In the world of visual arts, the medium of oil pastels stands out for its unique characteristics and vibrant possibilities. Offering a bridge between painting and drawing, oil pastels have captured the imagination of artists for decades. Drawing with oil pastels offers a unique and exciting way to unleash your creativity, combining the rich colors of painting with the control and precision of drawing. Oil pastels are a type of art medium that combines the characteristics of oil paints and soft pastels. 

Oil pastels can be used for drawing, painting, and mixed media applications. They are versatile and can be applied in thick layers for impasto effects or thinly for delicate glazes. Artists can achieve a range of techniques with oil pastels, including blending, hatching, sgraffito (scratching into the surface), and scumbling (applying broken marks for texture). Oil pastels offer artists a convenient and expressive medium that combines the qualities of painting and drawing. Their versatility, rich colors, and ability to blend and layer make them a popular choice for artists of all levels of experience.

Unlike traditional soft pastels, which are made with a gum binder, oil pastels do not require fixatives to adhere to the surface. The non-drying oil binder in oil pastels keeps them stable and allows for layering, blending, and reworking. They offer vibrant and intense colors, thanks to the high concentration of pigments.

Once completed, oil pastel artworks can be preserved by using a fixative spray specifically designed for oil pastels. This helps protect the surface and prevent smudging. The finished artwork can be framed under glass to further protect and display the vibrant colors and textures of the oil pastel piece.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this versatile medium is a great way to create stunning works of art with vibrant hues and expressive textures. In this blog, we will guide you through the origins of oil pastels, artist that use this medium, and finally the process of oil pastel painting, from selecting the right materials to mastering the essential oil pastel techniques.

 

The Origins of Oil Pastels:

Oil pastels were first developed in the mid-20th century by the French company, Sakura. Henri Sennelier, a renowned Parisian artist materials supplier, collaborated with Henri Goetz, a painter and inventor, to create this innovative art medium. Oil pastels were initially inspired by the need to combine the qualities of oil paints with the convenience and portability of traditional chalk or soft pastels. This new art medium was easy to travel with, store, and was a lot less messy than painting. This new art form caught on quickly!

Oil pastels are composed of a mixture of pigments, a non-drying oil binder (usually a combination of mineral oil, wax, and a small amount of drying oil such as linseed oil), and a small amount of filler material such as kaolin clay or calcium carbonate. This resulted in a soft and creamy consistency, rich in pigment, and capable of vibrant expression. The texture allows for an easy and smooth application.

The pigments provide the colors, while the binder holds the pigments together and allows them to be applied smoothly onto the drawing surface. The combination of the non-drying oil binder and the high pigment concentration gives oil pastels their distinct creamy texture, vibrant colors, and ability to blend and layer easily.

 Famous Artists and Their Mastery of Oil Pastels:

•  Edgar Degas: The French Impressionist artist Edgar Degas experimented with various mediums, including oil pastels. Known for his beautiful depictions of ballet dancers, Degas utilized oil pastels to capture the grace, movement, and subtle nuances of his subjects, infusing them with vibrant colors and delicate textures.

•  Henri Goetz: As one of the inventors of oil pastels, Henri Goetz extensively explored and popularized this medium. His works showcased the versatility of oil pastels through their bold, expressive strokes and vivid color palettes.

•  Jean-Michel Basquiat: An influential figure in the neo-expressionist movement, Basquiat’s art was characterized by its raw energy, vibrant imagery, and layered symbolism. He often incorporated oil pastels into his mixed-media works, using their intense colors to create striking contrasts against his bold black outlines and graffiti-inspired elements.

•  Lea Bradovich: A contemporary artist known for her captivating figurative works, Bradovich employs oil pastels to convey emotion and depth. Her skillful blending of colors and use of texture bring her subjects to life, capturing a sense of movement and vitality.

 

Learning to Use Oil Pastels and Oil Pastel Techniques: 

We will now discuss various oil pastel techniques that you may use to create your own work of art.  As with any of the other art mediums, whether it be oil painting, acrylic paint, or any painting medium, it is important to get quality art supplies.  

Sennelier oil pastels are quality products, but they are expensive.  There are several other reputable companies that make oil pastels and I would suggest finding one that is of higher quality, but within your budget.  At Inspiration Haven Art Studio, I have experimented with several brands and found the Master's Touch Premium oil pastels are a quality product and priced reasonably.

 

         1.      Gather the Essential Materials:  To begin your oil pastel painting, you will need a few key materials:

          •       Oil pastels: It is a good idea to invest in a quality set of oil pastels that offers a wide range of colors.

         •       Drawing paper: Opt for a heavyweight paper with a textured surface that can handle the texture and layering of oil pastels.

         •       Drawing board or easel: Secure your paper on a drawing board or easel to provide stability and ease of drawing.

         •       Blending tools: Use cotton swabs, blending stumps, or even your fingers for blending and creating smooth transitions. Several commercial varieties of blending stumps exist.

         •       Palette knife, scraper, or other sharp object: These tools are handy for scraping off excess pastel or creating unique textures.

