Oil pastels make for a lovely work of art and can be fun for adults, kids and artists of any level of experience. This includes the young or inexperienced as well as the more advanced or professional painter. While oil pastel painting is tricky to master at first, it’s also very satisfying when you get the hang of it! The best way to enjoy this form of art is to find some online tutorials, practice a bit before trying your hand at DIY painting projects and to keep track of the brands you prefer over others since the price tags are much lower than that of other types of paints!
What are Oil Pastels?
Why Oil Pastel Painting?
Using sennelier oil pastels is quicker and easier than painting with oils and brushes, as you can simply put some paper down on a flat surface such as a table or desk, stir up the pigment with a stick or your fingers before applying it to the paper, and use another clean paintbrush or your hands to spread the oil pastel wherever you want to.
There’s no mixing of solvents necessary either. Being so much quicker than regular painting allows for more expressiveness in one’s work too, as there isn’t really a need for detailed strokes as is often employed in regular oils.
Oil pastels are also great to travel with when working outdoors. There’s no need for messy liquids that could spill or cause combustion. Oil pastels themselves are often individually wrapped so even if they do go dry once opened, they won’t get all over your luggage if one travels with them like paints might because of the potential for spillage from brushes.
Single Oil Pastels versus Oil Pastel Sets
If you’re looking to get started with oil pastels, there are a few things you’ll want to purchase at the same time. Whether you’re buying individual colors or a set, though, it’s always advisable to buy an art holder of some kind as well.
This will not only help you support or store your finished artwork but also place it on display. If you don’t already own an art holder, try shopping online for one – preferably in your favorite colors! Not only can this make storing your work easier, but displaying finished pieces is just as easy.
Oil Pastel Texture
If you are new to using oil pastels and trying to create a specific texture or artwork, it is important to know which type of oil pastel product will work best for your final result. For example, if you want bold lines and hues for a cartoon portrait-type illustration, then hard oil pastels will likely produce better results than softer products. Soft or creamy pastels may be more suitable for work that involves blended colors and an airbrushed look with less detail. The purpose of this is to make sure the end result is still in line with our expectations and what we had originally hoped to achieve as we move forward.
Best Oil Pastels
If you are a professional artist looking for high-quality oil pastels, then you can expect to pay more. However, there are oil pastel products that come at a more affordable price while still offering great results. Below is an example of recommended sets that are suitable both for individuals and students, as well as budget-conscious artists.
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