Oil pastels are bold, vibrant, and wonderfully versatile. Unlike soft pastels, which are dry and powdery, oil pastels have a waxy, crayon-like texture that makes them perfect for expressive marks and rich, painterly effects. They are easy to pick up as a beginner because you can use them straight from the stick—no brushes, water, or solvents required. But they do have their own quirks, and understanding how to work with them will help you unlock their full potential.
Choosing the Right Surface
Oil pastels can be used on almost any surface, from sketchbook paper to canvas boards. However, smoother papers may not grip the pigment well, leaving smudges or uneven coverage. For the best results, choose a heavyweight paper designed for mixed media, pastel, or even watercolour, as these can hold multiple layers without buckling. Some artists also enjoy using oil pastels on gesso-primed boards, which provide durability and a subtle tooth for layering.
Blending with Oil Pastels
One of the joys of oil pastels is blending. You can achieve smooth transitions by layering colours lightly and then blending with your fingers, cotton buds, or blending stumps. Because of their waxy texture, oil pastels never truly “dry,” which means they remain blendable and workable long after you first apply them. For beginners, a useful tip is to start with lighter colours and gradually layer darker ones on top, softly blending where you want smooth gradients while leaving areas of texture for interest.
Layering and Building Depth
Oil pastels can be applied thickly for bold, opaque coverage, or thinly for transparent effects. Building depth comes from layering—apply a light base coat, blend, and then add successive layers to introduce contrast and highlight. Scraping techniques (called sgraffito) can also be used, where you gently scratch through the top layers to reveal colours beneath. This approach can add striking textures, especially in landscapes or abstract work.
Fixatives and Finishing
Unlike soft pastels, oil pastels do not require fixative, as their waxy texture already bonds them to the surface. However, this means they can remain smudgeable. To protect your work, store it with sheets of glassine paper in between pages of a sketchbook, or frame it behind glass for display. Some artists also use a final spray fixative designed specifically for oil pastels, but be sure to test it first, as results can vary.
Watch and Learn: Oil Pastel Basics
This tutorial is a great introduction to oil pastels, showing how to blend, layer, and create textures step by step. It’s approachable, engaging, and perfect for those starting out with the medium.
Want to Explore More?
If you are inspired to take your pastel work further, our Pastels Certificate Course is a great place to start. Whether you are working with soft pastels or oil pastels, our tutors provide personalised feedback and guidance to help you develop your skills with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Oil pastels are a forgiving and expressive medium, ideal for beginners who want to explore bold colour and texture without complicated materials. By choosing the right surface, practising blending and layering, and protecting your finished pieces, you can create artworks that are vibrant and full of character. Embrace the playful side of oil pastels, experiment freely, and enjoy the process of discovering your style.
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