Oil pastels are popular painting mediums. They are loved by artists and even beginners as they help make bold and vibrant paintings. With oil pastels, you can try different blending and painting techniques; thus activating your creative instincts. Let’s read more about this painting medium, how they are different from soft pastels and how you can use oil pastels for painting.
What are oil pastels?
Oil pastels come in a stick form. Any pigment mixed with a non-drying oil and paraffin wax makes oil pastels. It gives them that smooth and creamy texture that glides nicely on different surfaces. They do not smudge easily as other pastels do.
What is the difference between oil pastels and soft pastels?
The texture and composition are what make them different. The oil and paraffin wax makes oil pastels smooth and creamy. In contrast, soft pastels are powdery or chalky. They just have pigment, they do not have any binders. Use soft pastels when you want to make a subtle and light painting. Oil pastels are better for rich textures and contrasts.
Why do artists love oil pastels?
They love painting with oil pastels because of the freedom it provides. You can try so many different techniques, layer colors, and blend them easily. Their vibrant colours and ability to create texture make them perfect for both abstract and realistic artwork.
Camel Artist Oil Pastels are made with rich pigments. The thick sticks give you a comfortable grip and excellent colour payoff. Their special mix of non-drying oils and paraffin wax creates that perfect balance between grip and smoothness, letting you experiment freely. You can mix Camel Artist Oil Pastels, layer them on top of each other, or even scrape them off for contrast-like effects.
What surfaces can be used for oil pastels?
Oil pastels can be used on different surfaces. The popular options include:
- Drawing paper
- Coloured or textured paper
- Canvas
- Cardboard
The rough or soft texture of the painting's surface makes a difference. For example, you can use a rough surface if you want to get a grainy or textured effect. A smooth surface can be used for a refined painting. Generally, oil pastels are used on paper. As artists, you can experiment with various drawing materials and see how it turns out.
Are oil pastels beginner-friendly?
Yes, oil pastels are perfect for beginners. Their ease of use makes them ideal for learning basic techniques. Even children can enjoy using oil pastels to create colourful art.
For those starting, Camel Oil Pastels are a good choice. Their rich and bright pigments are perfect for painting or drawing quick sketches. They are smooth and easy to apply. They do not smudge or smear. Kids above ages 3 and up can use oil pastels; they are non-toxic, CE-certified and 100% vegan.
How to paint with oil pastels?
Oil pastels are easy to use. You just need to doodle your sketch lightly with a soft pencil before you start painting with oil pastels. Follow these steps after sketching:
- Layer colors: Start with light layers and build up intensity gradually.
- Plan your palette: Avoid adding too many layers to prevent muddy colours.
- Test first: Create small test sketches to finalize your composition and colour scheme.
- Refine and make it better: Use a spatula or a blending stump to make your painting better.
The hack is to be patient and use oil pastels smoothly. Layer and shade to get the desired depth, texture and contrast.
How to blend oil pastels?
It is a basic technique with oil pastel. It helps with smooth layers and effects.
- Pastel on pastel: Layer colours and rub them gently to blend.
- Fingers: Use your fingers for soft blending but avoid introducing oils from your skin.
- Blending stumps: These tools are perfect for precise blending.
These techniques let you experiment and try different effects and textures. Any simple painting can turn into a masterpiece with it.
Oil pastel techniques
To get the best results with oil pastels, try these techniques:
- Underpainting: Create a base layer to add a certain depth and value before layering colours.
- Layering: Mix colours to overlay the oil pastels. It creates rich tones and shades.
- Sgraffito: It is a technique where you scratch the coating to show the contrasting colour below.
- Refining edges: Clean the background to define the edges and borders of your drawing.
Start painting today with Camel Oil Pastels
Everyone loves oil pastels. It is a fun and flexible way to paint. You can use this painting medium to make bright, colourful pictures or try out different textures and blending. We suggest Artist Camel Oil Pastels because they have rich, bright colours that are easy to use. Camel Oil Pastels are perfect for artists of all levels. Get a set today and start making beautiful paintings with oil pastels.
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