Oil pastels are very popular among both professional and student artists because they feature such vibrant and rich colors. Oil pastels allow artists to simply work free from distraction as there is no need to premix them on a palette, no mediums to add and oil pastels can be used on nearly all surfaces.
Oil pastels are similar to chalk but are actually comprised of a powdered pigment that is bound together with a resin and shaped into a pencil, stick, or crayon. Oil pastels are convenient to transport for the artist who is on the go. Oil pastels are used quite often for sketching but can be used for other works.
Choosing quality oil pastels is a priority if you want your works to last a lifetime. Always choose the best quality oil pastel that you can possibly afford because cheaper varieties may begin to fade quickly. It is also important to remember that oil pastels never dry out completely so they must be protected by applying a special fixative to the artwork once completed. The best quality oil pastels and oil pastel sets are made by Sennelier, Holbein, and Sakura.
Sennelier oil pastel sets are almost like lipstick and provide wonderful cover, outstanding opacity and can be thinned (if desired) with turpentine and applied with brushes. Sennelier oil pastels are acid-free and available in regular or grand sizes – which are equivalent to eight traditionally sized sticks. The Sennelier brand of oil pastels has been in production for nearly seventy years. Holbein oil pastels and oil pastel sets are available in 141 colors, including 42 primary colors. Holbein oil pastels have a unique square shape that many artists appreciate, are soft and easy to blend and use. Holbein has been using the same formula for its oil pastels for years – quality pigment, wax and mineral oil. Sakura’s oil pastels and oil pastel sets are produced with extra-find quality pigments, oils, and waxes. Sakura’s brand of oil pastels are perfect for most surfaces, including wood, canvas, paper, and board.
Oil pastels can allow the artist the flexibility to employ thick or thin effects, just like with oil paints by tempering the amount of pressure on the pastel medium. Oil pastels can also be utilized to create a light glaze or wash effect when mixed with thinners. Additionally, oil pastels can be used with water-based mediums like watercolors and acrylics without problems.
