actually contains a Henri Roche half stick? I am now the proud owner of 1 Henri Roche half stick. I very much enjoyed this sampler set from Fine Art Store. As always, I enjoyed your video and appreciated the review.

[@monetcafe]

So cool! yay!! I hope you have fun with your 1 half stick!!! Yippee!!!

[@KarinA-xi4do]

The Neocolor box you showed most prominently was the Neocolor 1 ( 10,15, 30 or 40 set and a 10 metallic set) which are actually the water resistant ones. It are the Neocolor 2 crayons (sets of 10,15,30 40, and 84) that are water-soluble ones.

[@monetcafe]

Yes, I realized that later :( Unfortunately, I can't changed the image once the video has uploaded, but at least I have the correct link in the description of the video. Maybe I can make an annotation and card in that one spot to direct viewers to the correct product. Thanks for your keen eye.

[@TheRealMycanthrope]

I'm not surprised they're obscenely expensive, they're so vibrant and saturated that they're almost hurting my eyes, and I'm only looking at them on a pretty crappy smartphone screen!

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Susan, I believe that you should create videos that are easiest for you to create! I had to record a workshop several years ago and I spent quite a bit of time setting up my camera and lights! I used the camera at an oblique angle and corrected the parallax of the painting surface in my software. I use Adobe Premier but most recording software can do this, just give separate set-ups a try. Set your lights at similar angles to avoid shadows on your painting. I used ceiling mounted lights and illuminated from the top. I have spent what I thought was extreme amount of money for Schmincke sticks! I just don’t see myself investing in these sticks when I am not able to afford Terry Ludwig sticks! Some believe those to be top of the line! Good video and I hope everyone aspires to use such a pastel in their futures! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Take care, be safe and enjoy your day.

[@monetcafe]

I love all those suggestions my friend. And what’s awesome is that my husband and I are trying to build our final home and a new art studio for me. So I literally have a blank slate to work from and I hope to set up lighting and painting stations to accommodate the easiest way for me to paint and film. Thank you so much for those tips! I felt the same way about schminke … I mean I like them but I have other brands I like as much or better.

[@milesoster3122]

Just F.Y.I for anyone interested. As of the time of this comment (Aug 2nd 2023) the Sennelier set that Susan mentions is $112 on both Amazon & Dick Blick. That's a steal 😉 .

[@sylvieepinette250]

I had discovered the pastels Roché thanks to an American woman I follow on You Tube. I had never heard of them though working a few minutes walk from their shop in Paris. I have never tried them horrified by their prices. It is very interesting to watch the comparison you have made in this video. In France there are the Sennelier that you have mentioned and Girault too that is a very old brand and very good. Of course I love Terry Ludwig but difficult to find in France. I love Scmincke, Unison too. Thank you so much for your wonderful videos and your kindness. Big hugs from Paris

[@user-qi4ff5in9z]

Thank you so much for your time, and dedication to teaching. I started following you several years ago, as I began exploring art mediums. Your kindness and encouragement was worlds away from the criticism and harshness in high school, that drove me away from art exploration. With your help, I just managed an amazing thing: I ditched my perfectionism, and accomplished my first loose, impressionistic painting! It is a fantastic feeling. Thanks again.

[@monetcafe]

YAY!! Thank you! @user-qi4ff5in9z Comments like this are part of why I do this. I love inspiring others, especially in their art journey! Thank you for your sweet comment!

[@agold1702]

I love when you explore or incorporate other mediums. Thanks for sharing!

[@monetcafe]

Thanks!! me too!!! I just love experimenting.

[@nancyloomis3046]

This is great...I'm trying to hold off skipping to the end to hear all you think as you go along. Let me just say, I'm glad it's you checking out these super expensive pastels and not me. (I'm sure I'd love them, but I can't see spending that much...but for anyone who does, I'd say "enjoy.") ❤

[@monetcafe]

Hi, @nancyloomis3046. Here is a list in my Amazon Shop of some pastel painting products I recommend for beginner pastel artists. Pastels and painting in general can become expensive. These might be a bit more budget friendly! Happy Painting! www.amazon.com/shop/monetcafewithartistsusanjenkins/list/2NY2AMTL7D050?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_list_d

[@michellef1847]

It was pretty neat to see the pastel brand comparisons. Thanks for that! And thank you to the patron who made it possible for you to get that crazy expensive set! It's pretty, but I'm feeling good about my "cheaper" brands after seeing your comparison. 😅 Lovely painting too.

