Learning how to use oil pastels is actually quite easy. If you can do a basic drawing in pencil then you can use oil pastels. The great thing about using oil pastels is that they are less messy and less soft than chalk pastels, which can break or leave colored dust all over the place….
Art enthusiasts and beginners alike have been using oil pastels for longer than most people can remember, but one question I usually hear from moms is are oil pastels toxic? As colorful as they may be, oil pastels contain pigments that can sometimes be toxic if ingested (eaten) but generally, they are low to non-toxic…
Oil pastels are a popular medium for artists to create colorful and textured works of art. However, many artists wonder, do oil pastels melt in heat? Especially during the summer months, and even more so if you live somewhere hot like I do! While oil pastels are heat-sensitive and can become softer in response to…
There are 3 ways to sharpen oil pastels, you can use a craft knife (like an X-Acto knife), rub your oil pastel on rough sandpaper or use a specially-made crayon sharpener. Tip: Just remember, not apply too much pressure as you sand and cut your oil pastel at an angle or you will snap your…
I have been using oil pastels for over 40 years so I think I have some pretty good experience on this topic. Oil Pastels every fully dry out. Oil pastels never completely dry out as long as you store them properly and look after them. This characteristic of oil pastels gives any artist using them…
Oil pastels that are made with pure pigments and oil last the longest and they don’t have an expiry date. That means oil pastels never expire or go bad. Many people have found these high quality oil pastels still draw just as good decades as they did when they were first made. I have some…
I’ve found after of years of working with wax pastels and oil pastels, that there are many similarities between them. But there are also several differences which makes them both unique and suitable for specific styles of art. So when it comes to wax pastels vs oil pastels what are are we comparing? Wax pastels…
Have you ever tried blending oil pastels with baby oil or other liquids such as alcohol? It might seem like the two don’t go together at first, but they do! Baby oil, a type of mineral oil, is a versatile tool for blending oil pastels, resulting in a smooth and even finish. To effectively blend…
Paper is an important part of any art-making process. Paper can be used for watercolor, acrylics, inks, and more. So what kind of paper do you use for oil pastels? There are many options when it comes to paper for oil pastels. Some artists prefer canvas or other heavy weight papers while others love the…
Soft pastels are my favorite medium, they are a unique and versatile art medium, offering a myriad of opportunities for artists and hobbyists alike. With over 20 leading brands from around the world, the range of soft pastels colors are wide and varied, with over 700 different colors and even more when you factor in…
Oil paint sticks, or pigment sticks, are a versatile and convenient medium that can take your art to new heights. These unique tools consist of oil paint in stick form, offering the benefit of traditional oil painting without the brushes and mixing palette. Learn how to use oil paint sticks techniques, so you can create…
Texture plays a vital role in oil painting, as it brings life and depth to a piece of art. From choosing the right surface to working with various paint consistencies, artists can create unique effects with texture in oil paintings. This article will explore some popular oil painting techniques for texture, helping you add that…