 

         2.      Plan and Sketch:

 Before diving into your drawing, spend some time planning and sketching your composition lightly with a graphite pencil. This preliminary sketch will act as a guideline for your oil pastel work and help you establish proportions and shapes. It is a lot easier to correct a mistake with a pencil than once the oil pastels have been appllied.

         3.      Layering and Blending:

One of the reasons for the popularity of oil pastels is their conduciveness for blending colors. Start by applying the base layers of colors using light pressure. Layering multiple colors creates depth and richness in your artwork. Experiment with blending the colors together using your blending tools or your fingers. When using oil pastels, artists often blend colors together to create smooth transitions and gradients. Blending allows you to achieve a smooth transitions between different shades.

When it comes to blending oil pastels, both heavy pressure blending and light pressure blending can produce different effects and textures.  Heavy pressure blending involves applying significant pressure while blending the oil pastels. This technique is useful for creating bold and saturated colors, as well as smooth gradients. When using heavy pressure, the pigments of the pastels get pushed into the texture of the paper or surface, resulting in a more intense and solid appearance.

It can be particularly effective when covering large areas or creating solid blocks of color.  Light pressure blending, on the other hand, involves applying gentle and delicate strokes while blending the oil pastels.

This technique is best suited for creating softer transitions and subtle shading. By using light pressure, you can achieve a more delicate and translucent effect, allowing some of the underlying layers or texture of the paper to show through. Light pressure blending is the best way for creating highlights, shadows, and delicate details.

Both heavy pressure blending and light pressure blending have their own merits, and the choice of technique depends on the desired outcome and artistic preference. It's often beneficial to experiment with both techniques and see how they interact with the specific brand and type of oil pastels you are using. This experimentation will help you develop a better understanding of how different pressures affect the blending and overall look of your oil pastel artwork.

Baby oil is sometimes used in conjunction with oil pastels as a blending agent or a solvent to achieve specific effects. Baby oil can be applied with a cotton swab or a soft cloth to help blend the colors on the drawing surface. The baby oil acts as a lubricant, making it easier to blend and create softer edges between different shades and allow for a smooth transition. 

        4. Diluting and Thinning:

In some cases, artists may dilute or thin the consistency of oil pastels to achieve different effects. Baby oil can be applied sparingly to the oil sticks or directly on the drawing surface to create a more transparent or wash-like appearance. This technique allows for layering or glazing of colors, adding depth and luminosity to the artwork.

It's important to note that when using baby oil or any other solvent with oil pastels, caution should be exercised as excessive use of solvents may compromise the adhesion and longevity of the artwork. Additionally, it's recommended to test the compatibility of the baby oil with the specific brand of oil pastels being used, as different manufacturers may have varying formulations and responses to solvents. 

         5.      Building Texture and Details:

 Oil pastels lend themselves well to creating texture and adding fine details. Use the edge of the pastel to create textured strokes, scumbling, or cross-hatching effects. Experiment with different pressures and angles to achieve various textures. Add details and refine your drawing with precise strokes, paying attention to highlights, shadows, and intricate elements. This is something that is not possible with other types of pastels, such as chalk pastels.

         

6.      Exploring Oil Pastel Techniques:

 Oil pastels offer various techniques to enhance your artwork:

          •       Scumbling: Apply pastel in a broken, scribbling motion, to create scribble marks which will create texture and visual interest.

         •       Sgraffito technique: Use a palette knife or a sharp object to scratch away layers of pastel, revealing underlying colors or the white of the paper.

         •       Impasto: Apply thick layers of pastel to create raised, textured areas.

         •       Color Mixing: Experiment with layering and blending different colors to create new shades and hues.

These are just a few of the basic techniques you can try out next time you decide to use oil pastels.

 

         7.      Preserving and Displaying Your Artwork:

 Once your drawing is complete, ensure its longevity by using a fixative spray specifically designed for oil pastels. This will protect your artwork from smudging and help the colors retain their vibrancy. Frame your finished piece using a glass frame to preserve and showcase your creation.

 

 Final Thoughts:

 Oil pastels have revolutionized the world of art, offering artists a versatile and expressive medium to bring their visions to life. From their humble beginnings in mid-20th century France to the hands of renowned artists like Degas, Goetz, Basquiat, and Bradovich, oil pastels continue to inspire and captivate with their vibrant colors, blendability, and convenience.

Whether you’re a professional artist or an enthusiastic beginner, oil pastels invite you to explore new realms of creativity, encouraging bold experimentation and the creation of visually stunning works of art. Drawing with oil pastels opens a world of vibrant colors, textures, and expressive possibilities. By following these steps and exploring different techniques, you can create breathtaking artworks full of depth and visual appeal. Remember to practice, experiment, and let your creativity flow.

Embrace the versatility of oil pastels, and enjoy the process of bringing your artistic visions to life. With patience and passion, your oil pastel drawings will evolve into stunning masterpieces that captivate and inspire. During our art session, here at Inspiration Haven Art Studio, we spend time not only learning about the aforementioned artists, but create our own artwork utilizing oil pastels.