[@monetcafe]

Yes, Michelle..... you should feel just fine about your pastels! There are so many good brands that are much more affordable. :). So glad you enjoyed the video.

[@annehebert6959]

Hi Susan - I am really enjoying these videos where you use multiple products - ie. watercolor crayons with pastels, etc. I have a lot of different supplies & somethings can't figure out how to use them together (I am very new to multi-media painting). So I really do appreciate your videos. Thank you - you are an amazing artist & I watch every one... Thank you❤🙏

[@monetcafe]

Wonderful! I'm so happy my lessons may be inspiring you. I always suggest just to play and have fun!

[@pijipie]

I really loved this tutorial being new to pastels this helps me get my feet wet. I like the table view as it gives the viewer an unobstructed view as we watch you paint. I hope your shoulder heals soon. Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us! Best regards, Paige

[@claudiahartshorn102]

Petites roche, “little rocks”. Such an apt description of those gorgeous little sticks of color! Thanks for sharing, mon ami ;)

[@cynthiamarston2208]

I got some of these. Some colors have more falling powder. Like black for one. White a little less. I made a tinfoil base to catch that powder to save for when it can be usefull… just all mixed. Like for a dry wash over the paper before painting a particular project

[@berolinastrassmann]

Great idea. You can add some gum Arabic and create a random grey watercolour to use as grisaille or as a background. Schmincke does this, they create a yearly random grey colour (collecting all of the leftover pigments) and every year is different.

[@cynthiamarston2208]

@@berolinastrassmann oh. Gum arabic. Thanks!

[@rosaliefunk1629]

This painting is so bright and beautiful. I enjoy watching you and always wondered what the Roche pastels were like. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.

[@mobilhome1824]

I love your spontaneous way of doing your videos.

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @mobilhome1824! I'm so glad you liked it! Happy Painting!

[@Raminakai]

How about Terry Ludwigs? Those are my dream pastels. Red Rock set. 🙏

[@monetcafe]

Yes!!! They really seemed as rich in pigment and application as the Roche' pastels!! LOVE Terry Ludwigs... and the people at the company are awesome.

[@dulcereyes4973]

Beautiful flowers 🌺 the colors are so so beautiful thankyou Susan❤

[@brandihart2367]

You’re such a good artist-and your spirit is very sweet. So glad I found your channel 😊

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much! You just made me smile!

[@jennw6809]

What a fabulous painting! It feels very French... I saw these expensive pastels mentioned on Wet Canvas the other day and my head about fell off when I saw the price. I didn't even see the full set. They are lovely but the price seems unjustified. I recently picked up the Paris Collection when I saw what a great deal it is (even though it's gone up a bit) and you got me - I used your affiliate link to get a 96 set of NuPastels today. Also a good price! I had thought they were similar to Conte a Paris colors, but now I wonder, are the Conte even harder?

[@monetcafe]

I love that compliment about the painting, feeling very French! I get that. Also, so glad you got the Paris collection because it is really fabulous. And I’m not sure Conte are harder than nupastels. But I do think you’re going to really like them. I use mine all the time.

[@jennw6809]

@@monetcafe I remembered I have a couple blue NuPastels in my set of Prismacolors (included for sky and water). Yeah, they seem very similar to a softer Conte. I hadn't realized their color selection is twice as big as Conte until recently! I'm excited about getting them; I see why you always end up using them for the finer details. I was having a little trouble getting the stems on my fruit studies with a bigger/softer stick!

[@deeman524]

I'm not really into soft pastels, but I have the Chavin Paris that I use dry and soft

[@nafordebi]

I’ve been to that blues festival with the vip Package it was incredible I ate so much Ben and jerry’s that weekend lmao

[@monetcafe]

How cool!!! I wish we had gotten the vip package, but it was sort of a spur of the moment trip... (that seems to be my life, lately.... lol). Now you've got me craving Ben and Jerry's!!

[@stanislavkanin3255]

Wonderful!

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @stanislavkanin3255

[@jlighthouse9458]

Thank you so much for this wonderful and informative lesson . You are indeed a blessing and an amazing teacher and artist .

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @jlighthouse9458! Your comment blessed me.

[@jekaterinanemeth3052]

Fantastic! Bravo! Merci! ПРЕКРАСНЫЙ и Привлекательный букет цветов в вазе! Спасибо! 💯🥰💓🤗🤩🍀👌💐🙏🇺🇦

[@nancyloomis3046]

Lovely!

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @nancyloomis3046! I'm so glad you liked it! Happy Painting!

