The perfect tools for landscape artists.
We’re glad to present three stunning pastel sets by American artist Liz Haywood-Sullivan, a major figure in the contemporary pastel world.
A Master Pastelist of the Pastel Society of America and Eminent Pastelist of the IAPS (International Association of Pastel Societies), Liz has worked exclusively in soft pastel since 1996. Her sensitivity, high standards, and deep connection to the landscape are reflected in every stick she selected.
An exclusive video from Liz Haywood-Sullivan
Hear directly from the artist how she designed and composed her three complementary sets.
Essential Neutrals: a solid foundation
The first set, Essential Neutrals, was created in 2017, inspired by a symbolic moment: Liz received a complete set of Girault pastels as a gift from the IAPS Board at the end of her presidency.
As a teacher, she had often seen students come to workshops with bright colors—but almost no neutrals. Yet, neutrals (cool and warm grays, softened or desaturated tones) are essential for pushing colors back, creating depth, or making a painting breathe. As she puts it: “Neutrals make colors behave.”
This 50-stick set is organized by color families (gray, blue, brown, warm green, cool green, yellow, red, orange, etc.), with a full range of values. It has quickly become a must-have among pastel artists, valued for its clarity and richness.
Essential Complements: harmony through contrast
In December, Liz received a message from Karine and Christiane (Pastels Girault) suggesting a complement to her first set. A little language mix-up (the French “complément” being read as “complementary colors”) led Liz to design a set based on color complements—and the result was brilliant!
This new 50-stick set is designed for landscape work. There are no duplicates with the Neutrals set. Ten colors are brand new, recently reintroduced by Girault from historic formulas. Each pastel has been carefully placed opposite its complementary color, making the set ideal for subtle mixing, glowing grays, and vivid harmonies.
A palette designed for landscape painters
Together, the Essential Neutrals and Essential Complements sets form a perfectly structured 100-color palette, crafted from years of experience, teaching, and listening.
« With these two sets, you have everything you need to create a full landscape painting in pastel.. »
Liz Haywood-Sullivan
🛒 Where to buy the Liz Haywood-Sullivan sets ?
📍 In France and internationally :
On our official store
👉 pastelsgirault.com
In United States :
👉 Dakota Art Pastels
About the artist
Beyond her artistry, Liz Haywood-Sullivan is a passionate teacher, speaker, and author. Her book Painting Brilliant Skies and Water in Pastel is a popular reference among artists. Her award-winning paintings are shown in galleries, museums, and publications around the world.
✨ Be inspired
Order your set today and dive into the rich, colorful world of Liz Haywood-Sullivan.
👉 Shop now
