Skip to content 
Why I Create Western Art with Pastel Pencils – A Realistic Artist’s Perspective
I often get asked why I choose pastel pencils as my main (and only) medium when creating my Western, equine, and wildlife artwork. The short answer is simple: detail.
While some artists are drawn to the fluidity of oils or the softness of traditional pastels, I fell in love with the precision and control that pastel pencils offer. They give me the ability to capture incredibly fine textures — whether it’s the softness of a horse’s muzzle, the carved tooling of a saddle, or the rugged weave of denim worn by a working cowgirl. Those tiny, intricate features are the heartbeat of my work.
From Passion to Process
Creating art has always been a place of deep peace for me. It’s a process that provides complete focus and calm — where the noise of the world fades away and all that remains is the surface, the pigment, and the subject slowly coming to life.
Pastel pencils allow me to stay fully immersed in that flow. The tool becomes an extension of my hand — no messy cleanup, no drying time, no need to rush. I can work slowly, deliberately, and with the kind of attention that helps me tell a richer story through my art.
Why Not Graphite or Soft Pastels?
While I started my journey exploring a few different mediums, I found that soft pastels didn’t give me the control I needed for ultra-fine detail. And though graphite pencils offer similar control, I missed the emotional richness and warmth that color brings to a piece.
Pastel pencils give me the best of both worlds. I get to work with rich, blendable pigments while still being able to sharpen my pencils to a fine point and capture micro-details — like stitching, dust patterns, or leather textures. It’s a powerful medium that fits both my artistic goals and my love for Western subjects.
“The Power of Faith” – Award-winning pastel pencil painting by Barby Schacher, 1st Place Dry Medium – WARA 2019 Summer Shootout
A Real-Life Example: The Power of Faith
One of my favorite examples of what pastel pencils can do is my painting The Power of Faith. This piece features a cowgirl deep in a moment of connection with her horse, and every inch of it demanded careful attention.
Here are just a few of the details pastel pencils allowed me to capture:
The intricate tooling on the leather saddle and bridle
The stitched word “FAITH” embossed in the leather of the horse’s tie-down strap
The pattern of the cowgirl’s jeans, right down to the denim weave
The texture of the cinch and horse blanket, layered with dust and wear
The shine and grain of the horse’s coat, caught in the light
Each one of these elements contributes to the realism and emotion of the piece. I couldn’t have achieved that level of fine control with oils or softer pastels. For a subject so tied to heritage, trust, and resilience, I wanted the craftsmanship of the artwork to match the heart behind the moment.
🎉 *The Power of Faith* was also recognized with **1st Place in the Dry Medium category** at the **Western Art Rodeo Association’s “2019 Summer Shootout”** online show — a special moment in my journey as a Western artist.
A Medium That Matches the Message
Western art is full of story. Every horse, rancher, shadowed horizon, or weathered fence post tells part of a larger tale. I believe the detail matters because it helps honor that story — not just through expression, but through authenticity.
Pastel pencils are the best way I’ve found to honor the spirit of the West in a way that feels real, tangible, and heartfelt. They allow me to blend discipline and creativity in each piece I create.
Want to read from the beginning of the series?
