Why I love oil pastels (and why you might too)

I’ve fallen in love with oil pastels, and I think you might too if you give them a try. Let me share why I find this medium so captivating and why it might become your new favorite art supply.

Vibrant and creamy

When I first picked up oil pastels, I was immediately struck by their vibrant colors. The rich, intense hues they produce allow me to create artwork that truly pops. If you’re someone who loves working with bold, expressive color palettes, you’ll likely find oil pastels as exciting as I do.

One of my favorite aspects of oil pastels is their creamy consistency. It lets me experiment with various techniques. I can apply them smoothly or build up layers for a more tactile effect. If you enjoy playing with texture in your art, you’ll find oil pastels offer a world of possibilities.

Blendability and versatility

The blendability of oil pastels is another feature I adore. I can easily smudge and blend colors, creating smooth transitions and subtle shading effects. Whether you’re into creating soft, dreamlike landscapes or rendering delicate skin tones in portraits, you’ll appreciate this quality.I’ve found oil pastels to be incredibly versatile in terms of surfaces. I can use them on paper, canvas, wood, and more. This flexibility has allowed me to explore different substrates for my creations, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy this freedom too.

Are you impatient?

Unlike working with oil paints, you don’t have to wait for oil pastels to dry. This immediacy is perfect for me when I want to work quickly or make adjustments on the fly. If you’re impatient like me or enjoy spontaneous creation, you’ll love this aspect.And someone who enjoys outdoor sketching and traveling, will appreciate the portability of oil pastels. You can easily toss a small set in your bag along with a sketchbook, and be ready for impromptu creative sessions wherever you go. If you’re always on the move, you might find oil pastels as convenient as other materials.

I’ve also come to appreciate how clean oil pastels are to use compared to liquid paints. There’s no need for solvents or water, which is great when I’m working in small spaces. If you prefer a tidier creative process, you might find this aspect as appealing as I do.The layering potential of oil pastels excites me. I can build up colors in layers, creating complex, multi-dimensional pieces. If you enjoy creating artwork with depth and richness, you’ll likely find this quality as thrilling as I do.

Intuitive and expressive style

I love how oil pastels allow me to express ideas quickly and spontaneously. They’re perfect for capturing fleeting moments or emotions. If you work in a more intuitive, expressive style like me, you’ll probably enjoy this immediacy.Lastly, I appreciate that oil pastels are generally more affordable than many other art supplies. This accessibility has allowed me to explore and experiment without breaking the bank. If you’re a student, hobbyist, or just looking to try a new medium without a big investment, you might find oil pastels as budget-friendly as I do.

Give oil pastels a try

In conclusion, oil pastels offer me a unique combination of vibrancy, versatility, and ease of use that I’ve come to love. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a curious beginner like I once was, I encourage you to give oil pastels a try. You might just discover a whole new world of creative possibilities, just as I did.