Tips of Using Oil Pastels

Oil Pastels are a fun medium that can yield impressive results by employing different techniques and tools, such as varying the pressure applied, the length of lines/strokes, using of baby oil, and scraping layers.

Pressure

Soft oil pastels will respond differently to pressure than other art supplies, such as wax crayons (which are harder). Oil pastels can be more blended in layers by using different amounts of pressure. Try laying down multiple colors in layers by using gentle strokes.

Apply Longer and Shorter Lines 

While you are experimenting with pressure, you can also work with longer and shorter lines. Short, choppy strokes can result in a patterned outcome while longer lines can yield a more consistent color.

Working With Oil Pastels and Baby Oil

Dip a cotton ball or Q-Tip in baby oil before and apply it to the oil pastels on the paper to blend the colors. We recommend supervising this type of art project because baby oil acts as a solvent and can get messy.

Scraping

Layer the oil pastels on the paper from light to dark in thicker layers, perhaps with a black top layer. Use a dull-edged instrument, such as the end of a paperclip or ruler, to scratch away parts of the layers. Apply more pressure with the instrument to get to the bottom layers and apply less pressure for showing the top layers.

Color Swell Oil Pastels 

Go to our website to review and purchase Color Swell oil pastels.