[@susanrscott7910]

Just beautiful. Thank you.

[@laurenkris9384]

Thank you so much for this video!! Oh my gosh when you did thr finger test and than compared them all on the paper too, that was so helpful. I'm waiting on my Unison but really wanted to do the Roche, small set of course. Considering Degas used them I really wanted to try them.

[@mbfleur9952]

Beautiful painting, Susan! Lovely color selections.

[@leighsirvent654]

Gorgeous! Love the colors and explanations!

[@adamjohns5278]

WOW! Susan, this is one of my favorite pieces of your's! Those Henri Roché pastels are extremely vibrant (just as the set says). I came across a Japanese brand called Gondola the other day while browsing the net looking for something new to try. I don't know if you have heard of them or not. I plan on buying a set on Amazon next payday. Thanks again for all the tips and advise that you provide on here. I have learned so much from your videos.

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, Adam! I took a look at the Gondola pastels on Amazon. I may have to order some and check them out. Thanks so much!!

[@mrskimmhamilton]

Roché pastels are still made the same way as their origin and they are hand rolled. You can purchase them in person in Paris, one afternoon a week. If you are ever there to do that, it also qualifies for the VAT (tax reimbursement).

[@irenehynes7536]

That was amazing…I have never tried wax pastels! This was fascinating!

[@monetcafe]

Thanks so much Irene… I really love these wax pastels. They are a lot of fun and so vibrant with color.

[@LynnePriceStudio]

I have the 84 set of Neocolor II. They are wonderful. Good for botanical painting, too - just touch a wet brush to the flat end of the pastel and then apply like watercolor.

[@pam5670]

So beautiful

[@WHITNEYSTUDIOS]

Hey y'all, yes, my southern is showing, too, Grin. I agree with your evaluation of the Roche. My experience has been similar. The quality of the Roche is consistent with the better brands of soft pastels. Some with similar historical presence. The price difference between the better brands and Roche is not consistent with any difference in quality. Maybe a few unique colors, perhaps. Lucky those who live close enough to pick and choose in person.

[@monetcafe]

Yes! My sentiments exactly. There is a nice history to the company and the pastels are really lovely and perform great, but the price just isn't justified in my book. Maybe the same people who like to buy designer clothing with fancy designer labels are the same people who would buy these. tee hee

[@petrajimenez7323]

Beautiful ! Thanks for sharing .

[@justjg]

I'm such a Sennelier Ho, but this video was awesome Susan :)

[@monetcafe]

Ha ha!!!! Awesome!

[@LynnePriceStudio]

Wow, can't believe how bright the Roche pastels are. It might be worth it to have one 12-color set. :D :D Your painting turned out beautiful.

[@monetcafe]

Thank you sweetheart!!! This was definitely fun!!

[@nh5083]

Susan your painting is absolutely absolutely beautiful. Yeah that French set is way too expensive for me! 😁

[@monetcafe]

Thanks so much! It really is so expensive!! But it was fun experimenting :)

[@flyfisherman3649]

Do you think the liquid airbrush liquid would work with Sennelier oil pastels? Not that I need anything more to do LOL

[@monetcafe]

Hmmm.... that's a good question. Sadly, I'm not really sure. Perhaps to a small study to experiment :)

[@janeward2878]

Thanks for all your videos! I don’t know whether anyone else has mentioned this but the picture you showed of the neocolours at

[@janeward2878]

2:48 was the non-water-soluble version, neocolour 1. This might confuse some. The water-soluble ones are neocolour 2. The tins look so similar that I nearly made that mistake when buying them.

[@monetcafe]

Oh, thanks so much for letting me know. I think I got the right products in the description of the video though, hopefully!!!

[@kimlanoue2033]

I would love to know. Do you find it most helpful to grab all your colors for your painting ahead of time rather then grab as you paint? I would find doing it this way makes perfect sense as I notice that this seems to be the way I’ve seen you do this.

[@monetcafe]

Yes I do! I typically start out with a general color palette, but I often add a lot of other colors along the way.

[@sabinelloyd8532]

Very enjoyable video to watch. But ouch! Those prices are hectic.

[@monetcafe]

Right?!! I mean I really love them… but Can’t quite fit them into my budget, Ha ha.

[@anjalindbk3721]

WAUW 🤩

[@Lindaw1811]

Susan, how do you frame pastel pieces that are painted right to the edge of the paper? I did a small painting recently and don't want to lose too much of the painting under a mat. I love the composition if your painting here and wouldn't want to lose any if it either. Do you mount it on a mat that is larger than the painting or use a floating frame? Let me know your recommendation. Thanks!

