by A. K. Thomas

Created on: February 14, 2007   Last Updated: May 08, 2007

Oil pastel is a wonderfully versatile medium even though it's not the cleanest to work with. Using pastels is a painting method so it should be done on an easel or easel-type upright surface. It shouldn't be confused with oil painting, which uses brushes to apply paint, or with drawing though pastels can be used to "draw". Oil pastels are sticks like chalk though they are not as soft.

The basic idea is that the pastels are used by putting the stick directly on the paper and layering the pastel to achieve the colors and effects you want. Different strokes, pressure and what part of the pastel you use creates different effects. The paper needs to have something strong behind it, such as being taped or clipped to stiff card board or foam board. Make sure that no pattern or texture comes through from your backing unless that is what you want. Painting does create dust and it collects where the paper sits on the easel so it's a good idea to put something there to catch it, like a strip of folded newspaper. The dust can be collected and later used to make neat grey pastels (Just add a little water!).

The actual process starts with a plan. What do you want to paint? After you have that, sketch out what you're going to do; preferably in a color similar to the color that will be in the finished product. The first areas you should paint are the dark and shaded areas. This is one of only a few instances where black can be used and it will not deaden your painting. Then move progressively to lighter areas to fill in the shapes wanted. It's a necessity remember to step back every now and then to get a good look at the overall progress. This really helps spot problems or areas that are good! Depending on your painting style, areas of solid color are not that interesting and still tend to draw the eye. You could add some other colors of the same value to add interest. Our minds tend to lump items into classification by only a few colors, but that's not really the case. Look a little closer!

Other supplies that are good to have around are some gloves or hand-cream like liquid glove (it should be in the art section too), a small round brush used to brush out mistakes, a knead-able eraser to help further do away with mistakes, something to cover your clothes as oil pastel will stain them and a rag to wipe hands and pastels. These supplies and the pastels can be found in art stores and many art sections of stores.

Learn more about this author, A. K. Thomas.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.