Oil pastels can be used to create vivid pieces of art.
Oil pastels are made from a mixture of chalk, gum and oil. They are a unique painting medium because the colors are mixed on the paper, rather than on a palette. Oil pastels can be used to create a variety of different textures and effects. They are an easy art medium to learn and can be very rewarding for aspiring artists.
Dusting
The simplest way to use an oil pastel is to draw shapes with the very tip of the stick, similar to how you would with a pencil or pen. The thickness of the line can be varied depending on how much pressure you apply to the sheet with the pastel. Thinner lines are created with less pressure, or by using the very edge of the stick. This method allows the artist to create great expression because you are fully in control of the pastel. Broader, looser drawing comes from using your whole arm to make the strokes, as opposed to just your wrist.
Edging
Large blocks of color can be created by using the edge of the pastel. For best results, break a new pastel in half, to form a 1 inch stick, and sweep the entire edge over the page. This is a good technique if you want to cover large areas quickly. Different degrees of texture on the pastel paper can be created by altering the pressure of the sweeps. Using this method for a long time with one pastel stick will result in the pastel wearing down. Two sharp edges will have formed on both edges of the pastel, this can be used to create fine lines to add detail. A great thing about pastels is that even the smallest fragment of pastel is still usable.
Hatching and Cross Hatching
This method is best suited to oil pastel pencils. Hatching is a term used to describe simply drawing a set of parallel lines drawn closely together. Cross hatching is when you draw a second set of lines at an angle on top of the first set of lines. You can alter the direction of the cross-hatching to create a sense of form and shape. Pastel painters often use this technique before blocking in with color, because it allows you to experiment with tone without committing to a final composition.
Blending
Oil pastel colors are always mixed and blended on the paper. This can be done either by cross hatching a variety of colors, as mentioned above, or by blending one color on top of another. Traditionally, colors are blended by using the finger or the side of the hand. Other options include paper tools such as a torchon or putty rubbers. Always clean your finger (or alternative blending tool) regularly to avoid contaminating other colors. Similar to traditional painting methods, blending can be used to create tone, highlights and shape.
Scrumbling
Creating vibrancy with colors and texture is one of the great advantages of soft oil pastels. The best way to achieve a stimulating and textual effect is by scrumbling. This method is very simple and can have excellent results. Apply a layer of pastel to a small section of the paper and fix into place with an oil pastel fixing spray. Once this is fixed, lightly drag a soft pastel edge, in a different color, across the top of the original layer. This creates a broken covering of the color on top and creates excellent texture. This works best with two contrasting colors.