[@monetcafe]

I usually try to keep my main compositional elements far enough inside the edges so there is enough room for framing, but sometimes I get a little carried away and can paint elements a little close to the edge. In this case, I would mount the paintings on a board (I'll include a video link of how I do that), and ask the framer to try to keep things as close to the edge as possible. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mILNqICXms-nj5I

[@yuvaldoron8823]

Hi Susan as a long timer in pastel i did find it intersting. i wander i do you preserve the painting. im sure you spray fixative . do you have any reference from your material on that part of the proccess?

[@dianazinn6286]

That Henri Roche Red and the Orange are amazing. It is possible to purchase individual sticks of the Roches. Does the box indicate what red and orange you purchased?

[@monetcafe]

Yes it does! I wish had shared a pic in the video of the color numbers, but here they are.... The red that I used primarily is 3211 , and the orange is 3271. I think you can buy individual sticks from the site I mentioned in the video.

[@jlusk999]

Enn-REE Ro-SHAY (my French pronunciation credentials lol: 4 years of HS French, 2 years of College French, and I'm from Louisiana with a mostly French ancestry grandma)

[@monetcafe]

Oh wow!!! I so wish I had said it like that! It sounds so artistic and cool!! I know some kind soul like you would help out this old girl with a southern accent... LOL!

[@kenlutes5055]

The acute accent aigu over the e in Roche, depicted on the pastel box, indicates the proper French pronunciation, as you express with your phonetic representation.

[@gwenritch]

Thanks for the awesome video! so do you seal the piece? thanks

[@monetcafe]

Yes I do! And actually, the painting from this video already sold. If you would like to check out my other originals for sale visit my Etsy Shop. Blessings! www.etsy.com/shop/TheArtofSusanJenkins

[@debratinker5198]

I tried Liquitex airbrush medium with the Neopastels I (wax) and nothing happened at all, certainly no blending. Why not?

[@monetcafe]

Hmmm…. I bet it’s because it was a Neocolor 1, I use Neocolor 2 pastels. That might’ve been the challenge.

[@helenbramson3730]

Such a great video, thanks Susan. It was fascinating to see the Roche pastels being used. I checked them out, they cost 120 euros. Plus 18 euros for shipping to the UK! Honestly I think that is a total rip-off. So many companies these days will offer free shipping above a modest price, and their prices are astronomical to start with! Even the little set of red, yellow and blue works out at over 47 euros delivered. I will stay with my gorgeously vibrant - and also French - Senneliers!

[@monetcafe]

I totally agree Helen and I love Sennelier Pastels 🙌🏻😊💜

[@kerry5586]

If you watch the video of them making them by hand you might revise your view of them being a complete rip off: it was fascinating to watch and helped me understand why they are so expensive.

[@Hevva67]

@@kerry5586 Exactly! I’m also in the UK. The OP doesn’t know what she’s talking about. The reason why these pastels are so expensive is because they’re made from pure pigments, no binders, unlike all the other pastels on the market. I’d buy them.

[@1DaTJo]

Have pity on us Australians. Our exchange rate is only 70 cents USD on our dollar so we pay so much more for everything. Then the shipping on top of that!

[@monetcafe]

Oh yes! I have heard this from many of my patrons. So so frustrating for Australian artists 😢😢😢🙏

[@1DaTJo]

@@monetcafe you’re right! Frustrating and expensive. The Henri Roche set is $38,475 for us Aussies!

[@debratinker5198]

They were Neocolor I wax.

[@ChristinaTodd1970]

Hmmmm. Another left-handed artist. I think the ratio of left handed/right handed people is much higher with artist, more like 50/50, than the average population. I wonder why that is. I'm right handed.

[@monetcafe]

Such a great observation, Christina. I majored in graphic design and made the same conclusion. Since it was an artistic major I noticed that there was a much higher percentage of "lefties" than in the "regular" world. ;) Too cool!

[@ChristinaTodd1970]

@@monetcafe Yep, it's very interesting. I wonder why?

[@WHITNEYSTUDIOS]

Me too! Just thinking out loud, do not know for a fact, however; right handed are left brain dominant and vice versa, left handed are right brain dominant. Usually. This from those who have been hemispherically brain damaged. Recent theory; Right brain dominant are more artistic (usually but not exclusively). Left brain dominant are more data driven, scientific, fact oriented, mathematics etc. ??????