What do you use oil pastels for?

Why Oil Pastel Painting?

1. You can use oil pastels on canvas, paper, and wood.
2. These pastels can be used for a variety of techniques.
3. Oil pastels can be scratched off, built up, blended, used to look like wet paint, or used dry.
4. You can use the oil pastels immediately and they are easy to use.

What does oil pastel work best on?

Oil pastels can be used wet or dry on any support: paper, board, canvas, glass, metal, wood. . . even rock. Some surfaces work better with a coat of gesso, for preservation or more tooth, but you can be confident in using an oil pastel over any kind of found objects in a collage or mixed media piece.

Are oil pastels drawing or painting?

A Painting or Drawing Medium? Oil pastels are a unique material that is often associated with both drawing and painting. However, in most classrooms, they are mostly used as a drawing material.

Are oil pastels good for beginners?

Oil pastels are a great medium for beginners to get started with because very few supplies are required to get started. All you really need is paper, a set of pastels and you’re ready to go. There are optional extra tools and supplies you can get that can improve your drawing process, but they’re not necessary.

Can you use pencil over oil pastel?

no problem. Applying pastel to paper with a brush is a lot like painting with oils. I plot the areas of colour onto the paper in a general way. All the fine nuances of colour and detail will be put on with coloured pencils when the pastel undercoat is finished.

Do I need special paper for oil pastels?

The best oil pastel paper for texture is rough paper, which allows for a more ‘painterly’ effect. Oil pastels naturally as you’d expect from the name contain oil, which makes them stick to any surface you can imagine. However, using this medium on rougher surfaces and papers will allow your colors to hold better.

Are oil pastels like crayons?

Oil pastels are definitely a step up from crayons. There are two main difference between oil pastels and crayons. You can blend oil pastels, and they are much more saturated in color. Oil pastels are made from a pigment mixed with a non-drying oil and wax binder.

What paper do you use oil pastels on?

You’ll also need a surface that is heavy (that is, thick and sturdy) enough to withstand layers of oil pastels. Thin or flimsy papers will just soak up the oil and get ruined over time. If you want to use paper, choose one that is 140lb or heavier.

Can I use oil pastel on canvas?

Oil pastels pair perfectly with canvas, paper, card or even board. Each surface is a unique opportunity to put your oil pastel techniques to good use or even pick up new ones.

Are pastels easier than painting?

While we’re all different, I personally find them to be easier somewhat than watercolor/oil/acrylic. A brush feels so off to me whereas pastels in hand are a familiar sensation, like writing or coloring. Maybe this is just because I’m so new to art.