Learning how to use oil pastels is like unlocking a special secret that many artists wish they had uncovered earlier.
These little sticks of rich, buttery color can create stunning artwork with almost no setup or experience.
If you’re new or simply curious, oil pastels will surprise you at every step, and here’s how to get started with confidence and ease.
What Are Oil Pastels and How Are They Different?
Oil pastels are sticks of pigment mixed with non-drying oil and wax. Unlike wax crayons, they carry more pigment and blend much more smoothly.
Soft pastels crumble and leave a powdery residue; oil pastels don’t. They feel similar to oil paint but need no brushes or setup.
For beginners, they are ideal. They are portable, lively, and easy to layer. Just open the pack and start creating.
Fun Fact: Oil pastels were first developed in Japan in 1925 for classroom use. Picasso later worked with Sennelier to create professional-grade versions.
What You Need to Get Started
Getting started with oil pastels doesn’t require a long list of supplies. The key is choosing the right materials that make blending easier and help you learn faster without frustration.
| CATEGORY | WHAT TO CHOOSE | KEY TIPS |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Pastels | Faber-Castell (24), Mungyo Gallery, Sennelier | Avoid cheap waxy sets; start with 24 colors |
| Surfaces | Textured, pastel paper, watercolor paper, canvas | Avoid smooth/glossy texture to improve grip |
| Blending Tools | Fingers, tortillons, cotton swabs, chamois, shapers | Fingers are best; tools add control and precision |
| Optional Tools | Fixative, oil + brush, tape, palette knife, pencil | Helps with blending, clean edges, and planning |
How to Use Oil Pastels: Step-by-Step for Beginners
Getting started with oil pastels is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to go from blank paper to a finished piece with confidence.
Step 1: Set Up Your Workspace Before Starting
Use a well-lit, ventilated area to work comfortably. Lay down newspaper to protect your surface and keep scrap paper nearby for testing colors.
Keeping your space tidy and organized can really help you concentrate and enjoy your work more, making everything feel a little less overwhelming.
Step 2: Sketch Your Composition With a Pencil
Lightly pencil in your composition before touching any pastel. Keep lines loose since the pastel layers will cover them as you build up color.
A simple outline keeps your work focused and on track. It helps you stay organized from the very first stroke to the last.
Step 3: Apply Your Base Layer First
Start with the darkest colors first, then work toward lighter tones. Use light pressure so the paper texture stays intact and accepts more layers easily.
A strong base layer sets the tone and direction for everything that follows. It gives your artwork a solid foundation to build upon with confidence.
Step 4: Build Up Color With More Layers
Add more layers using a circular motion to deepen and enrich the pigment. Oil pastels turn buttery and paint-like as you build them up, making colors look bolder.
Keep adding layers until the colors feel deep, rich, and just right. The more you build up, the more vibrant and alive your artwork will look.
Step 5: Blend Your Colors Smoothly and Carefully
Use your fingers, a tortillon, or an oil-dipped brush to blend colors together. Clean your fingers between each blend to keep colors looking fresh and clear.
Smooth, gradual blending gives your artwork a clean and polished look. Take your time with this step, and your finished piece will look truly professional.
Step 6: Add Highlights and Fix Your Finished Artwork
Apply white pastel for highlights and use the tip for fine details. Once done, spray a fixative to prevent smudging and protect your finished piece.
Let it dry completely before storing or framing your work. Rushing this step can smudge your artwork and undo all the effort you put in.
Oil Pastel Techniques Every Beginner Should Know
Learning a few key techniques can completely transform your oil pastel artwork. These are the most useful ones to practice as a beginner.
1. Blending
Apply two colors side by side and blend with your finger or a tool. Smooth them together gently for seamless, natural-looking color transitions.
Best for: skin tones, skies, gradients
2. Layering
Build depth by applying multiple colors on top of each other. Always start with dark shades and work your way toward lighter tones.
Best for: shadows, depth, richness
3. Scumbling
Apply loose circular strokes using the side of the pastel. This creates beautiful texture and a sense of movement across your artwork.
Best for: clouds, grass, rough texture
4. Sgraffito
Scratch through layers with a palette knife or pointed tool to reveal colors underneath. It adds surprising texture and strong visual interest.
Best for: fine lines, hidden color, detail
5. Oil Wash
Apply a thin pastel layer, then brush over it with linseed oil or turpentine. This creates a smooth, painterly glaze across your surface.
Best for: backgrounds, soft effects, glazing
6. Wax Resist
Apply oil pastels first, then wash the with watercolor. The pastel resists the water and creates a striking textured effect.
Best for: water, bokeh, mixed media
7. Masking
Press masking tape along your edges before you start drawing. Peel it off at the end for clean, crisp, sharp borders.
Best for: landscapes, borders, geometric shapes
8. Flat Edge Technique
Use the flat side of the pastel held vertically for thick, bold marks. It covers large areas quickly and creates strong, expressive strokes.
Best for: bold fills, wide strokes, coverage
Best First Projects for Oil Pastel Beginners
Starting with simple, familiar subjects is the best way to build confidence with oil pastels. These beginner-friendly projects will help you practice the core techniques without feeling overwhelmed.
- Still Life: Draw fruit, flowers, or plants to practice layering and blending in a relaxed, low-pressure way.
- Simple Landscapes: Paint open skies and rolling fields to get comfortable blending large areas of color smoothly.
- Color Wheel: Create a basic color wheel to understand how your pastels mix and interact.
- Strawberry or Apple: Simple round shapes make these perfect for practicing light, shadow, and color depth.
- Photo References: Use free sites like Morguefile.com for subject inspiration whenever you do not have a real object nearby.
Oil Pastel Mistakes Beginners Make
Every beginner makes a few mistakes along the way, and that is completely normal. Knowing what to watch out for can save you a lot of frustration and wasted paper.
- Using low-quality pastels: Pastels that feel waxy and refuse to blend smoothly. Invest in a decent starter set for much better results.
- Pressing too hard, too early: Muddies your colors and clogs the paper surface. Always start light and build pressure gradually.
- Working light to dark rather than dark to light flattens your artwork. Always lay down shadows first, then build toward highlights.
- Overusing black for shadows: Makes your artwork look dull and flat. Try dark brown or deep blue for more natural, lively shadows.
- Skipping the fixative spray: Leaves your finished artwork vulnerable to smudging. Always seal your piece before storing or framing it.
Oil Pastels vs. Other Color Mediums: Which One Should You Choose
Oil pastels sit between drawing and painting, offering a unique balance of control and richness. Comparing them with other mediums helps you choose what suits your style and goals best.
| MEDIUM | FEEL AND USE | BEST FOR |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Pastels | Creamy, blendable, vibrant | Expressive, textured work |
| Crayons | Hard, waxy, limited blending | Kids, basic coloring |
| Colored Pencils | Precise, controlled, layered | Detailed drawings |
| Soft Pastels | Powdery, very blendable | Soft, painterly effects |
| Acrylic Paint | Fluid, fast-drying | Bold, canvas painting |
Wrapping It Up
Now that you know how to use oil pastels, the only thing left to do is pick up a stick and start creating. Every layer you add and every color you blend will teach you something new.
Oil pastels gently encourage curiosity and patience, nurturing both with every stroke.
Keep experimenting, keep making mistakes, and keep going. Your best artwork is always the next one you make.
