Oil pastels are such a fun and vibrant art medium to work with! Whether you’re just starting your artistic journey or are a seasoned hobbyist looking to try something new, oil pastels can open the door to endless creative possibilities.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about painting with oil pastels, from choosing the right materials to mastering blending techniques and putting the finishing touches on your artwork.
What are oil pastels?
Oil pastels are a fantastic medium of pigment mixed with a non-drying oil and wax binder. Unlike soft pastels, which can be chalky and messy, oil pastels have a smooth, creamy texture that lets you apply rich colours and blend easily. Plus, since they don’t dry completely, you can keep working on them for a while, which is great for layering and adding texture!
Why choose oil pastels?
Artists love oil pastels for a bunch of reasons:
- Vibrant colours: They’re packed with pigment, giving you bold and intense hues.
- Versatility: You can draw, blend, layer, and mix them with other mediums.
- No brushes or water needed: apply them straight to your surface!
- Portable: Compact and mess-free, they’re perfect for sketching outdoors or taking with you on the go.
Materials you’ll need
Before you dive in, here’s a list of supplies you’ll want to gather:
- Oil pastels: Opt for a trusted brand like Sennelier, Cray-Pas, or Mungyo. If you’re practising, student-grade options work wonderfully!
- Paper or surface: Heavier paper (at least 160 gsm), canvas, wood panels, or pastel boards work best.
- Blending tools: Your fingers, paper stumps, tissue, or cotton swabs can all help you blend.
- Fixative spray: A workable fixative will help keep your masterpiece safe and reduce smudging.
- Protective sheets or gloves: These are handy for keeping your hands and workspace clean.
Basic techniques for oil pastel painting
- Layering:
Layering is a great way to build depth and richness. Start with your lighter colours and gradually add darker shades on top. The best part? You don’t have to wait for the layers to dry like you do with paint! - Blending:
Blending makes your artwork look smooth and polished:
- Finger Blending: Use your finger to smudge and mix colours gently.
- Tissue or Cotton Pad: These are awesome for soft, broad Blending.
- Blending Stump: This tool is perfect for detailed work.
- Solvent Blending: A little bit of turpentine or baby oil on a brush or swab can dissolve the pastel for a cool painterly effect.
3. Sgraffito:
This fun technique involves scratching through a layer of oil pastel to reveal the colour underneath. You can use a toothpick or palette knife to create neat textures and details.
4. Impasto and texture:
Oil pastels’ thick consistency makes them perfect for creating textured effects. Press harder or add more layers to give your artwork a 3D feel!
5. Scumbling:
Apply broken or patchy strokes over an existing layer to let the colour underneath show through. This technique adds a lovely vibrancy and movement to your piece!
With these tips and techniques, you’re all set to have a blast with oil pastel painting! Enjoy the creative journey!
Join the Fun: How to Create a Painting with Oil Pastels
Ready to dive into the colourful world of oil pastels? Let’s break down the painting process into simple, enjoyable steps!
Step 1: Sketch your composition
Start lightly sketching your idea on your surface with a graphite pencil or a light pastel. Keep those lines simple—just enough to give you a guiding hand.
Step 2: Block in base colours
Now comes the fun part! Use broad strokes to lay down your base colours. Focus on the large shapes and overall values rather than getting caught up in the details. There’s no need to stress about perfection just yet!
Step 3: Start layering and blending
Once your base looks good, it’s time to build layers and blend them together. Pay attention to the light and shadow areas for depth. Feel free to experiment with different blending tools to achieve your desired look.
Step 4: Add details and highlights
It’s time to get a little detailed! Use the sharper edges of your pastels or a hard pastel pencil for finer details. For those bright highlights, add a white or light-toned pastel at the end to keep everything looking fresh and vibrant.
Step 5: Final touches and fixing
Take a moment to step back and evaluate your work. Make any last adjustments that you feel are needed. When you’re happy with it, grab a fixative spray (make sure to do this in a well-ventilated area!) to preserve your artwork. Remember not to overdo it, or it might dull those beautiful colours!
Friendly blending success with oil pastels
- Keep your pastels clean: A quick wipe helps prevent muddy colours.
- Use warm-up sheets: Test your colours and blends before applying them to your masterpiece.
- Work from the background to the foreground: This approach helps maintain depth and perspective in your painting.
- Experiment freely: Don’t be afraid to mix techniques and find your unique style!
- Practice makes perfect: The more you play around, the more you master this fun medium.
Common mistakes to watch out for
- Don’t over-blend: Too much Blending can dull or muddy your colours.
- Avoid pressing too hard too soon: Start with light pressure and build it up as you go.
- Don’t skip the fixative: Protect your work to avoid smudging and losing that crisp clarity!
- Choose the right surface: Thin paper can buckle or tear, so opt for a heavier base instead.
Wrap-Up
Painting with oil pastels is fun and a fantastic way to express your creativity—no matter your skill level! With their rich texture and vibrant hues, oil pastels invite you to explore and create stunning art pieces. Whether diving into landscapes, portraits, or abstract creations, oil pastels allow you to let your imagination run wild!
So grab some pastels, find your favourite surface, and start painting—your next masterpiece is just a brushstroke away!