How to Use Oil Pastels: A Beginner’s Guide to Blending, Layering, and More

Introduction

If you’re new to the world of art, or if you’re just looking for a new medium to try, oil pastels are a great place to start. They offer beautiful, vibrant colors and are incredibly versatile in terms of techniques and styles. In this article, we will be covering all the basics of how to use oil pastels, including different types of techniques, tips and tricks, inspiration and more. So grab your art supplies and let’s get started!

A Step-by-Step Guide

Materials required for using oil pastels

Before diving into the techniques, let’s go over the materials needed for using oil pastels:

• Oil pastels (duh!)
• Paper – make sure it’s smooth and heavyweight (at least 80lb/130gsm)
• Microfiber cloth or paper towels – for cleaning your hands or blending the colors
• Palette – a small one would suffice for beginners
• Fixative spray – to preserve the artwork

Different types of oil pastels

There are two types of oil pastels: artist-grade and student-grade. Student-grade pastels are much cheaper but they are made with lower-quality materials, meaning the colors are less vibrant and they don’t blend well. For this reason, we recommend using artist-grade pastels. To get started, you can purchase a set of 12 to 24 colors and build your collection as you go along.

Basic techniques for using oil pastels

Here are some basic techniques for using oil pastels:

Blending

Blending is an essential technique for using oil pastels. To blend two colors together, start by drawing lines or shapes with one color and then use a second color to blend the two colors together. You can use your fingers or a cloth to blend the colors together.

Layering

Layering is the process of adding multiple layers of color to create depth and texture in your artwork. Start with a light layer and build up the colors gradually, adding more pressure as you go.

Creating special effects

There are many ways to create special effects with oil pastels. Here are a few examples:

• Sgraffito: This technique involves scratching away the top layer of color to reveal the layer underneath. Use a sharp object like a pen or a needle to scratch away the color.
• Burnishing: Burnishing involves applying heavy pressure to the pastel to create a shiny, smooth surface.
• Impasto: Impasto is the technique of layering thick strokes of pastel on top of each other to create a textured effect.

Advanced techniques for using oil pastels

Once you have a handle on the basics, there are many advanced techniques you can try. Some examples include:

• Scumbling: This is the technique of layering different colors on top of each other in a random, scumbled pattern to create texture and depth.
• Gel transfers: Gel transfers involve transferring an image from a magazine or newspaper onto your artwork using gel medium.
• Wet on wet: This technique involves using water to blend the colors, creating a watercolor effect.

Tips and Tricks

Specific techniques for using oil pastels

Here are a few specific techniques to try when using oil pastels:

• Hatching: This technique involves using small, parallel lines to create texture and depth.
• Cross-hatching: Cross-hatching is a similar technique to hatching, but instead of parallel lines, you cross the lines to create a textured effect.
• Stippling: Stippling involves using small dots or stippling to create texture and depth.

Methods for fixing mistakes

If you make a mistake while using oil pastels, don’t panic! There are a few ways to fix it:

• Using solvent: Use a small amount of solvent on a brush or Q-tip to remove the mistake.
• Scraping: You can use a sharp object like a pen or needle to scrape off the mistake.
• Using a kneaded eraser: Kneaded erasers are a soft and pliable type of eraser that can be molded to fit the shape you need to erase.

Ways to avoid smudging

Oil pastels can be prone to smudging, but there are ways to avoid it:

• Use fixative spray: This will help set the artwork and prevent smudging.
• Wash your hands: Make sure your hands are clean and dry to avoid smudging the artwork.
• Work from the top down: Start working from the top of the paper and work downwards to avoid smudging the artwork.

Tips for preserving artwork

Once your artwork is complete, it’s important to preserve it so it lasts a long time:

• Use fixative spray: We mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating – use fixative spray to preserve the artwork.
• Frame the artwork: Frame the artwork to protect it from dust, light, and other environmental factors.

Inspiration and Ideas

Different types of artwork that can be created using oil pastels

Here are a few different types of artwork you can create using oil pastels:

Landscapes

Oil pastels are perfect for creating vibrant and colorful landscapes. Use gradient colors and layer them up to make clouds, mountains, and other natural elements.

Still life

Still life is another great way to use oil pastels. Pick a simple object like a vase of flowers or a bowl of fruit and work on the details and shading.

Portraits

Portraits can be challenging, but they are worth it. Use oil pastels to create a portrait of yourself or someone you admire.

Abstract art

Finally, abstract art is a great way to experiment with different colors and techniques. Use oil pastels to create abstract shapes and patterns, and let your imagination run wild.

Examples of artwork created using oil pastels

Here are a few examples of artwork created using oil pastels:

Mixing and Matching

Guidance for mixing and matching different types of oil pastels

You can mix different types of oil pastels to create unique effects. Here are some tips:

• Layering: Layer different types of pastels to create a unique texture.
• Mixing: Mix different colors on the palette before applying them to the paper.
• Blending: Blend different colors to create a gradient effect.

Examples of mixed-media projects that incorporate oil pastels

You can also use oil pastels in mixed-media projects. Here are a few ideas:

• Collage: Use oil pastels to create a background for a collage.
• Mixed-media painting: Incorporate oil pastels into a painting that also includes other mediums like watercolors or acrylics.
• Mixed-media sculpture: Use oil pastels to add color and texture to a sculpture made from other materials like clay or paper-mache.

Do’s and Don’ts

List of dos and don’ts for using oil pastels

Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when using oil pastels:

• Do: Blending colors correctly to avoid muddy colors
• Do: Apply pressure gradually to avoid breaking sticks
• Don’t: Inhale pastel dust – use a mask if necessary
• Do: Use fixative spray to preserve your artwork

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you get started with using oil pastels! We covered the basics of techniques, tips and tricks, inspiration, and more. Remember, the best way to improve your skills is to practice, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes. And most importantly, have fun!