Oil Pastel Course
Oil Pastels are one of the most versatile and easily accessible mediums of art. They are easy to use and are hassle-free, because of which they are mainly used as a primary medium of art by young art enthusiasts. They are also affordable and could be used in many different ways to create distinct art pieces. Oil Pastels are oil-based mediums that are made from pigments mixed with non-drying oils and wax. Oil pastels are usually free from toxic materials and are suitable for children. They are believed to be suitable for developing artists but can be used by anyone. Because of their texture, they are easily blended and are darker and brighter in pigmentation, but this property also makes them susceptible to breaking easily.
The history of oil pastels found its way in 1920s Japan. Oil pastels were created by the Sakura company of Japan in 1925 and were called Cray-Pas, they are prevalent even today. Later, different variants were created to meet various artists’ needs. A type called Sennelier Oil Pastel was developed by Henri Sennelier upon Pablo Picasso’s request because the Cray-Pas, even though highly accessible, needed more professional “painterly” effects of oil paint.
Oil-Pastel Painting kit for drawing classes:
1) Oil pastel colors
Comes in different types ranging from kids to professionals.
Some popular Oil Pastels for professionals are-
- Sennelier- Comes in sets of 6, 24, 48, 50, 72 and 120. Available in 120 colors.
- Holbein Artist’s- Comes in sets of 15 and 25. Available in 225 colors.
- Caran d’Ache Neopastels- Comes in sets of 12, 24, 48 and 96. Available in 96 colors.
Some popular Oil Pastels for intermediates are-
- Sakura- Comes in sets of 12, 16, 25, 36 and 50. Available in 50 colors.
- Caran d’Ache Neopastels- Comes in sets of 12, 24, 48 and 96. Available in 96 colors.
Some popular Oil Pastels for students are-
- Pentel Arts- Comes in sets of 12, 25 and 50. Available in 50 colors.
- Mungyo Gallery Soft Oil Pastels: Comes in sets of 48. Available in 48 colors.
- Sakura- Comes in sets of 12, 16, 25, 36 and 50. Available in 50 colors.
Some popular Oil Pastels for kids are-
- Crayola- Comes in sets of 28. Available in 28 colors.
- Sheets of paper- Sketchbooks with thick pages are a better deal.
- Stationary for sketching– Pencils, sharpeners, erasers.
- Rags or a blending stump for blending (you can also use fingers).
- Sandpapers, are sharp tools (like toothpicks) to provide texture or remove pigments.
- Kneaded erasers to clean the mess.
Techniques for using Oil Pastels:
Oil pastels could be used as painting material in drawing classes depending upon the use. To use them to their full potential, it is important to know a few techniques using them.
1) Blending techniques:
● Heavy Pressure Blending- Add layers of oil pastels putting pressure on the paper. Use black and white colors to create highlights.
● Light Pressure Blending- Add oil pastels lightly by adding light pressure. You can add more layers.
2) Color mixing:
Apply layers of oil pastel with contrasting colors and blend until you receive the desired color.
3) Scumbling:
Scribble marks of oil pastels to create a texture-like effect.
4) Sgraffito:
Apply two thick layers of oil pastels and use a sharp tool to scrape away the top layer so that the layer underneath is visible.
5) Stippling:
The stippled effect is created using choppy strokes on the paper.
6) Oil:
Use baby oil on a swab to blend oil pastel marks and let it dry.