Are you an oil pastel newbie? Is the wonderful world of oil pastels an area you have yet to delve into? Don’t fear – planet oil pastels is a colorful and whimsical delight that will open up your arty imagination and allow you to learn about a unique medium and adopt new techniques on your creative journey.

A new and improved version of the crayon, oil pastels is incredible creation sticks that will get imaginations pumping full of ideas, color, and originality. Use every color of the rainbow to soar and shine as the up-and-coming artist you are destined to be! Escape through swirls and shapes of tones and shades – the perfect tool for budding artists – Reeves oil pastels are a fantastic way to expand your arty knowledge and continue your fresh, new journey in the world of art.

What are Oil Pastels?

As a novice artist picking up oil pastels for the first time – do not be afraid. These versatile crayons comprise of a soft, oily composition that makes them the perfect tool for blending. Made from a recipe of pigment with a non-drying oil and wax binder, Reeves oil pastels pair perfectly with canvas, paper, wood, and even glass! Your limits are endless with oil pastels as your potential for creation ranges from paintings to hang on your wall to giving your furniture a whole new look by adding your own personal flair to an old coffee table or dresser.

By using oil pastels, you can unleash your imagination and let your creative boundaries open wide by picking up new skills and learning fresh ways to use this diverse medium. Oil pastels are a fun and exciting choice for all beginners that will uplift your inspiration and send you on your way to become a great artist.

Oil Pastel Techniques

Now you have picked the perfect subject and surface, it is time to master some techniques. As an apprentice artist, you may find it easier to sketch your project with a pencil first then fill it in with your oil pastels. The pencil will erase easily so you don’t need to worry about leftover outlines.

The beauty of oil pastels is its ability to blend magnificently which can be achieved through heavy pressure blending and light pressure blending. Blending is a great oil pastel technique for beginners to ease yourself into becoming the next Van Gogh. With heavy pressure blending, you simply add your color of choice onto your paper followed by adding layers of different colors on top. This creates a striking, bold, and textured effect with light pressure blending; the action is the same but with less pressure to achieve a delightful medley of shades and tones.

Color mixing is another great skill to pick up as a budding artist. Apply a generous layer of oil pastel color then add a different color on top. Continue to layer and blend until you achieve your desired look. When blending and mixing don’t be afraid to dive into the deep end – your fingers are your brushes and you can blend and mix to create magic on the page. Be mindful not to brush off any dusty pigment on the page as this could cause smudging on your beautiful piece. Carefully lift the paper and tap to allow the excess pigment to fall off.

Author’s Bio

Barbell Ryan in this article explores what oil pastels is all about. He further gave important techniques in using oil pastels for beginners.