The Ultimate Buying Guide for Oil Pastels
Overview
Oil pastels are a versatile and vibrant medium that offer artists a unique way to express themselves. With their creamy texture, blendable colors, and ability to create a range of effects, oil pastels are a popular choice for artists of all levels. However, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right set of oil pastels for your needs. In this buying guide, we'll explore the different types of oil pastels, key considerations when choosing a set, features to look for, prices, tips for using oil pastels, and frequently asked questions.
Types
- Artist grade oil pastels: These are high-quality oil pastels that are made with high-quality pigments and binders. They offer rich, vibrant colors and excellent lightfastness, making them ideal for professional artists.
- Student grade oil pastels: These are more affordable oil pastels that are made with lower-quality pigments and binders. While they may not offer the same level of color intensity or lightfastness as artist grade oil pastels, they are a great option for beginners or artists on a budget.
- Wax pastels: These are oil pastels that are made with a higher wax content, giving them a harder texture than traditional oil pastels. They are ideal for creating fine details and precise lines.
- Soft pastels: These are oil pastels that have a softer texture than traditional oil pastels. They are ideal for creating soft, blended effects and are often used in conjunction with traditional oil pastels.
- Chalk pastels: These are oil pastels that have a chalky texture and are made with a higher proportion of binder. They are ideal for creating textured effects and are often used in conjunction with traditional oil pastels.
- Oil paint sticks: These are oil pastels that are made with a higher proportion of oil, giving them a texture similar to oil paint. They are ideal for creating thick, impasto effects.
Key Considerations
- Color blending: Look for oil pastels that blend easily and smoothly, allowing you to create a wide range of colors and effects.
- Texture: Consider the texture of the oil pastels, as this can affect the type of effects you can create. Harder oil pastels are ideal for fine details, while softer oil pastels are better for blending and creating soft effects.
- Opacity: Consider the opacity of the oil pastels, as this can affect the type of effects you can create. More opaque oil pastels are better for creating bold, vibrant colors, while more transparent oil pastels are better for creating subtle, layered effects.
- Lightfastness: Look for oil pastels that are lightfast, meaning they will not fade or change color over time when exposed to light.
- Paper compatibility: Consider the type of paper you will be using with your oil pastels, as some oil pastels may not work well on certain types of paper.
Features
- Color intensity: Look for oil pastels that offer rich, vibrant colors that are true to life.
- Durability: Consider the durability of the oil pastels, as some may be more prone to breaking or crumbling than others.
- Brand comparison: Compare different brands of oil pastels to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Prices
- Artist grade oil pastels: $30-$100+
- Student grade oil pastels: $10-$30
- Wax pastels: $10-$50
- Soft pastels: $10-$100+
- Chalk pastels: $10-$50
- Oil paint sticks: $10-$50+
Tips
- Experiment with different techniques to find the ones that work best for you.
- Layer your colors to create depth and dimension in your artwork.
- Use a fixative spray to protect your finished artwork from smudging or fading.
- Try using different types of paper to see how they affect the look and feel of your artwork.
FAQs
Q: Can oil pastels be used on canvas?
A: Yes, oil pastels can be used on canvas, but it's important to use a primer or gesso to prepare the surface first.
Q: Do oil pastels dry out?
A: No, oil pastels do not dry out like traditional paints. They remain creamy and blendable, making them a great choice for artists who like to work slowly and build up layers of color.
Q: Can oil pastels be mixed with other mediums?
A: Yes, oil pastels can be mixed with other mediums such as acrylic paints or watercolors to create unique effects.
Q: Are oil pastels toxic?
A: While oil pastels are generally considered non-toxic, it's still important to use them in a well-ventilated area and to avoid ingesting them.
